Honda rolls out 2026 CB350 range to take on Royal Enfield’s 350‑cc classics

Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India has launched the 2026 update of its CB350 family, positioning the trio directly against Royal Enfield’s 350‑cc retro lineup. The new range drops the H'Ness tag from the roadster, now called simply CB350, while the CB350C and CB350RS keep their names but receive fresh colour options. All three models sit within a price spread of roughly Rs 9,000, making them slightly pricier than the comparable RE bikes but offering more equipment. Each Honda is powered by a 348.36 cc air‑cooled single that produces 20.78 bhp at 5,500 rpm; torque is 30 Nm for the CB350 and CB350RS and 29.5 Nm for the CB350C. A 5‑speed gearbox, slipper clutch and traction‑control system are standard. Royal Enfield’s Bullet 350, Classic 350 and Hunter 350 use a 349 cc air‑cooled unit rated at 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm, also with a 5‑speed box. Honda’s wheelbase is longer at 1,441 mm versus 1,390 mm for the Bullet and Classic and 1,370 mm for the Hunter. RE models have marginally higher ground clearance except the Hunter, which sits at 160 mm. Weightwise, the heaviest Honda is the CB350C at 186 kg, while the lightest RE bike is the Hunter at 181 kg; the Bullet and Classic reach up to 196 kg. Honda carries a larger 15‑litre fuel tank. Standard alloy wheels and tubeless tyres come on the Hondas, whereas RE sticks to wire‑spoke wheels with tube‑type tyres. Rear tyre widths vary: Honda CB350 and CB350C use 130‑section tyres, the CB350RS 150‑section, while RE models range from 120‑section on the Classic and Bullet to 140‑section on the Hunter. Braking differs – Honda fits a larger front disc, RE a larger rear disc but lower variants still use drum brakes and single‑channel ABS; Honda provides dual‑disc, dual‑channel ABS across the range. Lighting is all‑LED on Honda, while the Bullet retains a halogen headlamp and the Hunter a halogen indicator. Both brands share a semi‑digital dash with analogue speedometer; RE adds an optional Tripper navigation screen on lower trims, a feature Honda does not offer, but Honda includes traction control that RE lacks.