Honda H’Ness CB350 vs Royal Enfield Meteor 350: Features Compared
Both bikes are loaded with features, some of which are even segment-firsts. We delve into these nitty gritties
Honda is all set to take the throne from Royal Enfield, the current ruler of the small-capacity retro segment, with the Honda H’Ness CB350. But Royal Enfield too has a trump card up its sleeve: the upcoming Royal Enfield Meteor 350. The features of the Meteor 350 have already been leaked online, so we stack it up against Honda’s new entrant and see which one is a better feature-packed deal. Here’s a detailed table:
|
Features |
Honda H’Ness CB350 |
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 |
|
Lighting system |
All-LED |
Halogen headlamp with LED DRL, bulb indicators and LED tail lamp. |
|
Electronics |
Honda Selectable Torque Control (Honda’s term for traction control) |
None |
|
Safety features |
Dual-channel ABS, assist & slipper clutch |
Dual-channel ABS |
|
Fuel tank capacity |
15 litres |
15 litres |
|
Instrument cluster features |
Semi-digital layout with real-time, average mileage, distance-to-empty indicator, gear position, battery voltage indicator and other usual readouts. DLX Pro variant gets smartphone connectivity with turn-by-turn navigation, music/call/message access. |
Semi-digital layout with gear position indicator, service reminder, Eco mode indicator, clock and other run-of-the-mill information. All variants get turn-by-turn navigation as standard, called ‘Tripper Navigation’ |
|
USB charging port |
Integrated into the instrument console |
Integrated into the left switchgear |
Most of the details in the table are self-explanatory. As for the transmission, the H’Ness CB350 comes with an assist and slipper clutch, which not only reduces the clutch lever effort but also prevents the rear wheel from locking up during aggressive downshifts. While Royal Enfield hasn’t revealed details yet, the leaked images suggest that the newly developed transmission will offer a smooth and light clutch operation, smooth gear shifting, and superior clutch life compared to its predecessor.
Another major feature difference is the smartphone-compatible instrument cluster in the DLX Pro variant of the Honda H’Ness CB350. This variant gets a segment-first Honda Smartphone Voice Control system, using which one can control features such as turn-by-turn navigation, music/call/SMS access as well as weather details. Royal Enfield offers just the turn-by-turn function. That said, the navigation is standard across all the variants of the Meteor 350. It is also a lot more intuitive thanks to the dedicated screen with clear directional markings. The console in the Honda Highness is pretty small and crammed with information.
Overall, the Honda H’Ness CB350, though expensive at around Rs 1.90 lakh, seems to be slightly more superior in terms of features, especially considering it gets useful bits like traction control, which will be a boon for newbie riders. It also gets a real-time and average mileage indicator, ideal for those who like to keep track of their bike’s mileage. All said and done, it all depends on how Royal Enfield prices the Meteor 350. If it undercuts the H’Ness, it will be a great value-for-money proposition in itself.
Praveen M.
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