Honda Hness CB350 : In the bustling streets of India, where the thump of a Royal Enfield Bullet has long been the soundtrack of cool, a new contender has roared onto the scene.
The Honda Hness CB350, with its blend of retro charm and modern engineering, is here to shake up the mid-size motorcycle market.
Let’s dive into how this Japanese newcomer is taking on the iconic Bullet, and why riders across India are sitting up and taking notice.
Honda Hness CB350 The Stage is Set
For decades, the Royal Enfield Bullet has dominated the 350cc segment in India.
Its thumping engine note, classic looks, and the aura of masculinity it exudes have made it more than just a motorcycle – it’s a cultural icon.
But Honda, never one to shy away from a challenge, has decided it’s time for a changing of the guard.
Enter the Honda Hness CB350. With a name that sounds like it was conjured up by a marketing team after one too many cups of chai (“Hness” stands for “Highness,” by the way), this bike is Honda’s love letter to the classic motorcycle enthusiast who also appreciates modern reliability.
Honda Hness CB350 The Look: Retro Charm Meets Modern Finesse
At first glance, the Hness CB350 looks like it could have rolled straight out of the 1970s – and that’s exactly what Honda was going for. The round headlamp, teardrop-shaped fuel tank, and chrome accents scream vintage cool.
But look closer, and you’ll see LED lighting, a digital-analog instrument cluster, and alloy wheels that bring it firmly into the 21st century.
Rajesh, a 35-year-old IT professional from Bangalore, puts it perfectly: “It’s like the bike my dad always wanted, but with all the features I need. Best of both worlds, yaar!”
The Bullet, of course, needs no introduction in the looks department. Its design has remained largely unchanged for decades, and that’s part of its charm.
It’s the automotive equivalent of that one uncle who still rocks bell-bottoms and somehow makes it work.
Honda Hness CB350 The Heart of the Matter: Engine and Performance
Here’s where things get interesting. The Hness CB350 packs a 348.36cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that churns out 20.8bhp and 30Nm of torque.
Now, these numbers might not sound earth-shattering, but it’s how the power is delivered that matters.
The Honda engine is smooth – smoother than a politician’s promises during election season. It’s got a linear power delivery that makes it easy to ride in the city and capable on the highway.
The 5-speed gearbox is slick, and the clutch is light enough that your left hand won’t feel like it’s been through a wrestling match after a day of riding.
In comparison, the Royal Enfield Bullet’s 346cc engine produces 19.1bhp and 28Nm of torque.
The Bullet’s engine has its own charm – it’s gruff, it vibrates, and it announces its presence with authority.
Riding a Bullet is an experience, complete with vibrations that’ll make your fillings rattle if you’re not used to it.
Amit, a long-time Bullet owner from Delhi, says, “The Bullet is like that old friend who’s rough around the edges but always has your back.
The Honda? It’s like the new guy in town who’s trying to be everyone’s friend – smooth talker, you know?”
Honda Hness CB350 Tech Talk: Old School vs. New Cool
Honda has loaded the Hness CB350 with features that would make a Bullet owner’s jaw drop. We’re talking:
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Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC): Fancy traction control on a retro-styled 350cc bike? Yes, please!
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Dual-channel ABS: Because stopping is just as important as going.
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LED lighting all around: For when you want to light up the night like it’s Diwali.
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Bluetooth connectivity: So you can answer calls and pretend you can’t hear your boss over the engine noise.
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Turn-by-turn navigation: For when you want to get lost on purpose but still find your way home.
The Bullet, staying true to its heritage, keeps things simple. ABS? Check. Electric start? They’ve got that now. Beyond that, it’s just you, the bike, and the road. No fancy electronics to get between you and the pure riding experience.
Priya, a 28-year-old vlogger who’s ridden both bikes, quips, “The Hness makes me feel like I’m in a sci-fi movie set in the 1970s. The Bullet? Pure time travel, baby!”
Honda Hness CB350 The Ride: Comfort and Handling
Here’s where the Honda really shines. The Hness CB350 offers a riding position that’s comfortable for both short city hops and longer highway jaunts.
