The 2026 Honda CB350 and Royal Enfield Classic 350 continue to compete in India's popular mid size motorcycle segment. Both models combine retro styling with modern mechanical and safety features, but they follow different approaches in terms of design, dimensions, engine output and equipment.
The Honda CB350 is available from around Rs 1.95 lakh ex showroom, while the Royal Enfield Classic 350 starts at Rs 1.87 lakh. This means the Classic 350 has a lower starting price than the Honda CB350. The exact price can vary according to the selected variant, colour and location. Royal Enfield's official India website currently lists the Classic 350 from Rs 1,87,434 in Delhi, while Honda's latest CB350 information places the starting price around the Rs 1.95 lakh mark.
Honda CB350 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350 Engine
The Honda CB350 uses a 348.36cc class single cylinder petrol engine. Current specification information lists an output of about 21.07 PS and 29.4 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a five speed manual gearbox. The motorcycle has an air cooled engine and fuel injection system.
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is powered by a 349cc single cylinder, four stroke, air oil cooled engine. It produces 20.2 bhp at 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine is paired with a five speed constant mesh gearbox. Royal Enfield also offers an assist and slipper clutch on the relevant variants.
On paper, the Honda has a slightly higher maximum power and torque output, while the Royal Enfield focuses on its J platform engine and traditional riding character. The actual riding experience can also be influenced by gearing, weight, engine tuning and chassis characteristics.
Dimensions and Weight
The two motorcycles have similar overall proportions but are not identical in size. The Honda CB350 measures 2,171 mm in length, 782 mm in width and 1,097 mm in height. The Royal Enfield Classic 350 measures 2,145 mm in length, 785 mm in width and 1,090 mm in height.
The Honda CB350 has a kerb weight of around 186 kg, while the Royal Enfield Classic 350 weighs 195 kg with fuel and oil. This makes the Classic 350 heavier by approximately 9 kg based on the listed specifications.
The Classic 350 has a wheelbase of 1,390 mm and ground clearance of 170 mm. Its seat height is listed at 805 mm. Honda's CB350 has a seat height of around 800 mm and ground clearance of approximately 165 mm according to current specification data.
Design and Styling
The Honda CB350 follows a modern interpretation of classic roadster styling. Its design includes a round headlamp, metal style bodywork and a relatively simple overall appearance. Honda has updated the CB350 range with fresh colour and styling elements for 2026 while retaining its core mechanical package.
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 has a more traditional retro design. Its styling is built around the long running Classic identity, with a rounded fuel tank, circular lighting elements and traditional roadster proportions. Royal Enfield currently offers the motorcycle in several colour and trim combinations, including the newly introduced Signature White edition.
Features and Technology
The Honda CB350 comes with modern equipment while retaining its classic appearance. Depending on the variant, buyers get features such as a digital and analogue instrument setup, Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone integration and Honda's connected functions. Safety equipment includes dual channel ABS.
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 also combines traditional styling with modern features. Its current equipment includes a gear position indicator, Tripper navigation on applicable variants, adjustable clutch and brake levers and a USB Type C charging port. The motorcycle also gets dual channel ABS on several variants.
Royal Enfield's official specifications state that the Classic 350 uses a 300 mm front disc brake and a 270 mm rear disc brake. The motorcycle is available with both spoke and alloy wheel configurations depending on the variant.
Suspension and Chassis
The Honda CB350 uses a roadster focused chassis and suspension setup designed for everyday riding. The motorcycle uses telescopic front suspension and twin rear shocks. Its overall dimensions and relatively lower weight are important differences when compared with the Classic 350.
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 uses a twin downtube spine frame. At the front, it gets 41 mm telescopic forks with 130 mm of travel. At the rear, twin tube emulsion shock absorbers with six step preload adjustment provide 90 mm of travel.
These differences mean that the two motorcycles may feel different despite being positioned in the same broad segment. The Classic 350's larger kerb weight and traditional chassis configuration contribute to its distinct road presence, while the Honda has a lower listed kerb weight.
Braking and Safety
Both motorcycles are equipped with ABS technology, but equipment varies according to the selected variant. The Honda CB350 is listed with dual channel ABS. The Classic 350 is offered with single channel ABS on its entry configuration and dual channel ABS on higher versions.
The Classic 350's braking system includes a 300 mm front disc and 270 mm rear disc. Royal Enfield also offers an assist and slipper clutch on the applicable variants, which is designed to reduce clutch effort and help manage rear wheel behaviour during aggressive downshifts.
Price Difference
At the entry level, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 has a price advantage over the Honda CB350. The Classic 350 starts at about Rs 1.87 lakh, while the Honda CB350 starts at approximately Rs 1.95 lakh. The difference is therefore around Rs 8,000 based on the starting figures.
However, the final price comparison depends on the specific variants being considered. Royal Enfield offers multiple Classic 350 trims with different equipment and prices, while Honda's CB350 range also has different versions. Buyers should therefore compare similarly equipped variants rather than looking only at the entry prices.
Honda CB350 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350 Specification Comparison
| SpecificationHonda CB350Royal Enfield Classic 350 | ||
| Starting price | Around Rs 1.95 lakh | Around Rs 1.87 lakh |
| Engine | 348.36cc class single cylinder | 349cc single cylinder |
| Maximum power | About 21.07 PS | 20.2 bhp |
| Maximum torque | About 29.4 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Gearbox | 5 speed | 5 speed |
| Kerb weight | About 186 kg | 195 kg |
| Seat height | About 800 mm | 805 mm |
| Ground clearance | About 165 mm | 170 mm |
| Fuel tank | About 15 litres | 13 litres |
| ABS | Dual channel | Variant dependent |
| Rear suspension | Twin shock absorbers | Twin shock absorbers |
| Braking | Disc brakes with ABS | Disc brakes with ABS |
The specifications above are based on currently listed manufacturer and market specification data and can vary according to variant.
Which Motorcycle Offers What
The Honda CB350 and Royal Enfield Classic 350 are aimed at buyers looking for motorcycles with retro styling and mid size engine capacity. The Honda offers a slightly higher stated power and torque output along with a lower listed kerb weight. The Classic 350 has a lower starting price and a broader range of trims and colour combinations.
The choice between the two can depend on factors such as budget, preferred styling, seating position, weight, features, service network and riding requirements. Price alone does not capture all of the differences because the equipment and specifications vary between individual variants.
The 2026 updates also show that both manufacturers are continuing to refresh their offerings in the 350cc segment. Honda has introduced updated CB350 variants with fresh styling and colours, while Royal Enfield continues to expand the Classic 350 range with additional colour options and editions.
For customers comparing these motorcycles, checking the latest ex showroom price in their city is important because registration, insurance and other charges are added to the final on road price. A test ride can also help buyers understand the differences in weight, riding position, engine response and comfort.