Honda seems to have set its sights on the Royal Enfield Himalayan. After the launch of the India-specific CB350 platform, including the H’ness CB350, CB350RS, and CB350 Highness, Honda seems to be gearing up for another new product.
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CB350-based Adventure Motorcycle to Rival Royal Enfield Himalayan
In an interesting move, Honda has recently patented an Adventure motorcycle based on the CB350 platform. What catches the eye is the motorcycle’s striking resemblance to the Royal Enfield Himalayan, indicating Honda’s strategic move into the entry-level adventure bike segment. The CB350-based Adventure bike showcases a familiar silhouette, featuring a round headlamp, straight visor, semi-fairing, and visible tank brackets – a design philosophy reminiscent of the Himalayan.
The motorcycle embraces a simple and minimalistic design, focusing on essential elements like the fuel tank and side panels. This design approach aligns with Royal Enfield’s strategy for the Himalayan, keeping it rugged and straightforward. Examining the patent images reveals spoke wheels, dual shock absorbers at the rear, and fork gaiters at the front. These features contribute to the overall classic adventure bike aesthetic, creating a balance between functionality and style.
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Shared Powertrain
While the power is expected to come from the same 348.3cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine seen in the CB350 series, adjustments may be made to enhance performance. The tuning, sprockets, tire sizes, widths, and suspension are likely to be modified for the adventure-focused application. As of now, there’s uncertainty about the motorcycle’s development stage and its potential launch date. However, the leaked patent reveals that Honda is actively working on this project. Enthusiasts may anticipate concrete details emerging by the year-end.
What We Think: Honda’s venture into the adventure motorcycle segment with a model reminiscent of the Royal Enfield Himalayan demonstrates the brand’s strategic approach to tap into the growing interest in versatile and adventure-ready bikes among Indian riders. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development!
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