The Honda CB350 could soon become a global model
A glimmer of hope that this bike could make it to the local market.

There’s something about retro-modern motorcycles that seems to appeal to many. Ever since the dawn of the whole neo-retro craze, with motorcycles designed to look old, but boast modern tech, nearly all manufacturers have at least one bike in this category. While varying in terms of features and specifications, nearly all retro-modern bikes follow a simple formula: simplistic bodywork, a round headlight, and a half, or no fairing at all.
One of the most recent retro-modern bikes which built up a lot of hype all over the world was the Honda H’Ness CB350 launched in 2020. To build up the hype even further, a scrambler iteration of this bike in the form of the CB350 RS was unveiled earlier this year. While the world stood in awe at the launch of this bike, only the Indian and Japanese markets would get a taste of this machine, as it has been designed to play solely in those specific markets. Unsurprisingly, this left the rest of the world clamoring for the introduction of this lightweight classic-styled bike in their respective countries.

So what makes the Honda CB350 so special, then? Well, on paper, the specs are nothing to write home about. The engine is a 350cc air-cooled single cylinder producing around 21 horsepower. Other than that, the bike gets pretty standard componentry in the form of telescopic forks, dual rear shock absorbers, and anti-lock braking system-equipped front and rear disc brakes. That said, it’s clear to see that it’s appeal lies in its styling and aesthetics—similar to that of Vespa scooters, and the majority of Royal Enfield’s lineup.
It’s interesting to note that Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is currently evaluating the possibility of exporting the CB350 to other markets. Multiple international sources suggest that the company is indeed seeing strong potential for their lightweight classic bike to outperform the competition in multiple markets. To add to this, the new Honda CB350 is already compliant to a number of safety and emissions standards across the globe, making it the perfect recipe for a global model.
Tagged Under
Related Articles
-
Take a look at the 2023 Honda CB1000R and CB1000R Black Edition / News
Honda has pulled the covers off the 2023 CB1000R and CB1000R Black Edition in Japan.
-
This Chinese sportbike has a 400cc inline-four cylinder engine / News
Chinese manufacturer Kove may be new in the world of two wheels, but it wants to make an impression with the 400RR sportbike.
-
Honda is rumored to be working on a neo-retro GB750 based on the CB750 Hornet / News
Honda is reportedly working on a new neo-retro big bike in the form of the GB750, based on the recently launched CB750 Hornet.
-
Honda has launched the new CL300 scrambler in China / News
Honda has introduced the new CL300 retro-inspired scrambler in the Chinese market.
-
The Honda CB1300 gets fancy 30th anniversary editions in Japan / News
Only 720 of the CB1300 Super Four and Super Bol d'Or 30th Anniversary Editions will be produced by Honda Japan.
Latest News
-
Suzuki launches the 2023 Hayabusa in Europe with three new colorways / News
In Europe, Suzuki has launched the 2023 Hayabusa in three new liveries.
-
Italian motorcycle brand Moto Morini is working on a new middleweight cruiser / News
Moto Morini is working on a new middleweight cruiser with the same engine as that of the Seiemezzo middleweight retro roadsters.
-
Expect a Suzuki electric motorcycle as early as 2024 / News
Suzuki has announced that it plans to launch up to eight electric models by 2030, with the first making its debut as early as 2024.