Honda CB350 Gets a New Name and Fresh Colours, But There’s a Catch: No Mechanical Changes This Time…

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has given its popular CB350 modern-classic motorcycle range a fresh update, but riders expecting a major mechanical overhaul may be disappointed.

The latest refresh brings new colour options across the CB350, CB350C and CB350RS, while the biggest naming change sees the familiar CB350 H’ness lose its ‘H’ness’ suffix and become simply the Honda CB350.

Beyond the updated paint schemes and revised naming, however, there are no major changes to the motorcycles themselves.

Honda has retained the existing engine, gearbox, braking hardware and technology package across the three models. The company has also not yet revealed the revised prices for the updated range, saying the pricing details will be announced separately.

The update comes at an interesting time for the Japanese two-wheeler giant. Honda unveiled several genuinely new products, including the CB500 and ADV160, alongside other models on the same day, making the CB350 refresh a relatively subtle update within a much larger product announcement.

Honda CB350 range gets new colours

The latest update is primarily focused on giving the three motorcycles a visual refresh.

Each model continues to maintain its own identity, with Honda introducing new paint schemes designed around the individual character of the bikes.

The CB350RS remains the sportier and more youthful-looking member of the family. It continues to feature its distinctive graphics, wider rear tyre and flatter handlebar positioned further forward compared with the other CB350 variants.

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The CB350C, meanwhile, continues with its retro-inspired styling. The new colour options are intended to complement the motorcycle’s classic appearance rather than dramatically alter its design language.

The standard CB350 sits somewhere between the two in terms of visual character. It retains its relatively contemporary styling and clear-lens tail-light design, giving it a different appearance from the more traditionally styled CB350C.

Why has Honda dropped the ‘H’ness’ name?

The most noticeable change to the range is not related to the motorcycle’s engine or design — it is the name.

The motorcycle previously known as the CB350 H’ness will now be sold simply as the CB350.

The change brings the naming structure more closely in line with the rest of the range, which already includes the CB350C and CB350RS.

While Honda has not officially explained the reasoning behind the name change, the move could be viewed as an attempt to simplify the company’s CB350 family and create a more consistent naming strategy.

It also comes at a time when Honda is expanding its motorcycle portfolio with several new products, suggesting that the company may be looking to streamline the way its models are positioned in the market.

For existing Honda fans, however, the change is unlikely to affect the motorcycle itself. Underneath the revised badge, the CB350 continues with the same mechanical package.

Same 348.6cc engine, same performance

There are no mechanical updates to the three motorcycles.

The Honda CB350, CB350C and CB350RS continue to use a 348.6cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine.

The motor produces 21hp of maximum power and 29.5Nm of peak torque, with power sent to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox.

That means buyers should not expect any performance boost or major change in riding characteristics with the refreshed models.

The existing feature list also continues unchanged.

Depending on the variant, the CB350 family offers features such as all-LED lighting, smartphone connectivity, traction control and dual-channel ABS.

Disc brakes are used at both ends, providing additional stopping power and safety for everyday riding.

CB350 vs CB350C vs CB350RS: What’s the difference?

Although the three motorcycles share the same basic mechanical platform, Honda has positioned each one towards a slightly different type of rider.

The standard CB350 offers a more contemporary take on the modern-classic formula and is likely to appeal to riders who want a clean, understated motorcycle.

The CB350C leans more heavily into retro styling, making it the choice for buyers who prefer a more traditional classic motorcycle appearance.

The CB350RS takes a sportier approach, with its distinctive graphics, wider rear tyre and more aggressive riding position giving it a more youthful character.

This allows Honda to cover multiple segments within the same 350cc platform without making significant mechanical changes.

Pricing remains the missing piece

While Honda has confirmed the refresh, the company has not yet announced the new prices for the updated CB350 range.

The revised pricing is expected to be announced separately.

This will be an important detail for potential buyers, particularly because the motorcycles compete in one of India’s most closely contested mid-capacity motorcycle segments.

The CB350 range goes up against popular rivals such as the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and Royal Enfield Classic 350, both of which have built a strong presence among Indian motorcycle enthusiasts.

With no mechanical changes to the Honda motorcycles, the final pricing could play an even bigger role in determining how attractive the refreshed models are to buyers.

A small refresh in a bigger Honda product push

The CB350 update may not be a revolutionary one, but it does indicate that Honda is continuing to keep its modern-classic motorcycle portfolio fresh.

The new colours give buyers additional choices, while the removal of the ‘H’ness’ suffix simplifies the naming of the standard model.

However, the absence of mechanical upgrades means the core CB350 experience remains exactly where it was.

For riders waiting to buy one of these motorcycles, the next big question is now pricing.

Until Honda reveals the updated price list, it may be wise for buyers to wait before making a final decision. The CB350 family still has plenty going for it, including its classic styling, refined engine and modern features, but its value proposition will ultimately depend on where Honda positions the refreshed models against increasingly competitive rivals.

For now, the message from Honda is simple: new colours, a cleaner name — but the same CB350 underneath.