Honda Bikes

From Sales Experience to Service, CB350 is setting new standards
Honda H’Ness CB350 rivals the likes of Royal Enfield Classic, Meteor 350 and Benelli Imperiale 400

Honda H’Ness CB350 has managed to woo a considerable size of audience and this can be established by its sales volume. Within its first twenty days of commencement of deliveries, Honda has retailed 1,000 units of the mid-segment retro motorcycle.
Given its limited availability across the country, this is fairly a large number. As we all know, H’Ness CB350 is retailed only through Honda’s premium dealership chain BigWing. Also considering it is a brand new product in a segment clearly dominated by Royal Enfield, the CB350 seems to have pulled the trick.
The Japanese brand has also revealed that demand for this bike has also spread to Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities as well. Making its global debut in late September this year, this modern classic motorcycle has its genes from the brand’s legendary CB series of the 1970s. The CB350 has been developed with nine patent applications and five first-in-segment features.
Features on offer
Speaking of its features, it boasts of a long equipment list which includes full-LED lighting, a digital-analogue instrument cluster, contemporary and easy to use switchgear, engine start/stop switch, hazard switch, Honda traction control, Honda Smartphone Voice Control System and more.
Honda CB350 First Service. Image – Abhinav Bhatt
Coming to its dynamics, the CB350 is based on a half-duplex cradle chassis that rides on conventional telescopic forks at front and twin hydraulic shock absorbers at rear. Anchoring duties are handled by a 310 mm single hydraulic disc on the front and a single 240 mm disc at the rear. This is assisted by dual-channel ABS as standard. The bike rolls on 19-inch alloy wheels at front and 18-inch wheels at rear.
In terms of powertrain, it draws its power from a 348.36cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled long-stroke engine which delivers an output of 20.8 bhp and 30 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox which comes with a slipper clutch and assist. Honda has emphasized on low-end torque in this engine which makes this motorcycle easy to ride in city commutes.
Best in Class Experience
Be it visiting their showroom, or the buying experience – Honda has managed to deliver best in class experience in the segment. No other OEM offers a 350cc segment machine in such an extravagant manner. From its large showrooms to well trained staff; even the after sales and service experience is much better than rivals.
Reacting on this development, Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director – Sales & Marketing said, “Customers belonging to a wide spectrum of age group starting from 18 years to 70 years have made H’Ness CB350 as their first choice. We are proud that even with our limited BigWing network, we have been able to achieve this milestone of 1000 customer deliveries in such a short period of time.”
Honda H’Ness CB350 is offered in two variants- DLX and DLX Pro which come in three mono-tone colour options on the former and three dual-tone paint options on the latter. The base trim has been priced at Rs 1.85 lakh and the top-end trim is offered at Rs 1.90 lakh (ex-showroom). More

Honda CB350 Cafe Racer – Render
Japanese two-wheeler brand Honda is planning to explore other segments based on H’Nness CB350’s newly developed platform

