Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has been vying for market share in the 350cc segment for some time now. As a result, the bike manufacturer rolled out the H'ness CB350 followed by the CB350RS in the domestic market. The firm, nevertheless, was still unable to challenge Royal Enfield's significant market dominance, which it achieved with the launch of popular models like the Classic 350 when it comes to this particular segment. In order to rival the Classic 350 and the Bullet 350, Honda launched the new CB350 in the country last week with an ex-showroom price tag of Rs 2 lakh. Having already compared the Classic 350 with the newly launched motorcycle in our previous article, we now look at how the 2023 CB350 stacks up against the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 in terms of performance, price, features, and more.
Also Read: Honda CB350 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350 Spec Comparison: Which One Should You Buy?
Royal Enfield Bullet 350 vs Honda CB350 Spec Comparison: Styling Highlights
Without a doubt, the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 is a stylish motorcycle with a classic aesthetic. The motorcycle's entire design is superbly complemented by every single visual element. The 2023 iteration of the model retains the previous-gen version's design language, including a single-piece seat, a circular headlight, a long exhaust, and curving body sections. It does, however, include a new fuel tank, a new taillight design, and a redesigned rear fender. Furthermore, the Bullet 350 lacks several contemporary styling features, such as all-LED lighting.
Speaking of the new Honda CB350, the bikemaker added a circular LED headlight while maintaining the iconic look of the CB350. A chrome bezel sits atop this unit in a few of the available colour schemes, while a matte finish is present in the others. Split seats, metal fenders, metallic front fork covers, and an all-LED lighting system (round LED headlamp, LED winkers, and LED tail lights) are some of the other design highlights of the 2023 CB350.
Royal Enfield Bullet 350 vs Honda CB350 Spec Comparison: Engine Specs
Underpinning the all-new Bullet 350 from the Royal Enfield stable is the J-platform architecture, which is also compatible with the Classic Reborn, Hunter 350, and the Meteor 350. A 349cc air/oil-cooled single-cylinder J-series engine powers the 2023 model. This unit is capable of producing 20bhp of maximum power at 6,100rpm and 27Nm of peak torque at 4,000rpm, respectively. There is a five-speed gearbox that transfers power to the wheel.
On the other hand, the CB350 is propelled by a 348cc air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder PGM-FI engine that can produce up to 20.8bhp at 5,500rpm and 29.4Nm of torque at 3,000rpm. The motor is paired to a five-speed gearbox and is housed in a double-cradle frame.
Royal Enfield Bullet 350 vs Honda CB350 Spec Comparison: Features
Similar to the Classic 350, the 2023 Bullet 350 has a brief set of features that includes disc brakes on both the front and rear, electric start, ABS, a brand-new instrument cluster having a fuel gauge, trip meter, eco-indicator, odometer, and an analogue speedometer. In addition, there's a small digital screen that shows service alerts. All versions are equipped with a standard USB charging port located beneath the handlebar. An optional tripper navigation system is also present.
Meanwhile, the new CB350 comes with a comparatively more extensive set of features such as Bluetooth connectivity, dual channel ABS, Honda Smart Phone Voice Control System (HSVCS), a USB charging outlet, an emergency stop signal, all-LED lighting, a digital-analogue instrument cluster, hazard lamps, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), and an assist and slipper clutch, among other electronic aids.
Royal Enfield Bullet 350 vs Honda CB350 Spec Comparison: Hardware
On the hardware front, twin shock absorbers are located at the back of the Royal Enfield Bullet 350, while telescopic suspension is present at the front. Moreover, a 270mm disc brake in the back and a 300mm disc brake up front are responsible for providing braking power (153mm drum brakes are used in single-channel ABS versions).
The pressurised nitrogen-charged rear suspension and telescopic front forks are two of the newly introduced CB350's primary hardware components. Standard equipment includes dual-channel ABS and 310mm and 240mm discs are used for the front and rear brakes, respectively. These are fitted on alloy wheels with road-biased tyres.
Also Read: Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Gets New 'Wingman' Connected Vehicle Features, Check Details
Royal Enfield Bullet 350 vs Honda CB350 Spec Comparison: Variants and Price
The 2023 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 is available in three trim levels. The base model, decked out in Military Red and Military Black hues, costs Rs 1.74 lakh, while the mid-spec Standard Maroon and Standard Black models cost Rs 1.97 lakh, with the Black Gold colour scheme costing the most, at Rs 2.16 lakh.
The 2023 CB350 model is offered in both DLX and DLX PRO variants. Buyers can choose from five paint jobs - Precious Red Metallic, Pearl Igneous Black, Matte Crust Metallic, Matte Marshal Green Metallic, and Matte Dune Brown. In terms of pricing, the base model costs Rs 2 lakh, while the top-of-the-line CB350 variant retails for Rs 2.18 lakh. All mentioned prices are ex-showroom.
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