Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India is set to launch a new 350cc adventure motorcycle or crossover motorcycle this year. The company plans to debut the bike, based on the H’ness and CB350 RS platform, in India by Diwali later in 2023.
Expected to compete with the likes of Hero XPulse 200, Royal Enfield Himalayan, and the Suzuki V-Strom SX, the bike will feature a tall stance, long travel suspension, high ground clearance, and switchable ABS.
While the project is still awaiting the green signal from the Japanese headquarters, it is anticipated that the motorcycle will come equipped with the same 350cc single-cylinder engine that delivers 21 BHP at 5500 RPM and 30 Nm of torque at 3000 RPM.
Despite some different tuning for the new motorcycle, the engine is expected to be mated to a 5-speed gearbox, and it is rumored that the new bike may take the shape of a cruiser. If Honda uses the basis of the H’ness to create a cruiser, the main frame and air-cooled 348cc single-cylinder engine are likely to remain the same. However, Honda may draw inspiration from its Rebel 300 cruiser sold overseas to offer more raked-out front suspension and a lower ride, typical of cruiser styling.
In a bid to compete with the Royal Enfield 350cc lineup, the expected price range for the new motorcycle is around Rs 2 lakh to 2.2 lakh mark (ex-showroom). Honda anticipates the bike to be available by November, but the launch may occur earlier in the festive season.