Here we have compared the prices and the specs of the Honda H’ness CB350 against its rivals – Royal Enfield Classic 350, the Jawa Classic and the Benelli Imperiale 400 – and the Honda makes a very good case for itself.
The newest motorcycle in India currently is the Honda H’ness CB350 and it has already received a lot of positive responses. This neo-retro roadster brings a touch of modernity to the segment of old-school roadsters in our country. That includes the likes of the Royal Enfield Classic 350, the Jawa Classic and the Benelli Imperiale 400. The RE Classic 350 is already the well established king in this segment. Meanwhile, the other two are still trying to make an impression in the Indian market. But does the Honda CB350 have enough to take on these that already exist – on paper at least – or will the Classic 350 continue to go on unchallenged. Well, let’s find out.
Here in this article, we are comparing the prices and the specs of the Honda H’ness CB350 against its rivals. On paper, the Honda CB350 makes an extremely great case for itself.
Honda H’ness CB350 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350
| Specifications | Honda H’ness CB350 | Royal Enfield Classic 350 |
| Engine Displacement | 348.36 cc | 346 cc |
| Power | 20.8bhp | 19.1bhp |
| Torque | 30Nm | 28Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Weight | 181 kg | 191 kg |
| Price | Rs 1.85-1.90 lakh | Rs 1.61-1.86 lakh |
In terms of performance, the Honda CB350 is slightly more powerful and has slightly more torque than the Royal Enfield Classic 350. The Honda is also 10 kgs lighter than the Classic 350 and that should make the CB350 significantly more sprightlyin terms of performance than the RE. Also, while the Classic 350 is the most dated product in its segment, the CB350 is the newest and the most modern. However, comparing the prices of both the motorcycles, the RE has a significantly lesser starting price than the Honda.
It must however be noted that the Rs 1.61 lakh starting price for the Classic 350 is the single-channel ABS variant. Prices for the dual-channel ABS variant of the Classic 350 range from Rs 1.70-1.86 lakh, and are more comparable to the CB350. At this price point, the competition is almost neck and neck but the Honda is definitely better value for money for being much more modern with a little more equipment as well.
Also Read : Next-Gen Suzuki Hayabusa Only To Be An Evolution of Previous-gen Bike!
Honda H’ness CB350 vs Benelli Imperiale 400
| Specifications | Honda H’ness CB350 | Benelli Imperiale 400 |
| Engine Displacement | 348.36 cc | 374 cc |
| Power | 20.8bhp | 20.7bhp |
| Torque | 30Nm | 29Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Weight | 181 kg | 205 kg |
| Price | Rs 1.85-1.90 lakh | Rs 1.99 lakh |
The spec sheet becomes a little more interesting here. Although the Imperiale 400 has a larger motor, it’s power and torque figures aren’t any greater than the Honda’s. In fact, while the power figure on both the motorcycles are almost identical, the Honda still produces 1Nm more torque than the Benelli. Given that the Honda is also 24 kgs lighter than the Benelli, there’s no doubt about which motorcycle will be better in terms of performance.
Although the Imperiale 400 is not plagued for being a dated motorcycle like the RE, it still does not offer as much equipment as the Honda, things like the Bluetooth connectivity and semi-digital instrument cluster. What you do get with the Imperiale 400 is bragging rights for owning a Benelli, a premium Italian motorcycle manufacturer. However, being about Rs 10,000 cheaper, the Honda is still the better value for money product, also with the reliability of a Honda.
Also Read : All You Need to Know About the New Honda H’Ness CB350!
Honda H’ness CB350 vs Jawa Classic
| Specifications | Honda H’ness CB350 | Jawa Classic |
| Engine Displacement | 348.36 cc | 293 cc |
| Power | 20.8bhp | 26.1bhp |
| Torque | 30Nm | 27Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 6-speed |
| Weight | 181 kg | 172 kg |
| Price | Rs 1.85-1.90 lakh | Rs 1.74-1.83 lakh |
It is when you bring the Jawa into the scene that things begin to toughen up for the Honda. Although the Jawa has the smallest engine in the segment, it is the most powerful by a big margin. Yes, the Honda still has the most torque but the Jawa isn’t that much far behind either. It is also the lightest motorcycle in the segment. Its a no brainer that the Jawa is the best performing motorcycle in the segment.
Highway rides on the Jawa will be thus that much more smooth owing to its extra power. It also comes with an additional gear which will be pretty handy on the highway. As for its pricing, the Jawa is also cheaper than the Honda CB350. The single-channel ABS variant is priced at Rs 1.74 lakh while the dual-channel variant goes up to Rs 1.83 lakh. So even if you are seeking value-for-money, the Jawa clearly makes more sense. It is also perhaps the most charming motorcycle in this entire segment.
