Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has expanded its modern-classic lineup ahead of the festive Diwali season by introducing a new darkened color variant of the Honda CB350C. Aimed directly at competing against Royal Enfield’s dominant retro segment, the newly surfaced model introduces a deeper, semi-blacked-out visual treatment based on the motorcycle's base STD variant.
According to initial walkaround reporting from RushLane, the model retails at approximately Rs 2.32 lakh on-road (OTR). While colloquially dubbed the Black Edition across dealership circuits and first-look reviews, the release serves strictly as a styling refresh rather than a mechanical overhaul.
Aesthetic Changes: Chrome Swapped for Black
Previously, buyers seeking a dark CB350C were limited to the Pearl Igneous Black finish available on the DLX and DLX Pro variants, which maintained substantial chrome brightwork. This new iteration swaps several traditional bright components for a stealthier finish, though it stops short of an absolute, murdered-out all-black profile.
Visual updates on the new edition include:
- Front Assembly: Blacked-out lower legs on the right-side-up (RSU) telescopic forks, darkened fender support stalks, and a matte-finish headlight cowl.
- Cockpit & Mirrors: Black-finished horn units and dark rear-view mirror stalks and housings (ORVMs), replacing the previous chrome fixtures.
- Engine Accents: The Honda-branded crankcase badge plate is now black, though subtle chrome engine block highlights remain.
- Retained Brightwork: Contrast elements have been deliberately preserved, including the pea-shooter exhaust pipe, handlebar pipe, handlebar clamps, and dual rear shock absorbers.
Unchanged Mechanical Architecture
Underneath the restyled exterior, HMSI has kept the mechanical platform identical to standard production units, as noted in the RushLane model overview. The motorcycle maintains classic full-coverage rounded fenders rather than chopped modern alternatives.
Power continues to come from Honda's counterbalanced 348.36cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine, delivering 21 PS of power and 29.5 Nm of torque. Power transfers to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox equipped with an assist and slipper clutch.
Honda CB350C Model Comparison
By releasing the visual update without raising baseline engineering overheads, Honda positions the motorcycle to capture festive showroom demand across tier-1 and tier-2 Indian motorcycle dealerships.
| Feature / Metric | Standard Pearl Igneous Black (DLX/Pro) | New CB350C Dark / Black Variant | Royal Enfield Classic 350 Benchmark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 348.36cc | 348.36cc | 349cc |
| Power Output | 21 PS | 21 PS | 20.2 bhp |
| Torque Output | 29.5 Nm | 29.5 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Mirror & Cowl Finish | Chrome / Standard | Blackened | Chrome or Matte (varies by trim) |
| Fender Stalks & Forks | Chrome / Silver | Black | Varies by variant |
| Estimated Pricing (OTR) | ~Rs 2.30 – 2.40 Lakh | ~Rs 2.32 Lakh | ~Rs 2.25 – 2.55 Lakh |
