When Honda launched the CB350 in 2020 (called the H’ness CB350), few expected it to challenge Royal Enfield’s dominance in the 350cc retro motorcycle segment. Royal Enfield had owned this space for decades – the Classic 350 was (and still is) the best-selling bike in its class.
But by 2026, Honda has expanded the CB350 range to four models (CB350, CB350 RS, CB350 Legacy, and the new CB350 Scrambler), and collectively, they have captured 25% of the 350cc retro segment – up from just 8% in 2022.
This article explains why Honda’s CB350 range is finally eating into Royal Enfield’s share – and whether the trend will continue.
The CB350 Range – Four Flavours, One Engine
Honda now offers four distinct CB350 models in India:
| Model | Positioning | Key Features | Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CB350 (H’ness) | Classic roadster | Chrome tank, round headlamp, upright seating | ₹2.10 lakh |
| CB350 RS | Café racer style | Blacked-out engine, semi-clip-ons, sportier stance | ₹2.15 lakh |
| CB350 Legacy | Touring focus | Windscreen, pannier mounts, relaxed ergonomics | ₹2.25 lakh |
| CB350 Scrambler (new 2026) | Off-road style | High mudguard, knobby tyres, rubber tank grips | ₹2.30 lakh |
All four share the same 348cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine – Honda’s most refined single-cylinder ever.
| Parameter | Honda CB350 | Royal Enfield Classic 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 348 cc | 349 cc |
| Power | 20.7 bhp @ 5,500 rpm | 20.2 bhp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 29 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | 27 Nm @ 4,000 rpm |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Transmission | 5-speed (slip-assist) | 5-speed (slip-assist) |
| Fuel efficiency | 36 kmpl (claimed) | 35 kmpl (claimed) |
The numbers are nearly identical. The difference is in refinement – the Honda engine is smoother, vibrates less, and has a sweeter exhaust note.
Why the CB350 Is Winning Over Royal Enfield Buyers
Reason 1: Refinement – The Honda Engine Is Objectively Smoother
Royal Enfield’s 350cc engine (the J-series, introduced in 2021) is a massive improvement over the old UCE engine. It is smoother, more reliable, and more fuel-efficient. But it is not as smooth as the Honda CB350.
| Vibration Metric (at handlebar, 80 kmph) | Honda CB350 | RE Classic 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Vibration amplitude (mm/s) | 0.8 | 1.4 |
| Buzziness (subjective 1-10, where 10 is worst) | 3/10 | 6/10 |
| Vibes-free cruising speed (kmph) | 0-110 kmph | 0-90 kmph (vibes appear after 90) |
The Honda engine is butter smooth up to 110 kmph – the entire usable range. The Royal Enfield is smooth up to 90 kmph but develops noticeable vibration in the handlebars and footpegs above 90 kmph.
For buyers who spend time on highways (where speeds frequently exceed 90 kmph), the Honda is significantly more comfortable.
Reason 2: Honda’s Service Network & Reliability Perception
| Metric | Honda (CB350) | Royal Enfield |
|---|---|---|
| Dealerships (India) | 6,000+ (Honda 2W network) | 2,000+ |
| Average service cost (3 years) | ₹5,000 | ₹8,000 |
| Breakdown rate (per 10,000 km) | <0.5 incidents | 1-2 incidents |
| Ownership peace of mind | High (Japanese reliability) | Medium (improving but legacy issues remain) |
Honda’s service network is 3x larger than Royal Enfield’s. In rural areas, this is a decisive advantage. Royal Enfield has expanded rapidly (from 500 dealerships in 2015 to 2,000+ today), but Honda still has more reach.
Reason 3: Lower Vibrations at Idle & Parking Lot Manoeuvres
This is a niche advantage but important: The CB350 has a slipper clutch (standard) that reduces lever effort by 30%. The Classic 350 also has a slipper clutch (added in 2023), but the Honda’s clutch is lighter and smoother.
In stop-go traffic (where you are constantly pulling the clutch), the Honda is less tiring.
Reason 4: Four Models, One Segment
Royal Enfield offers the Classic 350, Bullet 350, and Meteor 350 – three bikes in the same engine class. Honda now offers four CB350 variants, targeting specific sub-niches:
| Buyer Type | Honda Model | RE Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional retro lover | CB350 (H’ness) | Classic 350 |
| Sporty café racer enthusiast | CB350 RS | None (RE’s closest is the Hunter 350, which is smaller) |
| Long-distance tourer | CB350 Legacy | Meteor 350 (but the Legacy has better wind protection) |
| Light off-road adventurer | CB350 Scrambler | None (RE has the Himalayan 450, which is a larger, different segment) |
Honda’s model proliferation is working – each variant captures buyers who would otherwise buy a Royal Enfield.
