Buy Or Hold: Honda H’ness CB350 vs 2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350

Should you save time and buy the H’ness CB350 or wait for the Royal Enfield’s updated Classic 350?

Last year, Honda surprised us all by launching the H’ness CB350 offering an unmatched price-to-feature ratio to lure in a chunk of Royal Enfield’s customers. But the Chennai-based bikemaker isn’t giving up easily, and is instead rolling out the 2021 Classic 350 with a series of updates. However, with the 2021 Classic 350’s launch still a few days in the future, an important question arises: Should you act now and buy the H’ness CB350 or wait a while for the upcoming thumper? Well, here’s what we think:

Why Should You Buy The Honda H’ness?

There are two prime reasons for you to buy the H’ness CB350 right away. 

First, features. Even with its updated features, the 2021 Classic 350 isn’t nearly on par with the CB350’s equipment. With all-LED illumination, a premium-looking instrument cluster, traction control, slipper clutch, and optional voice control features, the H’ness is certainly the more feature-packed and modern motorcycle between these two. To complement all this, the CB350 also looks the part with its chrome-laden components and premium aesthetics.

The second reason to bring home the H’ness CB350 is its price. At Rs 1.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the H’ness CB350’s top variant undercuts the current-gen Classic 350’s top variant by over Rs 6,000. And considering all the extra bling would bump up the 2021 Classic 350’s price by at least Rs 6,000-Rs 7,000, it would make the H’ness about Rs 15,000 cheaper than the Classic 350, making the former much better value for the money.

Why Should You Wait For The New Classic 350?

Simply put, the 2021 Classic 350 will be the ‘best’ Classic 350 in all these years. And here’s an explanation on why we think so:

First things first, judging from the leaked photos, the new Classic 350 seems aesthetically premium as ever. The paint quality seems stellar, and subtle changes like the new chrome nacelle up front only add to its old-school charm. Not to forget, all this has been done while keeping the overall silhouette of the Classic 350’s highly praised retro design.

Then we have the modern equipment. Yes, a Classic 350 with “modern” equipment doesn’t sound right, but it’s happening. The 2021 Classic 350 will finally bid adieu to its dated instrument cluster, switching to a new semi-digital unit. The new setup is expected to display a digital fuel gauge, real-time mileage indicator, trip meters and even tank range. Also part of the package will be RE’s Tripper navigation pod. However, latest pictures suggest it could be sold as an accessory. 

And the most valuable change for 2021 will be the Classic 350’s new 349cc heart, drawn from the Meteor 350. Owing to this, we expect the Classic 350 to be more enjoyable and easy-going on both the city and the highway, making the yearly Ladakh rides that much easier too!

So if you’re a Classic 350 fan or just in the market for a ‘classic’ (pun intended) motorcycle, you should probably wait for the 2021 Classic 350. Not to forget, the new Classic 350 will have a much wider service network and availability compared to the H’ness, which is only sold through Honda’s Bigwing dealerships. And if exploring is your thing, Royal Enfield lets you take part in numerous company-organised rides too! 

Our Opinion: Go For The Honda H’ness CB350

Now we know fanboys would buy the Classic 350 anyway, but for everyone else out there, we think buying the Honda H’ness now instead of waiting for the new Classic 350 makes more sense. Why so? Well, as we said, you’d be saving about Rs 15,000 if you do so and while doing so, you’ll be getting a more up-to-date motorcycle tempered with Japanese engineering for your money. Not to forget, the money you save can sponsor your future rides.

And if you’re still not convinced, check out our review of the CB350 for a detailed opinion.