[payeng]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Without it - it surely feels like a baby CB

I differ.

The wae the Engine casings and Fins have been designed, it doesn't look like a bike inspired by the CB UJM range, but ratther mimicking a model that has turned around the fortunes of a company

[adityak7]

Originally Posted by shortbread

+1
The likes of Benelli, Jawa on the other hand will struggle to compete with Honda's massive network, marketing prowess and brand presence. Expecting some decent discounts/offers to come up from Benelli and Jawa.

I think this bike is launched through the Honda BigWing network which has like 23 showrooms across India. In my experience with the CB300R, even for service, we would have to visit the BigWing service centers and the normal Honda service centers wouldn't take in our bikes. That severely comprises the reach of the Honda network. Imagine having one showroom/service center for the entire state of Karnataka as compared to RE which has showrooms even in tier 2 towns and private FNGs at every nook and corner of the country.

[neil.jericho]

Excellent move by Honda, I honestly thought they might price is above Rs 2 L but the Rs 1.99L price tag is a very good surprise indeed. This model bodes well for their Big Wing investments and impending push into the premium segment of the market.

The game is well and truly on!

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Without it - it surely feels like a baby CB. In fact, Honda should launch the CB1100 as a CBU unit and keep it in showrooms and remind everyone of this connection. Something RE can never attempt to match.

This had originally worked for them with the VFR styling of the old CBR 250F.

I think the CB1100 is not Euro 5 / BS6 compliant but once it is, Honda should definitely display it in the showrooms and sell it in India. I still remember seeing the big old VFR in Honda dealerships in Bangalore.

[Geo_Ipe]

Wow! That was a very well kept secret by Honda. 350 cc retro bike at 1.99L - awesome pricing by Honda. Even if it doesn't bite into the Classic's pie, Thunderbird / Meteor will definitely get affected by this.

Official brochure is out:




















Attaching the PDF as well:

[ash22]

Looks Fab.Glad they didn't bring the rebel to India.Honda planned and executed it well.

Honda's smooth engine and reliability will pull customers for this CB350.
The name "CB350" is a direct hit to RE since their models also have this 350 badging.At 1.9L it is a good alternative to the RE350.

Its high time Classic legends re-work the strategy and come up with new plans for Jawa range.





This color combo looks rich!

[surjaonwheelz]

Honda rode the Meteor wave, build up curiosity and launched the CB350. They've matched the specifications and even bettered some. I don't think the Meteor will come with a slip-assist clutch and traction control. Looks good, should be better in flesh.

All those who complained about RE have an option now. Also those who were skeptical about RE's reliability have a safe bet and little chrome to polish!

But how many of such buyers exist, only time will tell. RE Standard/Classic buyers are divided, so much so that some may not even know such a bike exists, your h'ness!

I feel sorry for Jawa, Jawa42 and Beneli Imperiale prospects. I'm sure Honda will deliver this time and not wrap off like they did with the CB300R.

All in all good for the riders, better late then never, Honda!

[venkikewl]

is the official booking opened for this bike. Also what if Honda Bigwing showroom is not present in the city where I stay ..

@People of Hyderabad...do we have a Bigwing showroom in hyd....i don't see it listed in their website.

[Nithesh_M]

Originally Posted by Grease_Monkey

- The engine power and torque numbers are bang on RE350 territory. Why didn't Honda go for more power, and possibly oil/ liquid cooling?

A 500 cc+ twin with oil / liquid cooling, 6 speed gearbox, <200 kgs and decent ergos is what the need of the hour. When will Honda wake up!

If you saw the presentation there were 4 models in the future launch timeline. 2 of them were cruisers of which the 350 has arrived. The other one is probably a larger capacity >500cc cruiser. There is a CB500X in there aswell as the CB650R.

A lot of RE purists cringed when the 650 Interceptor arrived because they missed the dug dug exhaust note they craved for. This one has a decent note for their acquired taste and may lure old RE loyalists towards Honda while RE is trying to add new customers themselves.

But with limited Bigbike dealer network this will replicate what the Thar does in 4 wheel category and pander to niche buyers.

[tchsvy]

Originally Posted by venkikewl

@People of Hyderabad...do we have a Bigwing showroom in hyd....i don't see it listed in their website.

I believe JSP Automative, SR Nagar is the Big Wing dealer for TS region.

[NH08]

A look at CB350 (I prefer CB350 rather than H'ness).

https://www.facebook.com/HondaBigWin...7275447349795/

The red colour looks great, it is metallic and it is one tone.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

So the H'ness is only available from BigWing dealers?

Isn't that a serious handicap? Even major cities like Bangalore got one only last week - most states don't have any!

[Nithesh_M]

Unfortunately a lot of CBR250R owners threw a fit of rage when they saw their bikes being serviced alongside Activas and Unicorns. Honda tried to temporarily solve this by creating separate service bays or cabins for CBRs. Owners were not happy and now Honda has decided to launch bikes bigger than 250cc at Bigwing dealerships only.

This solves the above problem for owners but also means Bigwing dealerships don't have to wait for small number of big bikes to keep their business running. This also helps Honda keep service costs lower than rivals as more models will be added to their limited network.

Some of them will be also available at Silverwing dealership.

[NH08]

Is there any Bigwing dealership in Delhi?

It seems the Bigwing site does not indicate the dealer locations.

[RSR]

Bravo, Honda, Bravo!!!

Man! I've always been a big fan of the simple, classic look of UJMs and have wondered why none of the Japanese 'Big Four' have launched one in India in recent times. Honda have now taken the plunge!

Originally Posted by RSR

With that kind of thump, it's crystal clear that they're targeting customers who're looking at a Royal Enfield. Don't know if it's going to be the Rebel as it has a different exhaust note.

Every other manufacturer badly wants to grab a chunk of the pie that RE has made its own. Anyway, more the competition, that better it is for the customer!

Just as expected! Honda have gone straight for the RE bikes, with 19" front & 18" rear wheels, round headlamp and round lamps in general, a ~ 350cc engine, 20 PS peak power, peak torque low in the rev range and of course, that characteristic thump.

Dual channel ABS and traction control (if that's what HSTC really is) are very welcome features, as is smartphone connectivity!

For those who've always wanted a Royal Enfield but could not live with one, this is one just for you!

[rajshenoy]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

So the H'ness is only available from BigWing dealers?

Isn't that a serious handicap? Even major cities like Bangalore got one only last week - most states don't have any!

I noticed only one VFM honda big wing dealership in their page and if i am not wrong, this is for entire Karnataka. While this is understandable for other siblings such as Goldwing, Africa twin etc, CB350 is just a mass market commuter cleverly disguised under big wing badge. I also wonder if the deliveries are going to even start in 2020 unless they scale up the dealerships and other touchpoints.

1.9L is such a stellar pricing, dated RE classic starts around 1.7L(for dual ABS) and the likes of Benneli, Jawa will soon be extinct !!
Really waiting for RE meteor 350 prices next. With all the additional features and a whole new platform, RE now has only a thin price band to play with.