Honda Bikes

New Honda CB350RS
Expanding the CB range, Honda has added the sportier CB350RS in the Indian market

At a time when rival Royal Enfield has a lot more options for customers in 350cc segment, it’s an onerous task for CB350 to take on the giant on its own. Things could improve in the future, as CB350 gets company in the form of CB350RS.
Built on Road Sailing (RS) concept, CB350RS is essentially a sportier version of CB350 classic roadster. To understand each motorcycle’s capabilities, here’s a quick look at the key differences between Honda CB350 vs. CB350RS.
CB350 vs. CB350RS – Design
Based on the same platform, CB350RS does look similar to CB350. However, RS is a lot more stylish, as is evident in the headlamp ring, snazzy eye-shaped LED winkers, blacked-out components, sleek tuck and roll saddle, and underseat LED tail lamp. Other key changes in RS include fork boots on front suspension and sleek grab rail, which enhance the motorcycle’s sporty profile. Another differentiating factor for RS is its skid plate and wider tyres with block pattern.
Talking about colour options, CB350 is offered in three single tone and three dual-tone colour options. CB350 DLX variant is available in Precious Red Metallic, Matte Marshal Green Metallic and Pearl Night Star Black colour options. The DLX Pro variant is offered in dual-tone options of Matte Steel Black Metallic With Matte Massive Grey Metallic, Athletic Blue Metallic With Virtuous White and Pearl Night Star Black With Spear Silver Metallic.
New Honda CB350RS
In comparison, RS variant currently has only one single tone (Radiant Red Metallic) and one dual-tone (Black with Pearl Sports Yellow) colour option. It is possible that Honda may introduce new colours for RS variant at a later date based on market feedback.
CB350 vs. CB350RS – Features and powertrain
Both motorcycles share a range of features such as segment-first assist and slipper clutch, advanced digital analogue meter, and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). The instrument panel displays battery voltage, gear position, real time mileage, average mileage and distance to empty. Features like front and rear disc brakes, ABS, half-duplex cradle frame, suspension and side stand indicator with engine inhibitor are also the same.
However, RS variant misses out on Honda Smartphone Voice Control (HSVC), which is available with CB350 DLX Pro. HSVC enables pairing with user’s smartphone via Bluetooth. It can be used for accessing features like telephony, music, and turn-by-turn navigation. Honda also sells a special headset as an accessory that can be used with DLX Pro for managing smartphone via voice commands.
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Both motorcycles use the same 350cc single cylinder, air-cooled engine that generates 21 bhp power and 30 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
CB350 vs. CB350RS – Pricing
At Rs 1.96 lakh, CB350RS is a bit costlier. CB350 DLX and DLX Pro are priced at Rs 1,86,500 and Rs 1,92,500, respectively (ex-showroom, Delhi). More

2021 Honda Dio
Although its looks are completely different, the Japanese Dio is similar to its Indian counterpart in its engine specs

Honda Motorcycles and Scooters has launched the updated 2021 Dio in its home country. The scooter comes with a host of updates in terms of features as well as cosmetics. Even though it carries the same nomenclature, the Japanese model is in no way similar to the India-spec model.
Design
The major difference being the headlight which is mounted on its handlebar rather than its front apron is the case with the India-spec model. Its overall design is a nice blend of sporty looks and everyday practicality. It gets a wide and flat single-piece seat which looks comfortable for both the rider and pillion.
Components such as alloy wheels, exhaust muffler, footboard and tail section have been blackened out which give a sporty appeal to the scooter. In addition, it is offered in four different colour schemes including Matt Galaxy Black Metallic, Pearl Jasmine White, Descent Silver Metallic and Matt Stary Blue Metallic. The apron of the scooter receives LED DRLs instead of a headlight unit.
Features
In terms of features, Honda Dio comes with an analogue speedometer along with a digital MID in the instrument cluster. It receives an easy to read console and an immobilizer. The console reads out information such as fuel level, speed limit, distance to empty and other basic information.
2021 Honda Dio
The scooter can hold a bottle of 500ml which can be stored on the cubby hole placed at front. The company claims that the new Dio can easily fit a full-size helmet thanks to a large under-seat storage capacity of 18 litres. It also gets remote key feature.
However, at this price, Dio also misses out on a few features such as LED headlights and taillights, an external fuel filler cap and a USB charging port. Other than this, it looks like a fairly simple and everyday functional scooter.
Mechanical Specs
Mechanically, this version of Dio in Japan is very similar to its Indian counterpart carrying the same name. The Japan-spec model is also powered by a 110cc engine that makes 8.7 PS of power and 9 Nm of peak torque. Its hardware consists of a suspension setup of telescopic forks at front and a side-mounted single shock absorber at rear. Anchorage duties are handled by disc brake at front and a drum brake at rear.
In Japan, Honda retails Dio in a price range of JPY 2,23,000 (approximately INR 1.54 lakh) and JPY 2,20,00 (approximately INR 1.52 lakh). The Japanese auto giant has no plans of introducing this version of Dio to India. It currently focussed on launching a cafe racer or scrambler derivative of CB350 which will be called CB350RS. More

