Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has unveiled the much-awaited H’ness CB350, which will be launched at approximately Rs 1.9 lakh next month. The all-new motorcycle built specially for the Indian market takes styling cues from the CB1100RS. It will pack a 348cc air-cooled long-stroke single-pot mill rated at 21bhp and 30Nm of torque mated to a five-speed gearbox. The motorcycle also gets many modern amenities such as dual-channel ABS, a slipper clutch and Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, which also incorporates voice controls.
The H’ness CB350 has a charming retro design with typical cruiser body style and panels with an modern LED head and tail lamp setup. The chassis is based on steel cradle duplex frame while it places the engine lower down to improve the center of gravity. The handlebar and pegs are placed in a relaxed position to ensure comfort while touring. The H’ness CB350 with its 15-litre fuel tank weighs in at 181 kilogrammes. In comparison, the Jawa weighs 172kg while Royal Enfield’s 350cc offerings weigh about 195kg and the Benelli Imperiale 400 has a weight of 205kg. Braking duties are handled by 310mm front and 240mm rear disc brakes, operated by Nissin calipers with dual-channel ABS. The exhaust setup delivers a classic thumpy rumble which you’d expect from a cruiser motorcycle. It gets chunky rubbers at both ends – similar to the Imperiale 400 – with 100/90-19 tyre at the front and 130/70-18 at the rear.
Talking about electronics, the H’ness CB350 will be the first 350cc cruiser to feature Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, which will give the rider access to navigation, music and calls, among other. Honda has also included its Smartphone Voice Control System (HCVCS) for the first time. Most of these features can be toggled through buttons on the handlebar. The bike also gets an engine killswitch, side stand sensor and a hazard switch. It will be one of the few bikes to feature real-time fuel efficiency on the cluster as well. The Japanese manufacturer has incorporated its own form of engine torque control, dubbed Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).
The H’ness CB350 will be offered in two trim levels – DLX and DLX Pro, in which the former misses out on voice controls and the dual-tone paint schemes. The DLX Pro variant will also get a double horn over the single unit on the DLX. HMSI will sell the H’ness CB350 through its BigWing dealership network, which it plans to expand to 50 showrooms across the country by the end of this year. You can check out the new motorcycle at existing BigWing showrooms. Bookings for the H'ness CB350 are now open.