Honda Evaluating H’ness CB350 Global Exports
We recently told you about Honda’s attempt to compete with Royal Enfield in India. To break into the market, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) manufactures the new H’ness CB350 in Manesar (Haryana) India with 90% locally made content.
Its sales continue to exceed HMSI’s sales expectations. Apparently, so much so that HMSI is now evaluating whether the bike should be exported to the rest of the world.
Honda is evaluating whether to export the H’ness CB350 to the rest of the world.
Its 350cc air-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine puts out a claimed 21 HP and 22 ft-lb of torque. While that’s not a huge amount, it’s enough to make it a commuter bike capable of highway speeds. In addition to its powerplant, the H’ness is fitted with disc brakes, and a retro-style round LED headlight, a two-tone teardrop-shaped fuel tank, and a single-piece seat. It projects a type of retro look with chopped fenders and lots of chrome on the headlight, fenders, and exhaust.
The H’ness CB350 engine.
H’ness CB350 Exports
Mint quotes HMSI’s Director of Sales and Marketing Yadvinder Singh Guleria as saying:
“Since this model is already meeting the European regulations, there are many countries where this model could be exported. So we are in discussion with our headquarters. Already the model is three months old in the domestic market and there is interest from other Honda companies across the globe.”
But Guleria also says that HMSI’s current focus is to cater to the bookings that have already come in from India’s domestic market. Still, he is optimistic that the bike will be exported to the rest of the world:
“We are working at the backend now to minimize this waiting period. But for sure this is one model which is made in India for the world. There is a big potential. We are waiting and once we get a green signal from headquarters in Japan, we can start the exports. Potential does exist and we are quite hopeful,”
The H’ness retails for 186,500 India Rupee, which converts to about $2,540. At that price, the H’ness CB350 could make an inexpensive commuting and/or fun machine. We’ll have to wait and see if the bike makes it to North America’s shores. If it does, would you purchase one? Let us know in the comments below.
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