The Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Honda H’ness CB350 are both retro-styled motorcycles that offer the rider a comfortable everyday riding experience. They both also happen to feature classic 350cc-class engines but their engine character, design and features differ substantially.
Here is a comparison guide to help buyers understand what each motorcycle offers before they make a purchase.
Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs Honda H’ness CB350: Design
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 features a traditional retro motorcycle design that evokes classic Royal Enfield models of the late 60s and early 70s. Its round headlamp, teardrop-shaped fuel tank, chrome elements and overall styling gives the motorcycle a traditional feel. This style is one of the main attractions of the Royal Enfield Classic 350.
The Honda H’ness CB350 also features a retro-inspired design but it takes some liberties to give the motorcycle a slightly modern interpretation. The H’ness CB350 also gets a round headlamp and a large fuel tank but the overall proportions give the motorcycle a different road presence.
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If you want a motorcycle with a strongly traditional Royal Enfield appeal, the Classic 350 fits that requirement. However, the H’ness CB350 offers a similar classic theme with a slightly different approach.
Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs Honda H’ness CB350: Engine And Performance
The Classic 350 is powered by a 349cc, single-cylinder, air-oil cooled engine that puts out 20.2 bhp of power and 27 Nm of torque. It comes with a 5-speed gearbox.
The Honda H’ness CB350 is powered by a 348.36cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. It develops 21.07 PS of power and 30 Nm of torque and also comes with with a 5-speed gearbox.
In terms of pure numbers, the H’ness CB350 has an edge over the Classic 350 but the latter is famed for its calm engine character and ability to be used for everyday riding and longer rides.
| Specification | Royal Enfield Classic 350 | Honda H’ness CB350 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 349cc, single-cylinder | 348.36cc, single-cylinder |
| Maximum Power | 20.2 bhp | 21.07 PS |
| Maximum Torque | 27 Nm | 30 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Cooling | Air-oil cooled | Air cooled |
Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs Honda H’ness CB350: Ride Comfort and Handling
The Classic 350 has a relaxed riding position that ensures the motorcycle can be ridden comfortably in both the city and on highways. The overall riding character is calm and the motorcycle can be recommended as a choice for riders who prefer an easy-going riding experience.
The H’ness CB350 also offers an upright riding position as well as a comfortable setup. The engine delivers enough torque for everyday riding and the motorcycle can also be recommended for longer rides without an aggressive feel.
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The final choice in this area can come down to personal preference. Riders should consider taking both motorcycles for a test ride and evaluating the handlebar position, seat comfort, clutch feel and low-speed balance.
Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs Honda H’ness CB350: Mileage
Mileage is an important consideration for a 350cc motorcycle and the overall fuel economy of both motorcycles depends on traffic, riding style, road and tyre conditions, and how aggressively the motorcycle is ridden.
Both motorcycles can offer reasonable fuel efficiency for their engine sizes but the real-world mileage can be different from what is claimed. It is important for buyers to consider owner experiences and their own conditions before making a decision.
If most of your riding takes place in heavy city traffic, your mileage will also be different from someone who regularly rides on open highways.
Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs Honda H’ness CB350: Features And Technology
The Classic 350 pairs its traditional styling with modern equipment. Depending on the variant, it can offer LED lighting, a digital-analogue instrument cluster, USB charging and tripper navigation-related gear.
The H’ness CB350 also brings modern equipment to its retro design. This can include Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone compatibility, LED lighting and other convenience features.
Feature availability can vary by variant and model year so buyers should evaluate the exact versions they are considering instead of only the features offered by the top variants.
Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs Honda H’ness CB350: Safety And Braking
Both motorcycles come with disc brakes and dual-channel ABS for additional braking support during different riding conditions.
The Classic 350 also gets a modern chassis and braking setup in comparison with older Classic models. The H’ness CB350 similarly pairs its retro design with modern braking and safety equipment.
It is still useful for buyers to check the exact safety and electronic features of the selected variant before buying.
Which Bike Should You Consider?
If you want a motorcycle with a traditional Royal Enfield design, calm engine character and a strong retro feel, the Classic 350 can be considered.
If you prefer a slightly different approach to the classic motorcycle design and a little more peak torque and power on paper, the Honda H’ness CB350 is another option worth considering.
Both motorcycles are designed for riders who prefer a comfortable 350cc motorcycle rather than an outright performance machine. Your choice should depend on your preferred design, riding position, engine feel, features and budget.
A test ride of both motorcycles is useful before making the final decision because factors such as seat comfort, clutch operation, low-speed balance and engine response can feel different from the specification sheet.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Which has the bigger engine, Classic 350 or H’ness CB350? | The Royal Enfield Classic 350 uses a 349cc engine, while the Honda H’ness CB350 uses a 348.36cc engine. The difference in displacement is very small. |
| Which bike produces more power? | The Honda H’ness CB350 produces 21.07 PS, while the Classic 350 produces 20.2 bhp. The exact figures use different power measurement units, so they should not be treated as a direct one-to-one comparison without conversion. |
| Which bike produces more torque? | The Honda H’ness CB350 produces 30 Nm of torque, while the Classic 350 produces 27 Nm. |
| Are both bikes suitable for long rides? | Yes. Both motorcycles have upright riding positions and relaxed engine characteristics that can work for longer rides. Comfort can vary from rider to rider, so a test ride is recommended. |
| Which bike is better for daily riding? | Both can be used for daily commuting. The Classic 350 offers a relaxed riding character, while the H’ness CB350 also focuses on comfortable everyday riding with its torquey engine. |
| Which bike should I buy, Classic 350 or H’ness CB350? | The choice depends on your priorities. The Classic 350 can suit buyers who prefer Royal Enfield’s traditional retro design and relaxed character, while the H’ness CB350 offers a different classic design with slightly higher peak torque and power figures. |
