The Royal Enfield Classic 350 raised the bar by a couple of notches from what the old cast iron Standard 350 set it to in the segment, with the introduction of the UCE twin-spark engine, and now even higher with the J-Series engine. Most two-wheeler manufacturers have been trying to catch up and one manufacturer is very close — Honda, with the new CB350.
Launched at Rs 1.99 lakh onwards ex-showroom, the Honda CB350 sees design updates that are closer to the Enfield, while also getting an array of new colour options. Here’s a detailed comparison of the new Honda CB350 against the Royal Enfield Classic 350.
New Honda CB350 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350: Design
At first glimpse, the CB350 looks more like an Enfield than a Honda or the CB350 we are used to seeing. The motorcycle gets a redesigned tank, split seats, a round LED headlight, and a long peashooter exhaust, similar to the Hondas of the early years. Overall, the new design could be polarising, however, it has been put together well.
The Classic 350 needs no introduction as the design has changed very little over the years, apart from the tail lamp design and ergonomics of the motorcycle, which is relaxed. The Classic 350 also gets a round headlight, split seats, full fenders covering both wheels and a large exhaust.
New Honda CB350 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350: Features and equipment
Starting with the CB350, the Honda features telescopic front forks, dual rear shocks, 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel ABS, alloy wheels, and a semi-digital instrument console.
The Royal Enfield Classic also gets similar equipment, such as telescopic front forks, dual rear shocks, disc brakes at both ends, dual-channel ABS, and a semi-digital instrument console amongst others. Both motorcycles are equally matched when it comes to equipment and features.
New Honda CB350 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350: Engine specifications
Speaking of the powertrains, both motorcycles are similar again, drawing power from an air-cooled single-cylinder engine, mated to a five-speed gearbox. The Honda makes marginally more power and torque as the specifications sheet shows.
| Specifications | Classic 350 | CB350 |
| Displacement | 349cc | 348cc |
| Power | 20.2 | 20.7bhp |
| Torque | 27Nm | 29.4Nm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 5-speed |
So if deciding between the two, one can not go wrong with either of them. However, Royal Enfield has its own fan following, while Honda’s fan following is towards a different segment of motorcycles. If it was for us to decide, we would pick the Royal Enfield, however, we recommend taking a test ride before deciding.