Honda CB350 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350 (2026): Which Retro 350 to Buy?

Honda CB350 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350 (2026): Which Retro 350 to Buy?

AUTOFY DESK   14 August 2026  •  6 min read
⚡ THE QUICK ANSWER
  • The Royal Enfield Classic 350 starts around Rs 1.86 lakh; the Honda CB350 is priced around Rs 1.97 lakh ex-showroom.
  • The Classic 350 is heavier at 195 kg with more thump; the CB350 is lighter at about 181 kg and smoother.
  • Both return roughly 41 to 42 kmpl on ARAI figures; the CB350 has a bigger 15-litre tank vs the Classic's 13 litres.
  • Pick the Classic 350 for character and value, the CB350 for refinement and easier handling.

Two 350cc neo-classics, two very different characters. The Royal Enfield Classic 350 rules on thump and value; the Honda CB350 counters with refinement and lighter handling. Here is how they compare on price, specs and everyday value in 2026.

Price: how much do they cost?

Both bikes sit close on price, so the decision comes down to character and features rather than cost alone.

  • Royal Enfield Classic 350: from about Rs 1,85,859 to Rs 2,21,399 (ex-showroom), across seven variants.
  • Honda CB350: around Rs 1,97,045 (ex-showroom), with two variants and a wide colour range.
  • Jawa 42 is a third option at about Rs 1,82,531 (ex-showroom) if you want modern styling.

Engine, weight and ride feel

The Classic 350 uses Royal Enfield's 349cc long-stroke single that is all about a relaxed, thumpy character. The CB350 runs a 348cc air-cooled single tuned for smoothness, and it is a good bit lighter, which makes it easier to manage in traffic and for shorter riders.

Spec RE Classic 350 Honda CB350
Engine 349 cc, air-oil cooled 348 cc, air cooled
Power (approx) 20.2 bhp 20.8 bhp
Torque (approx) 27 Nm 30 Nm
Kerb weight 195 kg 181 kg
Fuel tank 13 litres 15 litres
Mileage (ARAI) About 41.5 kmpl About 42.2 kmpl
Ex-showroom price From Rs 1.86 lakh About Rs 1.97 lakh
Honda CB350 vs RE Classic 350 - key specs (2026) | Source: BikeWale, BikeDekho, bikes24
Kerb weight: lighter is easier to handle Kerb weight, kg AUTOFY Honda CB350 181 kg RE Classic 350 195 kg Source: BikeWale, BikeDekho Chart by Autofy • autofystore.com
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Which should you buy?

If you love the classic thump, the styling heritage and the widest accessory and service network, the Classic 350 is the natural pick and the better value at the base price. If you want a smoother, lighter, more refined ride with a bigger fuel tank and a strong reliability reputation, the CB350 is the more modern choice.

✓ What works
  • Classic 350: iconic thump and looks
  • Classic 350: best value, huge network
  • CB350: lighter and smoother
  • CB350: bigger 15-litre tank, refined engine
! Watch-outs
  • Classic 350: heaviest here at 195 kg
  • CB350: fewer variants and a small price premium
  • Both: modest power for highway overtakes

Autofy verdict

For character, value and resale, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 still leads the neo-retro class. For refinement, ease of riding and long-term peace of mind, the Honda CB350 is the smarter buy. You cannot go wrong; pick the one whose character matches your riding.

Whichever 350 you ride home, ride it safe and smart. Upgrade night visibility with a bright H4 LED headlight, navigate hands-free using an aluminium mobile holder with USB charging, and protect your hands with a pair of touchscreen riding gloves.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Honda CB350 better than the Royal Enfield Classic 350?
Neither is strictly better. The CB350 is lighter, smoother and has a bigger fuel tank, while the Classic 350 has more character, more variants, the widest network and the lower starting price.
What is the price of the Honda CB350 and Classic 350 in 2026?
The Honda CB350 is around Rs 1.97 lakh ex-showroom. The Royal Enfield Classic 350 starts at about Rs 1.86 lakh and goes up to about Rs 2.21 lakh ex-showroom.
Which is more fuel efficient?
Both are close. The CB350 returns about 42.2 kmpl and the Classic 350 about 41.5 kmpl on ARAI figures; real-world mileage is typically in the low-to-mid 30s in the city.
Which is lighter?
The Honda CB350 is lighter at about 181 kg versus 195 kg for the Classic 350, so it is easier to manage in traffic and at low speeds.
What about the Jawa 42?
The Jawa 42 is a third neo-retro option from about Rs 1.82 lakh with modern styling, but it trails the two on fuel efficiency.
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Sources & data
  1. BikeWale - Honda CB350 vs RE Classic 350
  2. BikeDekho - Royal Enfield Classic 350 price and specs
  3. bikes24 - Honda CB350RS price and specs
  4. BikeWale - Honda CB350 2026
All charts and infographics © Autofy (Vendorskart Online Services Pvt. Ltd.), built from the sources above. Prices are ex-showroom and indicative; verify on-road pricing with your dealer. Last updated 14 August 2026. This article is informational and not financial or purchase advice.
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