The classic motorcycle segment in India has long been dominated by names like Royal Enfield. But Honda, a global two-wheeler powerhouse, decided to challenge the throne with its own retro-modern machine—the Honda H’Ness CB350. Launched under Honda’s premium BigWing outlet, the H’Ness CB350 merges vintage design with modern engineering. But how does it fare on Indian roads? We took it for a comprehensive road test to find out.
Design & Styling: A Nod to the Past
The Honda H’Ness CB350 is undeniably striking. It oozes vintage appeal with its round LED headlamp, chrome-finished exhaust, metal fenders, and teardrop fuel tank. Honda has smartly integrated retro cues with modern components. The high-quality paint job, neat welds, and premium fit and finish give it a luxurious touch.
Chrome detailing is tasteful, not overdone, and the overall aesthetics resemble the old CB series bikes. The upright riding position, mid-set footpegs, and wide handlebars provide a relaxed feel ideal for long journeys.
Engine & Performance: Punchy Yet Refined
Powering the H’Ness CB350 is a 348.36cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine that churns out 21 PS of power at 5,500 rpm and 30 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm. What stands out is the bike’s low-end torque delivery—it’s immediate and strong, making city commutes and highway cruising equally enjoyable.
During our road test, the bike felt smooth and refined across the rev range. The engine note has a rich, thumpy sound that suits the retro persona. The 5-speed gearbox shifts smoothly, and the assist-and-slipper clutch offers a light lever pull, even in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Ride & Handling: Balanced and Comfortable
The H’Ness CB350 is built on a double cradle frame, and Honda has managed to balance ride quality and handling very well. The front telescopic forks and rear twin shock absorbers are tuned for comfort, especially on broken Indian roads. It absorbs potholes and speed breakers with ease.
Despite its 181 kg kerb weight, the bike feels nimble and planted around corners. It’s not a corner carver but inspires enough confidence for spirited riding. The 19-inch front and 18-inch rear alloy wheels wrapped in MRF Zapper tyres offer good grip and stability.
Braking & Safety: Confidence Booster
Braking is handled by a 310mm disc at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear, both supported by dual-channel ABS. The braking performance is sharp and progressive, with enough bite to inspire confidence. Even during sudden braking tests, the H’Ness maintained composure without skidding or fishtailing.
Another useful safety feature is the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) – essentially a traction control system, which is rare in this segment. It helps prevent wheel spin in wet or slippery conditions and works discreetly in the background.
Features & Instrument Cluster: A Tech-Retro Blend
The semi-digital instrument cluster is another highlight. While it retains an analog speedometer for that classic look, the digital display shows real-time mileage, gear position indicator, trip meter, fuel gauge, clock, and even battery voltage.
Other notable features include:
- Bluetooth connectivity (in DLX Pro variant)
- Honda Smartphone Voice Control System (HSVCS)
- Side-stand engine cut-off
- LED lighting all around
Although not the most tech-loaded, the features are well-chosen for the kind of rider the H’Ness targets—those who love old-school design but appreciate modern touches.
Fuel Efficiency & Real-World Mileage
In our road test, the Honda H’Ness CB350 returned a real-world mileage of around 35–40 km/l, depending on riding style and road conditions. With a 15-litre fuel tank, the bike offers a range of about 500–600 km, which is great for touring enthusiasts.
Variants and Pricing
The H’Ness CB350 is available in three variants:
- DLX – ₹2.10 lakh (ex-showroom)
- DLX Pro – ₹2.13 lakh (ex-showroom)
- DLX Pro Chrome – ₹2.15 lakh (ex-showroom)
The pricing is aggressive for what it offers, especially when you consider the premium finish, features, and Honda’s reliability.
Competitors
The H’Ness CB350 competes directly with:
- Royal Enfield Classic 350
- Jawa 42
- Benelli Imperiale 400
- Yezdi Roadster
Among these, the Honda stands out in refinement, build quality, and technology. However, Royal Enfield still dominates in terms of community and legacy, which Honda is slowly building through its BigWing outlets.
Verdict: Should You Buy It?
If you’re looking for a classic-looking motorcycle that doesn’t compromise on modern-day comfort, safety, and reliability, the Honda H’Ness CB350 makes a compelling case. It’s not just a motorcycle; it’s a statement—of class, performance, and sophistication.
With its refined engine, plush ride, premium finish, and a touch of retro nostalgia, the H’Ness CB350 is a worthy alternative in the modern classic segment.
Pros:
- Smooth and torquey engine
- Retro design with high build quality
- Traction control and dual-channel ABS
- Comfortable ride
- Good real-world fuel economy
Cons:
- Limited BigWing dealership network
- Slightly pricey compared to rivals
- No 6th gear (missed on highways)
