His Highness Could Go Cruising Soon

After the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Honda now seems to have the Meteor 350 in its sights

At Honda's recent event where it announced its EV plans, the Japanese bikemaker revealed that it will be launching a new 350cc bike in November this year. Honda recently showcased a host of kits for the H’Ness CB350 and CB350RS, one of which was called the ‘Tourer’ kit. That said, at the end of the day, these are still kits, so a proper cruiser is in the need of the hour.

Honda’s air-cooled 350cc platform already has a retro and scrambler offering (the H’Ness CB350 and CB350RS, respectively). Hence, a cruiser will make the lineup even more wholesome. And, as mentioned, the cruiser will have the same engine, hopefully, retuned for a more relaxed riding feel. The frame will also be altered, for a more relaxed riding posture, possibly with a larger front and smaller rear alloy wheel, a cue from the Royal Enfield Meteor 350, and in fact a formula already proven with the other CB350 bikes. The instrument console could also be carried over unchanged.

Honda plans to launch the upcoming CB350-based bike by November 2023. We reckon it could command  a price tag of approx Rs 2.30 lakh (ex-showroom), a Rs 15,000 hike over the H’Ness. Once here, it will not only go up against its chief rival, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350, but will also lock horns with the Yezdi Roadster.

Summing up, we recently brought you news that an adventure bike will soon enter this space, which we believe will complement the new cruiser as well as the rest of Honda’s 300+cc lineup.