Honda made inroads into the premium cruiser segment of motorcycles with the launch of H’Ness CB350 last month. Priced at Rs 1.85 lakh (ex-showroom), this retro motorcycle has mostly received positive reviews from all quarters and is being pitched as a worthy rival to Royal Enfield and Jawa prodigies.
While we can agree in unison that a retro classic body suits H’Ness CB350 in the best manner. However, Honda has spent hundreds of crores in development of this platform from scratch and would be looking to utilize it in other designs as well. Reports suggest, the Japanese automaker is planning to develop a cafe-racer based on this same architecture.
Alteration in design – CB350 Cafe Racer
A design render of CB350 turned into a modern cafe-racer has been doing rounds on the internet. Rendered by SRK Designs, the design artist only had to make slight alterations to make this look like a proper cafe racer.
The overall stance of the bike in the rendering has become much sportier thanks to the clip-on handlebars which provides a more aggressive forward-biased riding position typical of a cafe-racer. However, it is doesn’t seem to be overly demanding since footpegs remain in their original position.
The handlebar gets classic silver bar-end mirrors on either side and blacked-out shock absorbers. The fuel tank has been redesigned which can incorporate the rider’s legs in a forward set riding position. New body graphics on the fuel tank also enhance the cafe-racer looks and go well with the motorcycle’s character. The major update can be noticed in the seat where the designer has replaced the stock seat with a cafe racer-style single-piece one which features a seat cowl.
At rear, the grab handles have been removed, although that might not be the case in the production-spec model where it is mandatory to install grab handles for the pillion. Side panels sport ‘Cafe-Racer’ decals which enhances the sportiness of the retro motorcycle.
It continues to receive classic designing elements such as round headlamps, round taillamps, round LED turn indicators, chrome-finished front and rear fender and engine with chrome garnish and exhaust. Other notable finish visual highlights include semi-digital instrument cluster and alloy wheels with tubeless tyres.
Specs
H’Ness CB350 is based on a new half-duplex architecture which has been specifically developed for the Indian market. This frame also provides versatility to incorporate it in many other forms and a cafe-racer seems to be the appropriate match. CB350 is powered by a new single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected motor which generates 20.8 bhp and 30 Nm of peak torque. This unit is paired with a 5-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch and assist.
Expected Launch
If this proposed render does go into production it will be positioned as an entry-level cafe-racer and an affordable alternative to Royal Enfield Continental GT 650. It is expected to be pegged at a competitive price of Rs 2.2 lakh (ex-showroom). This bike is expected to come out at the end of next year or 2022.
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Honda NX 125
The Honda NX125 gets dual LED headlamps, front disc and alloy wheels

The Honda NX125 automatic scooter has been launched in China to cater to the entry level two wheeler market. The urban runabout now looks much sharper and sportier than most of its contemporaries. More international markets are set to receive the updated scooter but we don’t expect it to make it to our shores.
2021 Honda NX125
The new NX125 wears a properly urban bodywork with multi-layered front apron with sharp edges, angular peeled-up LED headlamps, generously proportioned seat and a heavily contoured engine cover. The dual-tone color theme goes very well with the overall styling. The NX125’s updated styling reminds us of the Honda Grazia in more ways than one but the Indian-spec scooter feels watered down in comparison.

The 2021 Honda NX125 comes with decent under seat storage space in addition to a pair of cubby holes on the front apron. As far as equipment list is concerned, the facelifted scooter offers a fully digital instrument console, USB charger, LED headlamps and so on.
Powertrain and specifications
Powering the China-spec 2021 Honda NX125 is an air-cooled fuel-injected engine which is not very different from the one employed by the India-spec Grazia. The 125 cc motor is rated at 8.7 hp and 9.7 Nm of torque. Of course, the transmission is a CVT.

The NX125 is equipped with telescopic front forks, rear monoshock and sits on 12-inch front and 10-inch rear wheels. Braking system is composed of a front disc and a rear drum unit, both governed by cost-effective combi-braking system.
Despite its imposing looks, the automatic scooter weights a reasonably light 106 kg. The fuel tank has a capacity of 6 liters. The scooter is priced at 9,580 yuan (around INR 1.07 lakh).

Automatic scooter segment in India
Not long ago, the 125 cc automatic scooter segment in India was considered to be premium but the BS6 emission regulations have transformed it into a mass market segment. This space in India is currently populated by Honda’s Grazia and Activa 125, TVS Ntorq, Aprilia Storm 125, Suzuki Access 125, the Vespa range and the Yamaha scooter range which includes RayZR and Fascino.
It is not just the 125 cc scooters that are witnessing increased demand. The country is also starting to embrace fully electric scooters as evident from strong starts of several brands. From established OEMs like Bajaj and TVS to startups like Ather, Ampere and BGauss, things are moving pretty fast in this space.
With increased importance for private mode of transport in the current times, we expect automatic scooters to widen their market share in our country. More

Digital Render
Currently, Hero Xpulse 200 is the most affordable adventure tourer bike in India and Honda will be looking to disrupt this segment of entry-level ADVs in India

