Honda brings back the CB350, but not for the U.S.

This air-cooled throwback looks to merge the legendary CB350s of motorcycling’s golden era with Honda’s current tech and design language. I think they nailed the styling. Just don’t get too excited about this bike until after we talk performance and intended markets.

With the H’ness, Honda’s biggest departure from CB350 tradition is surely the single-cylinder engine, rather than the famed 325.6 cc parallel twin. India’s buyers probably won’t be as sensitive to this change as the U.S. market would be, and the move to one cylinder means Honda can push their prices down as they face Royal Enfield, Jawa, and other classic standard manufacturers, who mostly deal in single-cylinder bikes.

The H’ness gets a balancer to deal with vibrations as it pumps out 21 horsepower, pushing a kerb weight of 399 pounds. A classic CB350 makes 36 horsepower and weighs in at 375 pounds. I’m betting the power drop comes from a) the move to a single cylinder, b) tough Indian emissions standards, and c) an understressed powerplant that prioritizes longevity over all-out performance. After all, this motorcycle is designed specifically for sale in India — not that such bikes can’t come here unexpectedly.

Those of you who fondly remember the original CB350 won’t find its spiritual successor in the H’ness engine, handsome and air-cooled as it is. The new bike does advance Honda’s traditional CB look, last seen in the CB1100, more than it follows the Neo Sports Cafe styling of the CB300R and its older brothers, which tells me that Honda still sees a place for retro CB homages.

The H’ness channels the original CB350s with its round headlight, chromed parts, half-duplex frame, twin shocks, and round speedometer and dash, although the original CB had two gauges. Check out that four-gallon tank — 3D tank badges are back, baby. Deviations begin with 19-inch and 18-inch cast wheels, tubeless tires, and a box swingarm, plus fully modern touches like LED lighting, two-channel ABS, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), an assist and slipper clutch, and even smartphone connectivity for the upspec model. All bikes will be built at Honda’s new factory in Haryana, India.

The H’Ness CB 350 is Honda’s answer to competitors like the Jawa Perak, the Royal Enfield 350s, and other standards built to appeal to enthusiasts in the world’s largest motorcycle market. Rumor has it that Triumph is also looking to join the party, perhaps at the seat Harley just vacated. I couldn’t find any plans to send the H’ness CB350 to markets outside India, let alone the United States. The bikes will sell for the equivalent of about U.S. $2,600 to $2,900, depending on trim.