2020 Honda CB 350 launch in India: Top five highlights

Aditya Chatterjee Updated: October 09, 2020, 10:50 AM IST

After teasing with the term Highness on social media, Honda has revealed its latest, the CB 350. For the ones not aware, the CB model series by Honda is 60 years old, starting with the CB 92 that was launched in 1952. This was followed by a higher displacement CB 450 and then came the CB 750 which was considered as the benchmark for superbikes in the 70s. In India, Honda offered the CB Unicorn 160, CB Shine SP, CB Shine and also the premium but now defunct CB300R. Though the company still offers the CB1000R in the high-end segment. The Honda CB 350, aka the Highness is Honda's take on the Royal Enfield, which will be manufactured in India and could also be exported to other markets. Here are the top five highlights of the 2020 Honda CB 350 that will be formally launched in the festive season during Navratra, confirmed Honda.

1) Design

The Honda CB 350 carries the modern-classic design that was seen on motorcycles like the CB 750 and others. The CB 350 comes with a neo-classic LED headlight with DRLs, telescopic suspension, blackened alloy wheels, a voluptuous 15-litre tank design that can be availed in a single shade or a dual-tone finish depending on the variant. It also gets 19-inch front tyre and an 18-inch 130 section rear tyre.

The neo-classic design of the Honda CB 350 shares its resemblance with the CB models of yesteryears

2) Features

The Honda CB 350 comes with Honda Smartphone Voice Control system which helps rider connect his/her smartphone with the motorcycle via Bluetooth through HSVCS application. Once connected, the rider can operate the system with controls on the left side of the handlebar to use distinct features such as phone calls, navigation, music playback and incoming messages. Then there is Honda select torque control and dual-channel ABS with 310mm disc in the front and 240mm rear disc.

The instrumentation will show HSTC, ABS, side stand indicator with engine inhibitor, ECO indicator, mileage features, HSVCS, gear position indicator and battery voltage meter.

These controls can be used to operate Bluetooth telephony and also operate music while on the move

3) Engine

In terms of technical specifications, the Honda CB 350 is powered by an air-cooled single-cylinder 350cc engine. This one will make a little above 20PS at 5,500rpm and generates a torque of 30Nm at 3,000rpm. The company mentions that the engine note, mainly the "thump" played a big role in its development. It will come with a large tailpipe of 45mm that optimizes balance with the muffler capacity, producing a bold low-pitched sound.

Powered by an air-cooled single-cylinder 350cc engine. This one will make a little above 20PS at 5,500rpm and generates a torque of 30Nm at 3,000rpm.

The engine will also offer refinement and smooth performance stated the company, thanks to the offset cylinder position that reduces the sliding friction and asymmetrical connecting rod ensures minimum energy loss while combustion. It uses closed crankcase with a wall between crankcase and transmission reducing energy loss due to internal friction. Further, the powertrain will come with a slipper clutch that makes the gear shifts smoother while reducing clutch lever operation load ensuring less fatigue. The Honda select torque control helps in maintaining rear-wheel traction by detecting the difference between the front and rear wheel speeds, calculating the slip ratio and further controlling engine torque via the fuel injection.

4) Pricing

Honda is yet to announce the exact pricing but has given a ballpark of around Rs 1.9 lakh, ex-showroom. This will be the pricing for the standard variant whereas the more premium Deluxe premium can attract an additional Rs 30,000-35,000. Honda is quite confident of aggressive pricing as the motorcycle has 90 per cent localization and is being manufactured in the country. The company will also be offering a special 6-year warranty package (3 years standard + 3 years optional extended warranty) on H'ness-CB350.

Pricing to be around Rs 1.9 lakh, ex-showroom, confirms Honda

5) Accessories and gear

At the virtual launch event of the Honda CB 350, the company mentioned that it will be offering a range of accessories and riding gears that will have the retro theme of the motorcycle. Further, Honda will also build an official community which give a common platform for the CB 350 owners to interact and also plan rides. This particular bit is directly aimed against Royal Enfield as the later has a strong connect with the riders and has been organizing events like Rider Mania to encourage the brotherhood.