Adventure motorcycles are the next big thing in the Indian automotive market. Gauging by the segment’s immense popularity over the past couple of years, every two-wheeler brand now wants to have an adventure bike in its product profile.
Sometime earlier we had reported that Honda is developing an entry-level ADV bike based on the CRF250L Rally motorcycle. It will reportedly be rebranded to Africa Twin moniker and will be retailed as an entry-level model in the ADV range. However, that bike is most likely for international markets and not for India.
But there is good news for Honda fans in India. Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) is planning to develop an all-new adventure motorcycle based on the recently launched Hornet 2.0. It is speculated that this new adventure tourer could utilise the naked roadster’s new platform.
In a recent interaction with CarAndBike, Atsushi Ogata, President, CEO and MD, HMSI, confirmed this development. During this interaction, Ogata stated to exploring other options on both newly launched platforms of Hornet 2.0 and H’Ness CB350.
250cc Honda Africa Twin Render
One of the possibilities is the entry-level ADV based on Hornet 2.0’s architecture. During this discussion, Ogata did mention the CRF in a passing comment. From this discussion, it is clear that Honda is willing to expand its range of ADVs.
Expected Details
We can expect the design of this new bike to be in line with the Hornet 2.0. It will most likely be the same thing what KTM has done with their Duke and ADV range. That said the engine is expected to be the same as the one offered in Hornet 2.0. Its 184.4cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected motor is capable of pushing out 17 bhp of maximum power and 16.1 Nm of peak torque.
It will be fair enough for Honda since it has invested a lot in developing an all-new platform for Hornet 2.0 and would be feasible for the company to utilise it in developing other new products. As of now, there are very little details as to how or when we can see this bike in our market but judging by the conversation, it seems like Honda is still in planning stages and it would take years to finally hit the roads.
But one can never be sure with Honda. Out of the blue there will be a launch announcement, and before you know it, owners are posting video reviews of the new Honda Hornet 185cc Adv Motorcycle. We have already seen how efficient they are in hiding their upcoming projects before the actual launch – CB350 is one such example.
Expected Availability
This Honda ADV will be made in India from locally sourced components to keep the cost in check and will be retailed through its regular chain of dealerships. If plans do materialise then this new ADV from Honda will be the first real competitor to Hero Xpulse 200.
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New Honda Activa 6G
Honda 2Wheelers India reports YoY sales growth for 3rd month

Honda domestic sales is just shy of 5 lakh units at 4,94,459 units. Volume gain is reported at 6,640 units, up from 4,87,819 units at 1.36 percent growth. Domestic sales accounts for 93.79 percent of total sales. Exports grew to 32,721 units at 8.98 percent growth. Volume gain is reported at 2,695 units, up from 30,026 units. Total sales is reported at 5,27,180 units, up 1.8 percent from 5,17,845 units.
MoM domestic sales fell by 1.28 percent. Sales has dipped from 5,00,887 units at volume decline of 6,428 units. Exports gained 25.96 percent up from 25,978 units. Total MoM sales gain is minimal at .06 percent up from 5,26,865 units.
Honda Two Wheeler Sales Oct 2020 vs Oct 2019 vs Sep 2020
Looking Forward To Q4 2020
With sales in October 2020 being a strong tailwind for most manufacturers, sales momentum has been noteworthy. This bodes well as the industry goes into Q4 2020 on the back of a weak start to FY21 on account of nationwide lockdown owing to Covid-19 pandemic. While a sudden standstill threw processes off-track, recovery now has been phenomenal. Of course this won’t be enough to recuperate losses incurred a few months earlier, it will help post a strong quarter to end 2020.
While sales momentum was expected, it seems the industry for the most part has bounced back much better than some of the stifled expectations discussed earlier. HMSI covets precious podium spot and has been sitting pretty at number two for years now. Through October 2020, it continues to do so. As expected, HMSI’s strong march forward is propelled for the most part by the ever popular Honda Activa scooter.
Interestingly, though Honda two-wheeler sales are obstinately strong, it still has always been difficult for the manufacturer to catch up with Hero MotoCorp’s sales. Both manufacturers function as strong protagonists of the industry, and foster and nurture the nation’s strong reputation as being a larger the life two-wheeler market. On any given month, cumulative sales from the top two manufacturers could hover around the 10 lakh mark. Interestingly, the two close competitors don’t really compete too closely across segments.
Personal vehicle purchases
Hero MotoCorp gallops forward basis its Splendor, and Honda sales is furthered by its Activa scooter. Current sales growth spurt at present is getting a shot in the arm through a cascading sentiment that’s tipping people’s decision making towards two-wheeler purchases. Need for a personal commute option is now paramount as more folks are cognisant about maintaining safe distancing.
Public transport options though resumed on most routes doesn’t comes with the guarantee of safe distancing, meaning more or more people would rather have a bike. A range of finance options too is ensuring ease of purchase. Business resumption has meant the supply chain and logistics is now uninterrupted.
Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Ending October, nearly 100% of our network is opened and charged up post recording YOY increase in retails during the first 2D’s of festival (Durga Puja and Dussehra). Riding into the festive season on a high note, our newly launched H’ness-CB350 has garnered great response in a short span of time. In less than 1 month of start of sales of our debut 350ccc mid-size motorcycle, our production is booked till November, even as new bookings continue to rise.” More