Honda CB350RS Teaser
Honda CB350 achieves 10k sales milestone – It comes just days before the launch of new variant of the classic roadster

Honda took its own sweet time to establish a proper presence in India’s medium displacement segment with a market-specific product. However, things are now moving at a brisk pace. The Honda CB350 retro classic roadster surpassed 10,000 unit milestone in a relatively short period even with limited number of BigWing outlets across the country. The milestone achievement comes just days ahead of the planned variant extension.
Honda CB350 sales
Since 21st October 2020 when the deliveries commenced, the CB350 has managed to clock 10,000 unit sales in just 3 months. Speaking about the motorcycle, Mr. Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd., revealed that there are order backlogs in several cities and the company is working at the backend to reduce the waiting period. He also added that Honda is in the process of expanding its BigWing premium motorcycle dealership network to more cities in the months to come.
While the sales figure is no where near what its primary rival, Royal Enfield Classic, has been managing on a monthly basis despite being at the end of its life cycle, the CB350 is certainly a bright prospect for Honda.
Honda CB350 RS launching soon
Honda recently teased what looks like a cafe racer variant of the CB350 which is to be launched in India on 16th of February. We learnt that the new motorcycle will be called the Honda CB350 RS. From what is already revealed, the new variant’s styling is in-line with the Japanese brand’s RS lineup of retro-classic motorcycles.
New Teaser of the Honda CB350RS reveals LED tail light, turn indicators, and yellow colour on fuel tank
The CB350 RS will be a sportier alternative to the regular model with black accents replacing chrome treatments, and a new taillight and empennage. We can also expect different colour themes and a slightly tweaked riding position (read new handlebars) to further differentiate it from regular CB350.
As far as specifications are concerned, we don’t expect to see any drastic changes. The 348 cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine developed specifically for our market will continue to power the motorcycle. In its current guise, the motor is good for 21 hp and 30 Nm of torque, and comes paired with a 5-speed transmission. We expect the Honda CB350 RS to have identical performance figures.
Outlook
The launch of new variant, increment in production capacity and expansion of BigWing dealership network would bring in significant incremental sales for Honda’s neo-classic platform. Given the popularity, we expect the company to dish out interesting variant extensions like cafe racer, scrambler, special editions, etc., at regular intervals.
With Royal Enfield gearing up to overhaul its widely acclaimed 350 cc portfolio with new exciting products, the competition in this space is set to get very intense in the short term. It is all good news for prospective customers. More

Image – Ayush SSM
Honda 2Wheelers India registered Double Digit growth in domestic markets in January 2021 – spurred by sales of the Activa Scooter

Honda 2Wheelers India has released their sales figures for Jan 2021. It may be noted that sales in domestic markets have increased 11.39 percent but exports dipped 30.13 percent. Total domestic sales in the past month had stood at 4,16,716 units, up 42,602 units as against 3,74,114 units sold in Jan 20. Exports on the other hand fell 8,825 units down to 20,467 units in Jan 21 as compared to 29,292 units exported in the same month of the previous year.
Honda 2Wheeler MoM Sales
Taking into account month on month sales, Honda also experienced positive domestic sales growth but lower exports. In December 20, domestic sales had stood at 2,42,046 units which increased by 1,74,670 units to 4,16,716 units in Jan 21, a percentage growth of 72.16.
Exports on the other hand fell marginally by 2.45 percent to 20,467 units in the past month as against 20,981 units sold in Dec 20. It was its outstanding performance in domestic markets that took MoM sales to 4,37,183 units in Jan 21, up 66.21 percent as against 2,63,027 units in Dec 20.
Major Contributors to Honda 2Wheeler Sales
The Honda Activa scooter was the best selling scooter not only for the company but is also India’s No.1 selling scooter brand. It has achieved the 2.5 crore unit mark and is the only scooter brand in India to achieve this target.
Honda 2Wheeler Sales Jan 2021
In January, Honda 2Wheeler India also introduced two new models – 2021 Africa Twin Adventure Sports and the Grazia Sports Edition. The Adventure Sports motorcycle is only retailed via the company’s premium BigWing Topline outlets and is priced at Rs.19.96 lakhs. It is presented in colour options of Darkness Black Metallic and Pearl Glare White Tricolour. The Grazia Sports Edition is a gearless scooter and offered in two colours of Pearl Nightstar Black and Sports Red and is priced at Rs.83,140.
In Jan 21, Honda also inaugurated 3 new BigWing showrooms in Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Ludhiana. This takes total to 5 Honda BigWing Topline for the company range of premium motorcycles starting 300cc and 15 Honda BigWing Outlets via which the company sells its 300-500cc mid-size premium motorcycle range.
The company also recently patented the 2021 Honda Grom 125 in India though there are no indications on if and when it will be launched in the country. In addition, they have also teased their upcoming new motorcycle, based on the CB350. It will launch on 16th Feb.
Increased Sales Expectations
With easing of lockdown regulations and schools, colleges and offices opening up and with the urgent need for personal means of transport, the company expects to see increase in sales. A new scrappage policy, as was announced in the Union Budget, is also set to come into effect which will further boost sales. More