The suspension is well-tuned, soaking up bumps and potholes with ease. It’s like the bike is saying, “Speed breaker? What speed breaker?”
The Bullet, with its heavier build, offers a planted feel on the highway. It’s stable at speed, but the vibrations can be tiring on longer rides.
City riding on a Bullet is an arm workout – great for building those biceps, not so great for navigating through tight traffic.
Vikram, a motorcycle tour guide from Manali, offers his two cents: “The Honda is like riding on a magic carpet that occasionally remembers it’s a motorcycle. The Bullet? It’s like riding a bull – exciting, but you better hold on tight!”
Honda Hness CB350 Fuel Efficiency: The Great Indian Obsession
No discussion about motorcycles in India is complete without talking about “kitna deti hai?” (How much does it give?).
The Hness CB350, with its modern engine, claims a fuel efficiency of around 35-40 kmpl. The Bullet, not to be outdone, offers similar figures.
But here’s the kicker – the Honda’s fuel efficiency seems to be more consistent across different riding conditions.
The Bullet’s mileage can vary more depending on how heavy your right hand is feeling that day.
Sunita, an accountant and weekend rider from Mumbai, jokes, “With the Honda, I can calculate exactly how far I can go on a tank.
With the Bullet, it’s more like a surprise – will I make it to the next petrol pump or will I be pushing? Exciting!”
Honda Hness CB350 Price Tag: The Wallet Factor
Now we come to the all-important question – paisa vasool? (Is it worth the money?)
The Honda Hness CB350 starts at around ₹1.90 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 begins at about ₹1.50 lakh. The Honda is pricier, but it’s also packing more tech and refinement.
Rahul, a banker who recently bought the Hness, defends his choice: “Yes, I paid more. But look at what I’m getting! It’s like choosing between a basic smartphone and a flagship – sure, they both make calls, but one of them does so much more!”
Honda Hness CB350 The Ownership Experience: Beyond the Ride
Owning a motorcycle in India is about more than just the ride – it’s about the community, the maintenance, and yes, the attention you get at traffic lights.
The Bullet has a massive community. Bullet clubs are everywhere, and finding a mechanic who can work on your bike is as easy as finding a chai stall. Parts availability? No problem.
Honda, being the newer entrant, is still building its community. But what it lacks in legacy, it makes up for in dealer network and reliability. The Hness CB350 is likely to spend more time on the road and less time in the garage.
Arjun, who owns both bikes (lucky guy!), shares, “The Bullet is like being part of a brotherhood. The Honda? It’s like being part of an exclusive club that’s still figuring out its secret handshake.”
Honda Hness CB350 The Verdict: A New King or Just a Pretender?
So, has the Honda Hness CB350 dethroned the mighty Bullet? Well, it’s complicated.
The Hness offers a refined, feature-packed riding experience that’s hard to beat. It’s the bike for those who want the retro look without the retro hassles. It’s smooth, efficient, and packed with tech that makes daily riding a breeze.
The Bullet, on the other hand, is an experience. It’s not just a mode of transport; it’s a lifestyle choice.
The vibrations, the thump, the legacy – these are things that can’t be quantified on a spec sheet.
In the end, it comes down to what you’re looking for. If you want a reliable, comfortable, and modern take on the classic motorcycle, the Honda Hness CB350 is your ticket to ride. If you’re all about the raw, unadulterated classic motorcycle experience, the Bullet still reigns supreme.
As Ravi, a veteran motojournalist, wisely puts it, “The Honda is the bike you’d be proud to bring home to your parents. The Bullet is the bike you’d sneak out with at night. Both have their charms, and both have their place on Indian roads.”
The battle for the 350cc crown is far from over. The Honda Hness CB350 has certainly shaken things up, forcing Royal Enfield to up its game.
And isn’t that what competition is all about? In the end, it’s the riders who win, with more choices and better bikes.
So, whether you’re team Honda or team Bullet, one thing’s for sure – the mid-size motorcycle segment in India just got a whole lot more interesting. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got two test rides to book!