retro

Honda have decided to cash in on the modern retro motorcycle craze with the unexpected launch of the Highness CB350, a 1970s-inspired machine powered by a single-cylinder thumper and bathed in loads of chrome. Let’s see how it measures up to the established competition in the segment.

  

With prices starting at Rs 1.90 lakh (ex-showroom), the new Honda H’ness CB350 goes up against the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and the Jawa, both of which are priced at about Rs 1.65 lakh (ex-showroom). Either of these three machines can satisfy the desire to own a shiny retro-designed machine with modern features like fuel injection and ABS and, while all three are powered by similarly-sized singles, there are subtle differences. While the Jawa’s motor is the only one that displaces less than 300 cc, it makes up for this with liquid-cooling, and features the highest power output of the three. It is also the only bike with a six-speed gearbox, while the other two make do with a five-speed ‘box.

Here are the numbers:

	Engine Capacity	Peak Power	Peak Torque	Transmission
Honda H’ness CB350	348.4 cc	21 hp @ 5,500 rpm	30 Nm @ 3,000 rpm	Five-speed
RE Classic 350	346 cc	20 hp @ 5,250 rpm	28 Nm @ 4,000 rpm	Five-speed
Jawa	293 cc	27 hp @ NA	28 Nm @ NA	Six-Speed

As you can tell, while the Jawa makes the most outright horsepower, the Honda leads the torque stakes, and will probably be the most rideable at low revs. The Classic isn’t too far behind in this respect, and while Jawa haven’t released at what rpm their motor makes its peak power and torque, we know it’s the highest revving of the three bikes here.

Let’s now compare dimensions:

	Length	Width	Wheelbase	Overall Height	Saddle Height	Ground Clearance	Kerb Weight
Honda H’ness CB350	2,163 mm	800 mm	1,441 mm	1,112 mm	800 mm	166 mm	181 kg
RE Classic 350	2,160 mm	790 mm	1,390 mm	1,090 mm	800 mm	135 mm	194 kg
Jawa	2,122 mm	789 mm	1369 mm	1165 mm	765 mm		172 kg

The Honda is the longest of the three bikes with the longest wheelbase while the Jawa is the shortest, which will probably make it the most nimble. The Honda and the RE both share an acceptable 800-mm seat height, although extremely short riders might be more comfortable with the Jawa’s 765-mm saddle height. In terms of weight, the RE is the heaviest, closely followed by Honda, while the Jawa is the lightest of the three motorcycles here.

We’re looking forward to riding the Honda H’ness CB350 soon to bring you a proper comparison between these motorcycles, but hope this spec comparison gives you a good enough idea of where the Honda stands in our market.