Honda H'ness CB350: Top Alternative Bikes To Consider
The Honda H'ness CB350 has carved a niche for itself in the modern classic motorcycle segment, offering a blend of retro styling, reliable performance, and a comfortable riding experience. However, it's not the only player in town! If you're considering the CB350, it's wise to explore other options that might better suit your specific needs and preferences. This article dives into some of the top alternative bikes to the Honda H'ness CB350, providing a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Royal Enfield Classic 350: The Undisputed King
When discussing alternatives to the Honda H'ness CB350, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 inevitably takes center stage. As the undisputed king of the modern classic segment in India, the Classic 350 boasts a massive fan following and a long-standing legacy. Its retro charm, characterized by its timeless design, signature thump, and comfortable riding posture, appeals to a wide range of riders. Let's delve deeper into why the Classic 350 remains a strong contender.
Design and Styling
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is steeped in history, with a design that harks back to the post-World War II era. Its round headlamp, teardrop-shaped fuel tank, and separate rider and pillion seats exude a vintage appeal that is hard to resist. While the H'ness CB350 also embraces retro styling, it leans towards a more modern interpretation, with sharper lines and a slightly more contemporary feel. The Classic 350, on the other hand, is unapologetically old-school, which is a major draw for many enthusiasts. The availability of numerous color options and customization possibilities further enhances its appeal, allowing riders to personalize their machines to reflect their individual tastes.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Classic 350 lies a 349cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque. While these figures might seem modest compared to some of its competitors, the Classic 350's engine is known for its smooth power delivery and torquey nature, making it ideal for relaxed cruising and city commutes. The signature thump of the exhaust is another defining characteristic that adds to the overall riding experience. While the H'ness CB350 offers a slightly more refined and powerful engine, the Classic 350's engine has a charm of its own, appealing to riders who appreciate a more traditional and characterful powerplant. The engine's simplicity also contributes to its reliability and ease of maintenance.
Ride and Handling
The Classic 350 is designed for comfortable cruising, with an upright riding posture and a well-padded seat. Its suspension setup, comprising telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear, provides a decent ride quality, absorbing bumps and undulations with ease. However, it's not the most agile motorcycle around, and its weight can be felt, especially at lower speeds. The H'ness CB350, with its lighter weight and more responsive handling, offers a slightly more engaging riding experience. However, the Classic 350's focus on comfort makes it a great choice for long rides and everyday commutes.
Price and Availability
One of the key factors contributing to the Classic 350's popularity is its competitive pricing. It is generally priced lower than the Honda H'ness CB350, making it a more accessible option for budget-conscious buyers. Furthermore, Royal Enfield's extensive service network and readily available spare parts make ownership a hassle-free experience. The Classic 350 is available in a wide range of variants and colors, catering to diverse preferences. Its widespread availability across India further solidifies its position as the top contender in the modern classic segment.
Jawa Forty Two: A Retro Roadster with a Modern Twist
The Jawa Forty Two is another compelling alternative to the Honda H'ness CB350, offering a unique blend of retro styling and modern features. This motorcycle pays homage to the iconic Jawa motorcycles of the past while incorporating contemporary design elements and technology. Let's explore the key aspects of the Jawa Forty Two and how it stacks up against the H'ness CB350.
Design and Styling
The Jawa Forty Two sports a distinctive design that sets it apart from the crowd. Its offset fuel tank cap, wide handlebars, and matte finish options give it a unique and edgy look. While it retains some retro elements, such as the round headlamp and classic body lines, it also incorporates modern touches that appeal to younger riders. The Forty Two's design is more polarizing than the H'ness CB350's, with some riders loving its unconventional styling and others finding it less appealing. However, there's no denying that it stands out from the sea of retro-styled motorcycles.
Engine and Performance
The Jawa Forty Two is powered by a 293cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 27 bhp and 27.02 Nm of torque. This engine is more powerful than the Classic 350's engine and offers comparable performance to the H'ness CB350. The liquid-cooling ensures better thermal management, allowing for consistent performance even in demanding conditions. The engine is known for its peppy character and quick acceleration, making it a fun bike to ride in the city and on the open road. The exhaust note is also distinctive, adding to the overall riding experience.
