Honda CB350 Urban Scrambler In The Works?

The new bike based on the CB350 will be unveiled on 16 February 2021

[UPDATE: The Honda CB350RS has been launched in India. Check out the details in our launch report.]

Some time ago, we had poked fun at the possibility of a Scrambler version of the Honda H’Ness CB350 in the pipeline. Looks like we weren’t entirely off the mark -- Honda has just teased its first new launch for 2021, and it seems a lot like an urban scrambler. Perhaps the CB350X? The bike will be unveiled on February 16 and could carry a price tag of around Rs 2.10 lakh (ex-showroom).

So what’s different in this model? Well, a lot actually. First and foremost, it looks more contemporary compared to the CB350, thanks to a new set of alloy wheels, LED lighting, and a matte- finished exhaust end can. Details like a quilted seat, cast grabrail, and a raised rear fender help differentiate it from the retro-looking CB350. Then there’s the tail light and turn winkers which seem to be inspired by the sportier CB300. However, the twin shock absorber setup is the same as that of the H’Ness. 

Those tyres may look like block pattern rubber but are actually MRF Nylogrip Zapper KURVE -- tyres used on the Bajaj V15. This further cements our suspicion of the CB350X being a soft-roader rather than a hardcore scrambler. Think more on the lines of the Benelli Leoncino 250 and the Husqvarna Svartpilen 250. 

If you look closer, you will notice that the suspension is a bit taller, highlighted by the gap in the rear fender. The rear sprocket seems to be a smidge larger and may offer better bottom-end drive -- a useful thing to have while off-roading. So, you could possibly hit light trails if required. Also Read: Honda Working On a Hornet 2.0-based ADV For India.

The engine is likely to be the same BS6-compliant 348.36cc single-cylinder air-cooled mill that powers the CB350. However, it may have different gear ratios for better bottom-end performance. For reference, the CB350, that's mated to a 6-speed transmission, puts out 21PS and 30Nm of peak torque. Its braking setup is likely to remain unchanged -- disc brakes at both ends paired with dual-channel ABS. 

Honda may be trying to capitalize on the versatile CB350 platform to target a broader range of audience. The small-capacity-scrambler segment has been gaining momentum lately, and this could be the perfect opportunity for Honda to take on the Svartpilen 250's dominance. Simultaneously, this could also equip the bikemaker to compete with Royal Enfield’s upcoming Hunter 350.