UPDATE November 17, 2023: Honda Japan to Release GB350 C for Japanese Market
Several hours later on November 17, 2023, Honda Japan announced that it will be launching its own version of the bikes for the Japanese market. The model will be called the GB350 C, as stated in an Instagram post by Honda Japan. Full details will be revealed soon. The GB350 C will be available in different colors compared to the ones offered in India.
Here's the Instagram post from Honda Japan:
Original post continues below.
Honda India Introduces New CB350 Retro-Styled Motorcycle
In 2020, Honda India unveiled the H'Ness CB350, a middleweight retro modern classic-look bike. The design of the H'Ness CB350 caught attention worldwide, as it seemed like Honda's attempt to challenge Royal Enfield on its own turf. The bike received positive feedback for its design.
Speculations arose about the possibility of the H'Ness CB350 being released in other markets. Eventually, it made its way to Japan as the GB350.
Fast forward to 2023, Honda Big Wing India, the premium motorcycle division of Honda India, introduced the new Honda CB350 on November 17, 2023. The CB350 offers a different take on the classic middleweight thumper engine and will be available alongside the H'Ness CB350.
The CB350 features retro styling elements such as big metal fenders, color-matched metal fork covers, a long pipe, and a split saddle. Optional accessories like windscreens and saddlebags can further enhance the retro look. The tagline for the bike is "Bold Alone Bolder Together."
The CB350 is powered by an air-cooled, 348.36cc single-cylinder engine, producing 15.5 kilowatts (about 20.7 horsepower) at 5,500 rpm and 29.4 newton-meters (about 21.6 pound-feet) of torque at 3,000 rpm. It has a slip and assist clutch and a five-speed gearbox.
The bike features a diamond-type frame, a nonadjustable telescopic front fork, and a hydraulic twin shock setup in the rear. It is equipped with single disc brakes and ABS on both ends, with a 310mm disc in the front and a 240mm disc in the rear. The CB350 rides on a 19-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel.
Dimensions of the CB350 include a wheelbase of 1,441mm (about 56.7 inches), a length of 2,207mm (about 86.9 inches), a width of 788mm (about 31 inches), and a height of 1,110mm (about 43.7 inches). It has a ground clearance of 165mm (about 6.5 inches) and a seat height of 800mm (about 31.5 inches). The curb weight is 187 kilograms (about 412 pounds), and the fuel tank capacity is 15.2 liters.
The CB350 features LED lighting, an emergency stop signal feature that flashes the taillight during hard braking, and a digital-analogue instrument cluster. The CB350 DLX Pro model offers smartphone connectivity through the Honda Smartphone Voice Control system. Both trim levels of the CB350 come with Honda Selectable Torque Control.
Honda India is offering a 10-year warranty for the CB350, with three years as standard and the option to purchase a warranty extension for an additional seven years.
The CB350 is available in five colors: Precious Red Metallic, Pearl Igneous Black, Matte Crust Metallic, Matte Marshal Green Metallic, and Matte Dune Brown.
Preorders for the CB350 are now being accepted at Honda Big Wing dealerships across India. The base CB350 DLX starts at Rs. 199,900 (about $2,401), while the DLX Pro with Honda Smartphone Voice Control starts at Rs. 217,800 (about $2,616).
It is unclear if the CB350 will be released in other markets. However, considering that the H'Ness CB350 became the GB350 in Japan, it is possible that the CB350 could follow suit in the future.