Ride and Handling
The Jawa Forty Two offers a sporty riding experience, with a slightly more aggressive riding posture compared to the H'ness CB350 and the Classic 350. Its suspension setup, comprising telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear, is tuned for a firmer ride, providing better handling and stability. The Forty Two feels more agile and responsive than the Classic 350, making it a more engaging bike to ride on twisty roads. However, the firmer ride might not be as comfortable for long rides as the H'ness CB350 or the Classic 350.
Price and Availability
The Jawa Forty Two is priced competitively, placing it in the same ballpark as the Honda H'ness CB350. However, its availability might be limited compared to the Royal Enfield Classic 350, as Jawa has a smaller dealer network. Nevertheless, the Forty Two offers a unique package that appeals to riders looking for a retro-styled motorcycle with a modern twist and sporty performance. Its distinctive design and peppy engine make it a worthy alternative to the H'ness CB350.
Benelli Imperiale 400: A Traditional Italian Classic
The Benelli Imperiale 400 is another interesting alternative to the Honda H'ness CB350, offering a traditional Italian classic experience. This motorcycle draws inspiration from Benelli's motorcycles of the 1950s, featuring a classic design and a relaxed riding experience. Let's delve into the details of the Benelli Imperiale 400 and see how it compares to the H'ness CB350.
Design and Styling
The Benelli Imperiale 400 boasts a timeless design that harks back to the golden era of motorcycling. Its round headlamp, teardrop-shaped fuel tank, and split seats exude a vintage charm that is sure to turn heads. The attention to detail is evident in the chrome accents and the overall fit and finish of the motorcycle. While the H'ness CB350 also embraces retro styling, the Imperiale 400 takes a more purist approach, sticking closely to its classic roots. The Imperiale 400's design is understated yet elegant, appealing to riders who appreciate a classic and timeless aesthetic.
Engine and Performance
The Benelli Imperiale 400 is powered by a 374cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 21 bhp and 29 Nm of torque. This engine is known for its smooth power delivery and torquey nature, making it ideal for relaxed cruising and city commutes. The Imperiale 400's engine is comparable to the Classic 350's engine in terms of performance, offering a similar riding experience. While the H'ness CB350 offers a slightly more refined and powerful engine, the Imperiale 400's engine has a charm of its own, appealing to riders who appreciate a more traditional and characterful powerplant. The engine's simplicity also contributes to its reliability and ease of maintenance.
Ride and Handling
The Benelli Imperiale 400 is designed for comfortable cruising, with an upright riding posture and a well-padded seat. Its suspension setup, comprising telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear, provides a decent ride quality, absorbing bumps and undulations with ease. However, it's not the most agile motorcycle around, and its weight can be felt, especially at lower speeds. The H'ness CB350, with its lighter weight and more responsive handling, offers a slightly more engaging riding experience. However, the Imperiale 400's focus on comfort makes it a great choice for long rides and everyday commutes.
Price and Availability
The Benelli Imperiale 400 is priced competitively, placing it in the same ballpark as the Honda H'ness CB350 and the Royal Enfield Classic 350. However, its availability might be limited compared to the Classic 350, as Benelli has a smaller dealer network. Nevertheless, the Imperiale 400 offers a unique package that appeals to riders looking for a traditional Italian classic experience. Its timeless design and relaxed riding experience make it a worthy alternative to the H'ness CB350.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Bike for You
The Honda H'ness CB350 is a fantastic motorcycle, but it's not the only option in the modern classic segment. The Royal Enfield Classic 350, Jawa Forty Two, and Benelli Imperiale 400 all offer unique alternatives, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. When choosing the right bike for you, consider your individual needs, preferences, and budget. Do you prioritize retro styling, performance, comfort, or price? By carefully evaluating these factors and comparing the various options, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect motorcycle to suit your riding style.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to take each of them for a test ride. This will allow you to experience their handling, performance, and comfort firsthand. Talk to other owners, read reviews, and do your research before making a final decision. With careful consideration, you can find the perfect modern classic motorcycle to enjoy for years to come. Happy riding, guys!
