A new tax regime, the GST 2.0, has shaken up the Indian motorcycle market, bringing significant price reductions for cruiser bikes with engine capacities of 350cc and below. This move directly impacts two of the segment's fiercest rivals: the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and the Honda CB350, making their competition tighter than ever.
Honda CB350 Vs Royal Enfield Classic 350: GST 2.0 Price Cut
The biggest beneficiary in terms of range appears to be the Royal Enfield Classic 350. The iconic cruiser has seen its ex-showroom price fall by a substantial Rs 16,135 to Rs 19,222 across its variants. Previously priced between Rs 1.97 lakh and Rs 2.34 lakh, the Classic 350 now starts at a more accessible Rs 1.81 lakh, topping out at Rs 2.15 lakh.
Honda has responded aggressively, slashing a flat Rs 18,887 off its
CB350. With this revision, the retro-modern motorcycle now has a competitive new starting ex-showroom price of Rs 2.00 lakh, placing it squarely in the territory of the Classic 350’s mid-to-top-tier models.
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Honda CB350 Vs Royal Enfield Classic 350: Engine Specifications
At the heart of the rivalry are two distinct single-cylinder engines. The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is powered by a 349cc air-oil cooled engine that produces 20.2 BHP at 6100 RPM and a healthy 27 Nm of torque at 4000 RPM. In contrast, Honda’s CB350 uses a 348.36cc air-cooled engine. While its power output is similar at 20.8 BHP at a lower 5500 RPM, it delivers a superior torque of 29.5 Nm at just 3000 RPM, promising stronger initial acceleration. Both motorcycles are equipped with a 5-speed gearbox.
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Honda CB350 Vs Royal Enfield Classic 350: Hardware
The differences extend to their physical characteristics. The CB350 is built on a diamond-type frame and is the leaner of the two, with a kerb weight of 186 kg. It also boasts a longer wheelbase at 1441 mm and a slightly larger 15.2-litre fuel tank. The Classic 350 uses a twin downtube spine frame and weighs in at 195 kg, featuring a 13-litre fuel tank and a more compact 1390 mm wheelbase. For rider comfort, the Honda offers a slightly lower seat height at 800 mm compared to the Classic's 805 mm. Both bikes come standard with dual-channel ABS. The Honda sports a larger 310 mm front disc, while the Classic has a larger 270 mm rear disc.
