The Honda CB350 Cruiser stands as a testament to Honda’s commitment to blending retro aesthetics with modern engineering, carving a niche in India’s burgeoning mid-size motorcycle market. Launched as part of Honda’s illustrious 350cc platform, which includes models like the H’ness CB350 and CB350RS, this cruiser aims to capture the hearts of riders seeking a balance between classic styling and contemporary performance. With its timeless design inspired by the cruisers of yesteryears and equipped with advanced features tailored for Indian roads, the CB350 Cruiser promises an exhilarating yet comfortable ride. Positioned to rival stalwarts like the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and Yezdi Roadster, it brings a refined riding experience that appeals to both urban commuters and highway cruisers. This detailed exploration delves into the bike’s technical specifications, variants, pricing, features, and its standing among competitors, offering an in-depth look at why the Honda CB350 Cruiser is a compelling choice in the Indian two-wheeler landscape.
Technical Specifications
The Honda CB350 Cruiser is engineered to deliver a robust performance while maintaining efficiency and comfort. Below is a comprehensive table outlining its technical specifications, sourced from reputable platforms like BikeDekho and BikeWale, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 4-Stroke, SI, Single-Cylinder, Air-Cooled |
| Displacement | 348.66 cc |
| Max Power | 20.78 bhp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 29.4 Nm @ 3,000 rpm |
| Mileage (User-Reported) | 35 kmpl |
| Fuel System | PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual with Assist and Slipper Clutch |
| Frame | Diamond Type |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Twin-Hydraulic Shock Absorbers |
| Front Brake | 310 mm Disc with Dual-Channel ABS |
| Rear Brake | 240 mm Disc |
| Tyre Size (Front) | 100/90-19 Tubeless |
| Tyre Size (Rear) | 130/70-18 Tubeless |
| Wheel Size | Front: 19-inch, Rear: 18-inch |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.2 Litres |
| Kerb Weight | 187 kg |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm |
| Seat Height | 800 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,441 mm |
| Length x Width x Height | 2,207 mm x 850 mm x 1,107 mm |
Variants
The Honda CB350 Cruiser is offered in two thoughtfully curated variants, each designed to cater to different rider preferences while maintaining the core essence of the bike. The following table details the variants and their key differences.
| Variant | Key Features |
|---|---|
| DLX | LED Lighting, Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster, Single-Tone Colour Options |
| DLX Pro | Dual-Tone Colour Schemes, Bluetooth Connectivity, Honda Smartphone Voice Control |
Price in Metro Cities
Pricing for the Honda CB350 Cruiser varies across metro cities due to differences in ex-showroom costs, RTO charges, and insurance. The table below provides the ex-showroom prices in major Indian metro cities, based on the latest data from BikeWale and BikeDekho as of April 2025.
| City | DLX (Ex-Showroom) | DLX Pro (Ex-Showroom) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹2,15,500 | ₹2,18,850 |
| Mumbai | ₹2,17,000 | ₹2,20,350 |
| Bangalore | ₹2,16,500 | ₹2,19,850 |
| Chennai | ₹2,16,000 | ₹2,19,350 |
| Kolkata | ₹2,16,500 | ₹2,19,850 |
Note: On-road prices may vary due to additional charges like RTO, insurance, and accessories.
About the Honda CB350 Cruiser
Design and Aesthetics
The Honda CB350 Cruiser exudes a retro charm that instantly draws attention. Its design philosophy draws heavily from classic cruisers, featuring bulbous fenders, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, and a pea-shooter exhaust that enhances its old-school appeal. The bike’s chrome accents on the engine, mirrors, and exhaust add a touch of elegance, making it stand out in a segment dominated by rugged designs. Available in 10 vibrant colour options, including Pearl Igneous Black, Mat Dune Brown, and Precious Red Metallic, the CB350 Cruiser allows riders to express their individuality. The DLX Pro variant elevates the aesthetic with dual-tone paint schemes, adding a premium flair. The round LED headlamp, complemented by ring-type winkers, not only enhances visibility but also reinforces the bike’s vintage vibe. Honda has meticulously crafted the CB350 Cruiser to appeal to riders who value style as much as substance, ensuring it turns heads whether parked or cruising down the highway.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Honda CB350 Cruiser lies a 348.66cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine, renowned for its smoothness and reliability. Producing 20.78 bhp at 5,500 rpm and 29.4 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, the engine is tuned for a relaxed riding experience, ideal for long-distance cruising. The PGM-FI fuel injection system ensures efficient combustion, contributing to a user-reported mileage of 35 kmpl, making it economical for both city commutes and highway journeys. Paired with a 5-speed gearbox featuring an assist and slipper clutch, gear shifts are buttery smooth, reducing rider fatigue during extended rides. While the engine excels in delivering low-end grunt for easy city riding, it truly shines on highways, maintaining vibration-free performance at speeds of 80-90 kmph. However, some riders note that a sixth gear could enhance high-speed cruising efficiency, a minor critique in an otherwise stellar powertrain.
