Royal Enfield Meteor 350 vs Classic 350 vs Honda H’Ness CB350

Royal Enfield unveiled the 2025 Meteor 350 on September 15, 2025, reinforcing its position in the 350cc retro motorcycle segment. Priced from ₹ 1.91 lakh (ex-showroom, Chennai), the updated model features all-LED lighting, standard Tripper navigation, and USB Type-C fast charging across all variants, enhancing its suitability for relaxed touring while maintaining Royal Enfield’s distinctive character. The Meteor 350 competes with its sibling, the Classic 350, and Honda’s H’ness CB350, updated in April 2025. 

We compare these three motorcycles across design, powertrain, features, practicality, safety, and pricing, based on current specifications for the Indian market.

Design

The 2025 Meteor 350 is designed as a cruiser, featuring a low-slung profile, forward-set footpegs, and a wide handlebar to promote a relaxed riding posture suited for extended highway journeys. Updates for 2025 include refined chrome accents and premium finishes on higher variants (Aurora, Supernova), with 16 color options such as Fireball Orange and Stellar Marine Blue. The rounded fuel tank, teardrop gauge, and integrated exhaust evoke a classic American cruiser aesthetic with Royal Enfield’s British heritage.

The Classic 350 adheres to a post-war retro design, with an upright riding position and mid-set footpegs optimized for urban maneuverability. Available in 9 colors, including Madras Red and Stealth Black across 7 variants (Redditch, Heritage, etc.), it emphasizes chrome-heavy styling on premium trims, evoking 1950s nostalgia. Its compact stance differentiates it from the Meteor’s touring focus.

The Honda H’ness CB350, updated in 2025, adopts a modern retro roadster aesthetic with clean lines, a muscular fuel tank, and a semi-upright posture, versatile for city and highway riding. Available in 5-8 colors, including Pearl Ignite Blue and Matte Axis Grey, it features smoked LED taillights for a contemporary edge. Honda’s design prioritizes sleekness and Japanese precision over the Enfields’ overt heritage.

Powertrains

All three motorcycles utilize air-cooled or air-oil-cooled single-cylinder engines of approximately 350cc, with variations in tuning and output.

The Meteor 350 and Classic 350 employ Royal Enfield’s J-series 349cc SOHC engine with electronic fuel injection, delivering 20.2 hp at 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Paired with a 5-speed constant-mesh gearbox and wet multi-plate clutch, both engines emphasize low-end torque, achieving a top speed of approximately 120 km/h and fuel efficiency of 35-41 km/l. The Meteor has a bigger 15L fuel tank compared to the 13L on the Classic. The Meteor’s tuning prioritizes effortless cruising, while the Classic’s gearing offers a slightly livelier response in urban conditions.

The H’ness CB350 features a 348.36cc air-cooled OHC engine, producing 20.7 hp at 5,500 rpm and 30 Nm at 3,000 rpm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox and an assist-and-slipper clutch. Its smoother, more responsive engine delivers superior low-end torque for quick acceleration, a top speed of approximately 125 km/h, and fuel efficiency of 42-45 km/l (15L tank). Vibrations are notably lower than the Enfields, enhancing long-ride comfort.

Features

The 2025 Meteor 350 includes a semi-digital instrument cluster (analog speedometer with LCD) featuring standard Tripper navigation and Bluetooth connectivity for calls and music across all variants. Higher trims (Aurora, Supernova) offer USB-C fast charging, adjustable clutch/brake levers, and a padded pillion backrest. A slip-assist clutch improves gear-shift smoothness.

The Classic 350 features a similar semi-digital cluster, but with Tripper navigation standard on higher variants (e.g., Heritage). It includes USB charging but lacks the Meteor’s Type-C port and adjustable levers. The pillion seat ensures comfort for city-focused rides.

The H’ness CB350 leads with a digital-analog meter, Honda RoadSync Bluetooth for navigation and calls, and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). The 2025 update adds an emergency stop signal and hazard switch. Its assist-slipper clutch enhances usability and efficiency.

All models feature LED lighting (full on Meteor and H’ness, partial on Classic base variants), but the Honda offers the most advanced daily-use technology.

Ergonomics and Usability

The Meteor 350 offers a low seat height of 765 mm and a kerb weight of 191 kg, making it accessible for shorter riders and easy to handle at low speeds. Its 170 mm ground clearance accommodates mild off-road conditions, and forward controls enhance long-ride comfort.

The Classic 350 has a higher seat height of 805 mm and a kerb weight of 195 kg, which may challenge shorter riders but suits urban agility. Its 170 mm ground clearance matches the Meteor’s.

The H’ness CB350 balances a seat height of 800 mm with the lightest kerb weight at 181 kg, offering nimble handling. Its 166 mm ground clearance is optimized for paved roads.

Safety

Safety features are critical in this segment.

All three motorcycles offer disc brakes with ABS. The Meteor 350 features a 300 mm front disc (twin-piston caliper) and 270 mm rear disc (single-piston) with dual-channel ABS, supported by telescopic forks and twin shocks for stable handling.

The Classic 350 has a 298 mm front disc and 270 mm rear disc (dual-channel ABS on higher variants, single-channel on base). Its suspension mirrors the Meteor’s.

The H’ness CB350 uses a 310 mm front disc and 240 mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS, HSTC, and an engine inhibitor for side-stand safety. Its suspension is tuned for precise braking.

Pricing

The Meteor 350 range starts at ₹1.91 lakh, going up to ₹2.13 lakh. 

The Classic 350 is priced higher than its sibling, ranging from ₹1.81 lakh to ₹2.15 lakh.

The H’ness CB350’s entry point sits higher than the Enfields at ₹2.00 lakh, but at ₹2.20 lakh, its top-end variants are similarly priced. 

As a result of GST 2.0, all motorcycles under 350cc are set to undergo a significant price cut. Prospective buyers are recommended to contact their nearest dealerships for exact offers and benefits. 

All three motorcycles are competitively priced. The 2025 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 excels as a cruiser for relaxed touring, the Classic 350 appeals to riders seeking retro aesthetics for daily use, and the Honda H’ness CB350 delivers superior refinement and technology.