Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has launched the Honda CB350C Special Edition in India, priced at ₹2.02 lakh (ex-showroom Bengaluru). Bookings have begun nationwide through Honda’s premium BigWing dealerships, with deliveries expected from the first week of October 2025.
The Special Edition represents a cosmetic upgrade over the existing CB350C line, with new graphics, colour schemes, and design elements. The move underlines Honda’s determination to strengthen its presence in India’s growing retro-style motorcycle market.
Price, Availability, and Market Position
The Special Edition has been introduced at ₹2,01,900–₹2,02,000, depending on the city. As reported by Autocar India, it now stands as the most expensive variant in the CB350C series, which also includes the DLX and DLX Pro.
In a company statement, HMSI said, “The CB350C Special Edition has been crafted to appeal to riders who want a distinctive road presence with premium styling cues, while retaining the proven mechanical performance of the CB350 platform.”
The model will be sold exclusively through BigWing dealerships, Honda’s premium motorcycle network. Currently, Honda operates around 130 BigWing outlets across India, far fewer than Royal Enfield’s extensive network of over 2,000 dealerships.
Historical Background: Honda’s 350cc Legacy
The CB350C builds on Honda’s legacy in the 350cc space. Globally, the CB350 badge traces back to the 1960s, when Honda’s lightweight four-stroke motorcycles helped establish the brand’s reputation for reliability.
In India, Honda entered the segment in 2020 with the H’ness CB350, aimed squarely at Royal Enfield’s market. The CB350 platform has since been expanded into multiple variants, including the CB350RS and now the rebranded CB350C series.
This rebranding reflects Honda’s attempt to create a clearer identity for its retro motorcycle lineup and align it with global branding practices.
Styling and Feature Enhancements
The Special Edition brings visual updates designed to make the motorcycle more distinctive. The most notable change is a new CB350C logo on the fuel tank, accompanied by a “Special Edition” sticker. Striped graphics now run across the fuel tank and both fenders, lending the motorcycle a sportier appearance.
Two colour options are available—Rebel Red Metallic and Matt Dune Brown—each paired with different seat upholstery finishes. The grab rail is finished in chrome, replacing the black version seen on other models.
Other equipment remains unchanged from the standard CB350C. The semi-digital instrument cluster supports the Honda Smartphone Voice Control System (HSVCS), which allows Bluetooth connectivity for navigation, music, and call alerts. Safety features include dual-channel ABS, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), and an assist and slipper clutch for smoother gear shifts.
Honda CB350C Engine, Chassis, and Performance
The motorcycle is powered by a 348.36 cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine, compliant with BSVI OBD2-B emission standards. It delivers 21 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 29.5 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, mated to a five-speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch technology.
Suspension components include a telescopic fork at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. Braking is managed by a 310 mm front disc and a 240 mm rear disc, paired with dual-channel ABS. The motorcycle rides on a 19-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel.
With a 15.2-litre fuel tank, a seat height of 800 mm, and a curb weight of 186 kg, the CB350C Special Edition maintains a balance between comfort and stability. Independent testing by Bikedekho has shown fuel efficiency of around 42 km per litre, making it a practical choice for city commuting as well as longer rides.
India’s 350cc Motorcycle Market
The 350cc segment is one of the most lucrative in India’s motorcycle industry, accounting for over 300,000 units annually. According to Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) data, Royal Enfield dominates this category with more than 85 percent market share, primarily due to the success of its Classic 350.
Honda’s entry with the CB350 platform was seen as an attempt to break into this space, offering Japanese engineering and reliability as a counterpoint to Royal Enfield’s heritage appeal. However, sales figures suggest that Honda’s market penetration remains limited, largely due to its smaller dealership network.
Customer Appeal and Target Market
The CB350C Special Edition is aimed at riders who want a mix of retro styling and modern features. Industry analysts note that Honda is targeting two main groups:
- Young urban riders, who aspire to own a premium motorcycle but prefer Honda’s reputation for dependability.
- Middle-aged customers, including those upgrading from 150–250cc motorcycles, who value comfort and refinement for longer rides.
The Special Edition’s cosmetic upgrades may also appeal to enthusiasts who want a motorcycle that stands out from standard models without a major price jump.
Expert Commentary
Automotive journalist Rohit Paradkar, writing in Overdrive, observed that Honda’s challenge remains distribution: “The CB350 platform is competitive in engineering, but limited dealership reach has prevented it from challenging Royal Enfield in sales.”
Dr. Prashant Kumar, an automotive industry researcher at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, said in a recent interview, “Honda’s rebranding strategy is a step in the right direction. Yet, until BigWing dealerships expand beyond urban hubs, Honda will find it difficult to compete on equal footing.”
Global Comparisons
The CB350C Special Edition shares design DNA with Honda’s global retro models, such as the CB300R and CB500 series sold in Europe and Southeast Asia. However, unlike those models, the CB350C is specifically tailored for India, balancing affordability with features suited to local riding conditions.
This localisation strategy reflects Honda’s recognition of India as a key growth market for mid-capacity motorcycles.
Competitive Landscape
The CB350C Special Edition faces stiff competition from:
- Royal Enfield Classic 350 – priced slightly lower, with stronger brand recall.
- Triumph Speed 400 – priced competitively, offering modern performance and features.
- TVS Ronin – a more affordable option with modern styling and features.
By pricing the Special Edition at ₹2.02 lakh, Honda is positioning it at the premium end of the market, directly challenging Royal Enfield’s strongest models.
Future Outlook
Industry watchers expect Honda to continue building on the CB350C platform with additional limited editions and accessories. There is speculation that Honda may explore electrification or hybrid technology in future models, although no official announcements have been made.
For now, the Special Edition represents Honda’s bid to strengthen its position in the competitive mid-capacity retro motorcycle segment. Sales data over the coming quarters will show whether this strategy pays off.
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Conclusion
The Honda CB350C Special Edition offers riders a refreshed take on Honda’s mid-capacity retro motorcycle, with cosmetic upgrades and exclusive branding. While it retains the proven mechanics of the CB350 platform, its success will depend on customer response and Honda’s ability to expand its BigWing dealership network.
For Honda, the Special Edition is more than just a new model—it is another step in its ongoing effort to secure a foothold in a market dominated by Royal Enfield.