Ride and Handling
The Honda CB350 Cruiser is built on a diamond-type frame, offering a balance of stability and agility. Its telescopic front forks and twin-hydraulic rear shock absorbers are tuned for comfort, effortlessly absorbing bumps and potholes on Indian roads. The bike’s long wheelbase of 1,441 mm ensures stability at high speeds, while the wide handlebars improve maneuverability in urban settings. Weighing 187 kg, the CB350 Cruiser feels planted, though its heft can make U-turns and tight corners slightly challenging for novice riders. The 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, wrapped in MRF Zapper tubeless tyres, provide excellent grip, enhancing confidence during cornering. The low seat height of 800 mm makes it accessible to riders of varying statures, ensuring a relaxed riding posture that’s perfect for extended journeys.
Braking and Safety
Safety is a priority for Honda, and the CB350 Cruiser reflects this with a robust braking setup. Equipped with a 310 mm front disc and a 240 mm rear disc, both assisted by dual-channel ABS, the bike offers progressive stopping power, ensuring control even in panic braking scenarios. The ABS system prevents wheel lock-up, enhancing safety on slippery surfaces. Additional safety features include an emergency stop signal (ESS), which activates hazard lights during sudden braking to alert trailing vehicles, and a side-stand engine inhibitor that prevents the engine from starting if the stand is down. These thoughtful inclusions make the CB350 Cruiser a reliable companion for varied riding conditions, from bustling city streets to open highways.
Advanced Features
The Honda CB350 Cruiser is packed with modern features that elevate the riding experience. The semi-digital instrument cluster displays essential information like speed, odometer, trip meters, and gear position, with the DLX Pro variant adding Bluetooth connectivity and Honda Smartphone Voice Control. This allows riders to access calls, navigation, and music seamlessly, enhancing convenience on long rides. The Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), available on higher variants, minimizes wheel slip, providing added stability on uneven terrain. Full LED lighting, including the headlamp, tail lamp, and winkers, ensures superior visibility while adding a premium touch. The bike also features a main-shaft coaxial balancer, reducing vibrations for a refined ride. These advanced technologies position the CB350 Cruiser as a forward-thinking machine in the retro cruiser segment.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Designed with rider comfort in mind, the Honda CB350 Cruiser offers a relaxed riding posture that’s ideal for long-distance touring. The split seat design, introduced in the 2025 model, provides ample cushioning for both rider and pillion, ensuring comfort during extended rides. The forward-set footpegs and wide handlebars create an upright stance, reducing strain on the back and shoulders. The bike’s 15.2-litre fuel tank supports long journeys without frequent refueling, while the soft suspension absorbs road imperfections, making it suitable for India’s diverse road conditions. However, heavier riders may find the seat slightly soft for prolonged rides, a minor drawback in an otherwise ergonomic package.
Variants and Customization
The CB350 Cruiser is available in two variants: DLX and DLX Pro. The DLX variant caters to riders seeking a no-frills cruiser experience, featuring single-tone colours and essential features like LED lighting and a semi-digital console. The DLX Pro, priced marginally higher, adds dual-tone paint schemes, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control, appealing to tech-savvy riders who value connectivity. Honda also offers customization kits for the CB350 Cruiser, allowing owners to transform it into a café racer or enhance its touring capabilities with accessories like luggage racks and windshields. These kits, available separately or as packages, add versatility, enabling riders to tailor the bike to their preferences.
Pricing and Value Proposition
Priced competitively, the Honda CB350 Cruiser offers excellent value in the 350cc cruiser segment. The DLX variant starts at ₹2,15,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi), while the DLX Pro is priced at ₹2,18,850. These prices position it slightly below competitors like the Royal Enfield Meteor 350, which starts at ₹2.08 lakh but can go higher with top variants. The CB350 Cruiser’s refined engine, modern features, and premium build quality justify its pricing, making it an attractive option for buyers seeking a Japanese alternative to Royal Enfield’s dominance. On-road prices in metro cities like Mumbai and Bangalore hover around ₹2.73 lakh for the DLX Pro, factoring in RTO and insurance, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of buyers.
