Honda On The Retro Path

HMSI recently launched the H’ness CB350 retro-cruiser in the Indian market. We ride it to see if the classic CB charm is present in this new age motorcycle or not

- Rahul Ghosh

Honda H’ness CB350

Engine 348.36cc, 4 Stroke, SI Engine

Power 21bhp@5,500rpm

Torque 30Nm@3,000rpm

Gearbox 5-speed

Wheelbase 1,441mm

Kerb weight 181kg

Fuel capacity 15 litres

Seat height 800mm

Price 1.90 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India)

On sale Now

Retro is the name of the game these days. People have fallen in love with the old school charm of things and at the same time want them to pack modern features. For example, a contraption which looks like an old school radio has a million GB hard drive and USB connectivity. It also comes with a remote controller! It is the same with motorcycles. People today want their bikes to look old school and sport a lot of chrome but at the same time expect electric start, Bluetooth connectivity and reliability. Royal Enfield was one of the first manufacturers which understood this and gave all their bikes what the market demanded. Then Jawa, Benelli and Bajaj too decided to surf the wave. Now though it is Honda’s turn to join in on the surf of retro motorcycles. Enter the Honda H’ness CB350.

Honda has a long legacy of building retro bikes under the CB series and it is this brand which Honda should have capitalized on. Instead it decided to call its bike the H’ness which is a bit cheeky. But for us it will be the CB350.