Image – Abhinav Bhatt
The Honda CB350 is the most affordable product in the company’s BigWing lineup – Is the service cost affordable?

Honda BigWing, the premium motorcycle outlet network of the Japanese brand, has commenced deliveries of the much hyped H’ness 350 retro-classic motorcycle a few days ago and one of the first customers managed to clock a little over 700 km in 8 days and logged his experience through a video.
Honda CB350 first service cost
Service and Maintenance costs are among the major factors which buyers take into consideration before purchasing a new car or a bike. Royal Enfield Classic 350’s low service cost has been a major factor that has helped the bike become a leader in the segment. Honda CB350 has managed to match the Royal Enfield in terms of looks / design, beaten in terms of power / torque. But will the CB350 manage to beat RE Classic 350 in terms of service and maintenance costs?
The Honda CB350’s first free service is scheduled at 1,000 km, and as expect, the motorcycle was subjected to regular inspections and consumables change. It is to be noted that the CB350 can be serviced only at Honda BigWing centers of which there are only a handful in India at the moment. However, given the volume potential the most affordable Honda premium bike, the company would be expanding the presence of its BigWing outlets briskly.
Coming back to the first service, the motorcycle received new engine oil (Idemitsu 10W30) which is priced at INR 1,066 for 2 liters, a new oil filter which is priced at around INR 63.55, O-ring for 103.92 and a washer for 3.12. Honda does not charge the customer for labor and washing during the free service. Below is the detailed video by Abhinav Bhatt explaining the first service of Honda CB350.
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Since the motorcycle is equipped with a maintenance-free viscous air-filter, it does not require regular cleaning but needs to be replaced once in 18,000 km. Honda CB350 first service cost stands at Rs 1,469 including all taxes. In comparison, cost of Royal Enfield Classic 350 first service is about Rs 1,300.
Honda CB350 First Service Cost is under Rs 1,500
Honda CB350 Free Services
Honda offers three free services for the CB350 and this means you only pay for the consumables and not labor. The second free service is scheduled at 6,000 km or 6 months while the third and last free service is scheduled at 12,000 km or 1 year. The roadster has a service interval of 6,000 km. Once the free services are lapsed, Honda BigWing stores will be charging around INR 700 as labor charge in addition the prices of consumables.
Honda Service Quality
The Honda BigWing outlets have been handling only low volume sportsbikes so far but with the CB350, the premium service centers are expected to have a significant increase in the quantum of business. The Honda CB350 is expected to force most of the BigWing stores to expand their service capacities.
The Honda CB350 first service video by the customer shows that the technicians paid good attention to detail by checking the fasteners, adjusting the clutch lever and throttle for play, calibrating the chain slack and checking the tyre pressures. The customer who was recording the whole process from the comfort of the owners’ lounge was left impressed by the quality of work Honda BigWing’s service personnel displayed.
This is a far better service experience than given by Royal Enfield. But we also have to consider that this was the first Honda CB350 that had come for service. Will Honda manage to maintain similar levels of checks and maintenance once sales and service outlets increase; only time will tell. For now, it seems Honda has come all prepared to offer some serious competition to RE; who has enjoyed a near monopoly for years in this segment. More