Market Positioning and Competitors
The Honda CB350 Cruiser enters a highly competitive segment dominated by Royal Enfield, with models like the Meteor 350, Classic 350, and Bullet 350 setting the benchmark. The Meteor 350, priced between ₹2.08 lakh and ₹2.33 lakh, offers a similar cruiser experience with a torquey engine and a low seat height, making it a direct rival. Its tripper navigation and distinctive styling appeal to younger riders, but the CB350 Cruiser counters with superior refinement and advanced features like HSTC and voice control. The Yezdi Roadster, priced around ₹2.06 lakh to ₹2.13 lakh, brings a sportier edge with a liquid-cooled engine, but its aftermarket support lags behind Honda’s robust BigWing network. The Jawa 42, starting at ₹1.98 lakh, offers a retro aesthetic but lacks the CB350’s technological edge. Honda’s strategic positioning through BigWing showrooms enhances the premium buying experience, setting it apart from competitors with widespread but less exclusive dealerships.
Royal Enfield Meteor 350
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is the CB350 Cruiser’s closest competitor, sharing a similar displacement and cruiser ethos. The Meteor’s 349cc engine produces 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm, slightly less torque than the CB350’s 29.4 Nm, but its low-end grunt excels in city riding. The Meteor’s tripper navigation pod is a unique selling point, absent in the CB350, though the latter’s Bluetooth connectivity and voice control offer comparable modernity. The CB350 Cruiser edges out with a smoother gearbox and lighter clutch action, making it easier to handle in traffic. Design-wise, the Meteor leans toward a rounded, classic cruiser look, while the CB350’s pea-shooter exhaust and chrome accents evoke a more vintage Japanese aesthetic. Both bikes offer excellent highway stability, but the CB350’s ABS and HSTC provide a safety advantage, especially on wet roads.
Yezdi Roadster
The Yezdi Roadster appeals to riders seeking a blend of cruiser and roadster dynamics. Its 334cc liquid-cooled engine delivers 29.2 bhp and 29 Nm, outpacing the CB350 in raw power, but its higher vibrations and less refined gearbox detract from the experience. The Roadster’s retro-modern design is striking, but the CB350’s build quality and attention to detail feel more premium. Priced slightly lower, the Yezdi is a value-driven choice, but its limited service network compared to Honda’s BigWing showrooms raises reliability concerns. The CB350 Cruiser’s air-cooled engine is better suited for leisurely rides, while the Roadster caters to those prioritizing sporty performance.
Pros and Cons
The Honda CB350 Cruiser shines with its refined engine, comfortable ergonomics, and modern features, making it a versatile choice for city and highway riding. Its retro styling resonates with enthusiasts, and the BigWing network ensures reliable after-sales support. However, the absence of a sixth gear limits high-speed efficiency, and the narrow power band in lower gears may require frequent shifts in traffic. Aftermarket support for customization is also less extensive compared to Royal Enfield’s ecosystem, which could disappoint modders. Despite these drawbacks, the CB350 Cruiser’s value proposition and Japanese engineering make it a formidable contender.
Rider Feedback and Real-World Performance
Rider reviews highlight the CB350 Cruiser’s smooth performance and comfortable ride quality. Owners appreciate its vibration-free engine, with many reporting 35-42 kmpl in mixed conditions, aligning with Honda’s efficiency claims. The bike’s light handling compared to heavier rivals like the Classic 350 boosts confidence in tight spaces, though some note that initial power delivery could be punchier. Long-distance riders praise the split seat and suspension setup, which minimize fatigue, while city commuters value the ABS and light clutch. Recent recalls for wheel speed sensor and camshaft issues have been addressed promptly by Honda, reinforcing trust in the brand’s after-sales service.
Future Prospects and Updates
Honda continues to evolve its 350cc platform, with the 2025 CB350 Cruiser featuring OBD-2B compliance and new colour schemes. Rumors suggest potential additions like a sixth gear or liquid-cooled engine in future iterations, which could further enhance its appeal. The brand’s focus on BigWing expansion ensures wider accessibility, while customization kits keep the bike relevant for enthusiasts. As competitors like Royal Enfield and Yezdi innovate, Honda’s ability to balance heritage with technology will determine the CB350 Cruiser’s long-term success.
Final Thoughts!
The Honda CB350 Cruiser is a masterful blend of retro allure and modern functionality, offering a compelling alternative in India’s 350cc segment. With its refined 348.66cc engine, comfortable ergonomics, and advanced features like HSTC and Bluetooth connectivity, it caters to riders seeking style, reliability, and versatility. Priced competitively between ₹2.15 lakh and ₹2.18 lakh (ex-showroom), it challenges giants like the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and Yezdi Roadster with superior refinement and a premium buying experience through BigWing showrooms. While minor improvements like a sixth gear could elevate its performance, the CB350 Cruiser’s smooth ride, safety features, and timeless design make it a standout choice for urban commuters and highway explorers alike. For those drawn to the romance of cruising with the assurance of Japanese engineering, the Honda CB350 Cruiser is a motorcycle that delivers on all fronts.
