After a dozen spy images and months of speculations, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 was finally launched in India. And the replacement to the Thunderbird faces stiff competition from the Honda H’ness CB 350 which was also introduced recently. So without further ado, let’s figure out how the two motorcycles compare with each other on paper.
Pricing
Now, Honda is offering the H’ness CB 350 in two variants- DLX and DLX Pro get different colours and slightly different features. While the DLX variant is priced at Rs 1.85 lakh, the DLX Pro costs Rs 1.90 lakh.
On the other hand, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is available in three variants- Fireball, Stellar an Supernova. The entry-level Fireball costs nearly Rs 1.76 lakh, the Stellar is priced at Rs 1.81 lakh and the Supernova will cost you around Rs 1.91 lakh. These variants not only get different colours to set them apart but also different accessories that enhance touring abilities (all prices ex-showroom).
Availability
You can find the Meteor 350 at all Royal Enfield showrooms across India. However, Honda has taken a different approach by offering the H’ness CB350 only through its premium Big Wing showrooms that are few in numbers in the country. While this positions the CB350 as a higher product in terms of buying experience, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 clearly has a massive advantage here.
Features
In this day and age, features are a major buying factor for consumers. So, let’s begin with the Honda H’ness CB350’s list. For starters, the CB 350 gets full-LED lighting for the headlamp, tail lamp as well as turn indicators.
In comparison, Royal Enfield has equipped the Meteor 350 with an LED DRL and an LED tail lamp while the headlamp and turn indicators come with conventional lighting.
Then there is the Bluetooth-enabled instrument display on the Honda H’ness CB 350. This gives access to music control, navigation, phone calls as well as message alerts. And the top-spec DLX Pro variant even offers a voice control system. Besides this, the CB 350’s unit also displays real-time fuel-efficiency, gear position, clock, distance to empty, and battery voltage.
The Meteor 350’s LCD instrument cluster provides information like gear position, fuel-gauge and clock apart from trip meters and a service due-indicator. And while the secondary display is Bluetooth-enabled, it only features a navigation system which feels under-equipped compared to the host of features the Honda H’ness CB 350’s unit offers. To top it all, the CB 350 is also kitted with the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) usually found on the brand’s big bikes.
Engine
Coming to the heart of the matter, both motorcycles are built on a double-cradle frame with similar displacement engines. The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 uses a 349cc, single-cylinder engine that churns out 20.2bhp at 6,100rpm and 27Nm at 4,000rpm.
Meanwhile, the Honda H’ness CB350 is powered by a 348cc, single-cylinder, motor that produces 20.5bhp at 5,500rpm and 30Nm at 3,000rpm. Both motorcycle engines come paired to a five-speed gearbox but the Honda further benefits from a slipper clutch as standard.
Suspension and braking
The Honda H’ness CB350 rides on a 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel shod with 100/90 tyre for the front and 130/70 tyre at the rear. And the Royal Meteor 350 uses a 19-inch front with 100/90 section tyre upfront and 17-inch rear wheel with 140/70 tyre at the rear.
Braking on the Honda is carried out by a 310mm disc upfront and 240mm disc at the rear. Meanwhile, the Meteor uses a 300mm disc for the front and a 270mm disc at the rear. Both setups are accompanied by dual-channel ABS. As for suspension duties, both motorcycles use telescopic forks upfront and dual shocks at the rear.
