Honda CB350X Scrambler: What To Expect?

Could this be Honda’s ticket to the affordable urban scrambler segment?

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

Honda’s first big launch for 2021 is just around the corner. The brand has teased the next bike for its India lineup which will be launched on February 16. It’s based on the H’Ness CB350 and could be called the CB350X Scrambler, given Honda’s ADV terminology. Here’s what you can expect from the bike:

Looks And Features

The CB350X may differentiate itself from the H’ness by taking a neo-retro scrambler approach with sportier design elements. This entails less chrome, more textured finishes like the quilted seat, sleek tail light and turn winkers inspired by the Honda CB300, matte-finished exhaust, and a new set of alloy wheels. 

The single-pod analogue console with a digital inset and navigation options is likely to be carried forward from the CB350 H’ness. Same goes for the full-LED headlight.

Can It Go Offroad?

Highly unlikely. From the looks of it, the CB350X is more suited for the urban jungle -- like the Husqvarna Svartpilen 250 and the Benelli Leoncino 250. While it appears to have better suspension travel, the MRF Zapper Kurve tyres simply aren’t meant for off-road use even if the tread pattern on the tyres says otherwise. For reference, these tyres were first used on the Bajaj V15 which is a thoroughbred commuter. 

Performance 

The Honda CB350X Scrambler will be powered by the same BS6-compliant 348.36cc single-cylinder air-cooled mill seen on the H’ness. The motor makes 21PS and 30Nm in its current state of tune. However, we believe Honda may tweak the gear ratios on the CB350X to better suit its scrambler characteristics. What points us in this direction is the rear sprocket which appears to be a smidge larger than the one on the H'Ness. Having said that, the bike will continue to use the same 5-speed transmission with slip and assist clutch.

Similar Underpinnings?

Its hardware is likely to remain unchanged. So expect to see the same suspension (possibly with better travel) and braking setup as the H’Ness CB350. Dual-channel ABS will come as standard, however, whether or not the system is switchable is unknown. 

And Finally, The Price

Considering the changes, we expect Honda to price the bike around the Rs 2.1 lakh (ex-showroom) mark which would position it in between the Svartpilen 250 and the Benelli Leoncino 250. The CB350X could also be Honda’s answer to Royal Enfield’s upcoming Hunter 350.