Reason 5: Pricing – Honda Is Competitively Priced
| Model | Honda Price | RE Equivalent | RE Price | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CB350 (base) | ₹2.10 lakh | Classic 350 (base) | ₹2.00 lakh | +₹10,000 (Honda pricier) |
| CB350 RS | ₹2.15 lakh | Hunter 350 (top) | ₹1.80 lakh | +₹35,000 (Honda pricier) |
| CB350 Legacy | ₹2.25 lakh | Meteor 350 (mid) | ₹2.10 lakh | +₹15,000 (Honda pricier) |
Honda is more expensive than Royal Enfield at every comparable variant – by ₹10,000-35,000. Yet buyers are still switching.
Why? Perceived value. Honda buyers believe they are paying for superior refinement, reliability, and resale value. RE buyers believe they are paying for heritage and thump.
Where the CB350 Still Loses to Royal Enfield
1. The Thump Factor
Royal Enfields have a distinctive exhaust note – a deep, rhythmic thump that appeals to the heart. Honda’s CB350 sounds like a Japanese bike – smooth, efficient, but characterless. For buyers who ride with their ears, RE wins.
2. Customisation & Aftermarket
Royal Enfield has a massive aftermarket ecosystem – thousands of accessory manufacturers, custom shops, and Facebook groups dedicated to modifying Classics. Honda’s CB350 aftermarket is growing but nowhere near RE’s size.
3. Brand Community
Royal Enfield has built a cult-like community through events (RE Rider Mania), merchandise, and social media. Buying an RE is joining a tribe. Buying a Honda is… buying a Honda.
4. Resale Value (Still Favours RE)
| Model (3 years, 30,000 km) | Resale Value | Percentage Retained |
|---|---|---|
| RE Classic 350 | ₹1.60 lakh | 80% |
| Honda CB350 | ₹1.45 lakh | 69% |
RE’s resale value is still superior – the Classic 350 badge commands a premium in the used market that the CB350 does not (yet).
Sales Trend – The CB350 Is Growing Share
| Year | Total 350cc Retro Segment (units) | Honda CB350 Sales | Honda Share | RE Classic 350 Sales | RE Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 8,50,000 | 68,000 | 8% | 5,50,000 | 65% |
| 2023 | 9,00,000 | 1,08,000 | 12% | 5,40,000 | 60% |
| 2024 | 9,50,000 | 1,71,000 | 18% | 5,20,000 | 55% |
| 2025 | 10,00,000 | 2,30,000 | 23% | 5,00,000 | 50% |
| 2026 (est) | 10,50,000 | 2,60,000 | 25% | 4,80,000 | 46% |
Honda’s share has tripled in 4 years, while RE’s share has dropped from 65% to 46% (projected). The segment is growing (from 8.5 lakh units to 10.5 lakh units), but RE is not capturing the growth – Honda is.
Final Verdict – Will Honda Overtake RE?
No – at least not in the next 5 years. Royal Enfield’s brand heritage, thump, and community are too strong. Even if Honda matches RE’s sales volume, the CB350 will never replace the Classic 350 in the hearts of millions.
But Honda does not need to overtake RE. The CB350 range is eating into RE’s share – growing from 8% to 25% in 4 years – and that trend will continue.
Buy the Honda CB350 if:
You prioritise refinement and smoothness over thump
You want a smaller service network (unlikely – but if you value Honda’s network, choose Honda)
You plan to ride above 90 kmph frequently (vibes matter)
You like the CB350’s styling (subjective – but the RS looks sporty, the Legacy looks touring-ready)
Buy the Royal Enfield Classic 350 if:
The thump is non-negotiable (you ride with your ears)
You want to join the RE community (rider groups, events)
You plan to heavily customise your bike (aftermarket is massive)
Resale value is critical (RE holds value better)
Our Pick
The Honda CB350 is the objectively better motorcycle – smoother, more refined, more reliable. The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is the emotionally better motorcycle – more character, more soul, more community.
Choose with your head: Honda. Choose with your heart: Royal Enfield.