In the fiercely contested 350cc roadster segment, the rivalry between Honda and Royal Enfield has been a notable narrative over recent years. Now, emerging documentation suggests that Honda might be gearing up to introduce a potential competitor to Royal Enfield's Himalayan.
Unveiling the Design Vision
Before enthusiasts get too carried away, it's important to clarify that the available documents serve as a preliminary peek into the design, providing more of an outline of potential components than a finalized blueprint. Intriguingly, there's a hint that Honda might be contemplating not only an Adventure (ADV) bike but also a scrambler variant, drawing parallels with Royal Enfield's Scram 411.
The initial design concepts showcase interesting features, such as a protective structure enveloping the headlight, extending to the sides of the tank, and doubling as practical luggage mounting points. The bike is expected to boast additional utility elements, including a rear luggage rack, windscreen, high-rise fender, split-seat, and spoked wheels.
Foundation on the CB350 Platform
This upcoming 350cc ADV from Honda is poised to stand on the foundation of the CB350 platform. The powertrain, as of current information, is likely to mirror that of the CB350, featuring a 348.36cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine generating 21PS and 30Nm of torque. However, in the spirit of adventure, Honda might choose to tweak the engine for optimal performance on off-road terrains.
Technical specifications also point towards a robust suspension setup, with a telescopic fork equipped with fork gaiters and a twin shock absorber arrangement. Ensuring reliable braking performance, the bike is anticipated to feature disc brakes at both ends, complemented by a dual-channel ABS system.
Peculiar Choice: 350cc Air-Cooled Engine
Notably, Honda's decision to stick with a 350cc air-cooled engine stands out, especially when compared to Royal Enfield's transition to a liquid-cooled 450cc 'Sherpa' engine in the Himalayan 450. However, from a nuanced perspective, the shift in the Himalayan series from a simple, beginner-friendly workhorse to a more sophisticated model might create a void that Honda aims to fill with its 350cc ADV, provided they execute the design and performance aspects adeptly.
As the production version of Honda's 350cc ADV remains in the developmental phase, the projected timeline for its launch extends towards the end of 2025. While the intricate details are still unfolding, the prospect of Honda venturing into the adventure bike segment adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing competition in the 350cc category. Enthusiasts can eagerly await the final reveal, expecting a blend of innovation and performance from Honda's potential Royal Enfield Himalayan rival.