Even though Royal Enfield dominates the retro-classic motorcycle segment in India, many companies are constantly challenging it. These include big brands like Honda, Jawa, Yezdi, BSA and Triumph. The special thing is that Honda’s CB350 series is very popular in this segment in Japan and now the company has updated these motorcycles with new color options. Let’s know the full details.
Update
Honda’s retro-classic series is available in three models in India – H’ness CB350, CB350 RS and CB350 (Classic). These three bikes directly compete with Royal Enfield’s popular bikes. Interestingly, these motorcycles are made in India and then exported to Japan, where their demand is very high.
Honda has given different names to these bikes in Japan.
- H’ness CB350 is sold there as GB350.
- The CB350 RS is called GB350 S there.
- And the CB350 (Classic) is available there as GB350 C.
In the MY25 (Model Year 2025) version, the company has given new color options for them so that retro-lovers can be attracted even more.
Design
Honda has designed the CB350 series completely on the retro-classic theme. In these bikes you get round headlamps, classic fuel tank design and chrome detailing. Also, the company has made them even more premium with matte and dual-tone color options.
Honda GB350 C (CB350 Classic – Japan)
The newest bike in this series is the CB350 Classic, which is sold in Japan as GB350 C.
The 2025 version gets two new matte colours:
- Matte Sand Storme Beige
- Matte Buret Silver
Both colours get brown seats and white piping. The beige colour is already available in India as Mat Dune Brown (in the DLX Pro variant). But Matte Buret Silver is a completely new shade, which is slightly darker than the Pearl Deep Ground Gray available in India.
Honda GB350 (H’ness CB350 – Japan)
It is called the H’ness CB350 in India, but in Japan it is sold as the GB350.
The 2025 model gets several new shades:
- Classic White
- Matte Ballistic Black Metallic
- Pearl Hawks Eye Blue (Dual Tone)
Another interesting change is seen in the Japanese version—a single-piece seat comes standard here, with a brown cover and a slight step for the pillion. While in India, the H’ness CB350 gets a split seat, and its color is black or brown depending on the variant.
Honda GB350 S (CB350 RS – Japan)
The sportiest model in this series is the CB350 RS, which is called GB350 S in Japan.
The 2025 version has been given two new matte colors:
- Heavy Gray Metallic-U
- Beta Silver Metallic
Of these, Heavy Gray Metallic-U looks similar to the Pearl Igneous Black sold in India. But Beta Silver Metallic is a completely new shade, which has a dark silver finish.
Engine and Performance
The basis of all three bikes is the same—they get a 348.36 cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. This engine generates around 20.8 bhp power and 30 Nm torque and gets a 5-speed gearbox.
The engine is known for its smooth performance and low-end torque, making it perfect for both city riding and highway cruising.
Features
- Classic round headlamp (LED setup)
- Semi-digital instrument cluster
- Dual-channel ABS
- Slipper clutch
- USB charging port (in some variants)
Honda has given features like smartphone connectivity in it, but the Japanese version has some visual changes and seating layout is different.
Mileage
The mileage of the CB350 series is around 35-36 kmpl. Its 15-litre fuel tank can easily cover a range of 450-500 km in long distance riding.
Price
The price of H’ness CB350 and CB350 RS in India is around ₹ 2 lakh to ₹ 2.3 lakh (ex-showroom). At the same time, the Classic version also comes in the same range.
In Japan, the price of these bikes is slightly higher than in the Indian market, but their popularity is constantly increasing there.
Conclusion
Honda’s CB350 series has emerged as the biggest challenge for Royal Enfield bikes in India. Now with the new color options in Japan, its appeal has increased even more. The question is whether Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) will launch these new colors in India as well? If this happens, then customers will have more attractive choices as an alternative to Royal Enfield.
