Honda Hness-based cafe racer likely to be launched soon

- India launch likely on 2 March, 2023

- Likely to be sold in two variants

- Will rival the likes of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and Jawa 42

Honda 2Wheelers India has announced that it will launch a new CB-series motorcycle in our market on 2 March, 2023. While the invite does not mention the name of this upcoming model, recent updates suggest that we could see the Hness CB350 and CB350RS-based café-racer motorcycles in our market later this week. These café-racer style motorcycles were recently showcased to dealers in India and leaked images from the event have revealed several details about these products.

Honda CB350 café-racer: Styling

The design, for starters, will be similar to the Honda Hness CB350 and the CB350RS. However, these new motorcycles will come with a bikini fairing and a rear cowl to give them the typical café-racer look. The Hness CB350-based café-racer will also use several chrome elements, while the CB350RS-derived model will be equipped with blacked-out parts. Apart from these difference, the two motorcycles will be distinguished through their respective colour options. The mechanical specifications, on the other hand, will be identical on both models.

Honda CB350 café-racer: Engine Specifications

These new café-racer-style products will use the same 348cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine as the standard Hness CB350 and CB350RS. Linked to a five-speed gearbox, this motor is tuned to deliver 20.8bhp at 5,500rpm and 30Nm of peak torque at 3,000rpm. Do note that these motorcycles will come with an OBD-2 sensor to comply with the newest norms.

Honda CB350 café-racer: Features and Hardware

The feature list of these new two-wheelers will be similar to the standard motorcycles as well with full-LED lighting and a semi-digital instrument cluster. We also expect to see Bluetooth connectivity on both vehicles. The safety net, similar to the standard Hness CB350 and CB350RS, shall comprise dual-channel ABS. The hardware, too, will most likely be identical to the standard models using telescopic front forks, twin rear springs and disc brakes on both wheels.

Honda CB350 café-racer: India launch and Price

As mentioned earlier, the launch is scheduled on 2 March, 2023. We expect the prices to be marginally higher than the respective standard versions of the motorcycles. The Hness CB350 is available from Rs 2 lakh, while the CB350RS is priced from Rs 2.05 lakh onwards. Once launched, these café-racer-style motorcycles will rival the likes of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and Jawa 42 in the Indian market.

Prices are ex-showroom, Delhi