Why the 2025 Honda Hness CB350 Deserves More Love Than It Gets

By: Kevin Anderson

3 Minute read

Category: automotive

Hi there! I’m Urvashi Kumari , and I’ve been writing about cars, bikes, SUVs, and even cycles for the past four years. As someone who lives and breathes automobiles, I always get excited when a new machine hits the market—especially when it promises to combine classic charm with modern technology. That’s exactly what I felt when I first came across the 2025 Honda Hness CB350.

When Honda launched the Hness back in 2020, I thought it had great potential to challenge the dominance of Royal Enfield in the mid-cc retro cruiser space. Fast forward to 2025, and the model has seen some nice updates—but surprisingly, it’s still flying under the radar. And that got me thinking: why is no one talking about a bike that’s so well-made, reliable, and stylish?

So, in this blog, I’ll share everything I’ve come to learn and love about the 2025 Honda Hness CB350 —its design, engine, performance, features, and the reasons why it may not have taken off the way many of us expected. All of this is coming from my personal observations and passion for bikes, and I hope it helps you see this underrated cruiser in a new light.

A Design That Bridges Eras Beautifully

The first thing that drew me towards the 2025 Honda Hness CB350 was its design. I’ve always admired bikes that hold onto their vintage roots while embracing modern touches. The Hness does that perfectly. It has a strong visual identity, thanks to its round LED headlamp, wide chrome exhaust, tear-drop fuel tank, and long seat that invites comfort on every ride.

To me, the bike doesn’t just look premium—it feels like something built with attention to detail. The paintwork is flawless, and the chrome finish on the mirrors and engine parts gives it an old-school charm. Yet, features like the LED lighting system and digital instrument cluster remind you that you’re still in 2025.

This unique blend of retro and modern is what makes the 2025 Honda Hness CB350 visually stand apart from its rivals. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it surely earns it.

A Refined Engine That Prioritizes Comfort

If you ask me what I really appreciate in a cruiser, it’s not raw speed or aggressive torque—it’s refinement and ride comfort. That’s where the 2025 Honda Hness CB350 truly shines. Its 348.36cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine offers a very balanced performance, delivering around 20.78 PS of power at 5,500 rpm and 30 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm.

I found the engine to be extremely smooth, with barely any vibrations even at higher speeds. It’s mated to a 5-speed gearbox that shifts like butter—great for city riding and weekend cruising alike. I took it out on highways and narrow streets, and not once did it feel overwhelmed or out of place.

Here’s a quick look at the engine and performance specs:

Specification	2025 Honda Hness CB350
Engine Type	348.36cc, Single-Cylinder, Air-Cooled
Max Power	20.78 PS @ 5,500 rpm
Peak Torque	30 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission	5-Speed Manual
Mileage (Real-World)	35–40 km/l
Top Speed (Approx.)	120 km/h

For riders who prefer a calm, controlled, and vibration-free ride over a harsh or noisy one, the 2025 Honda Hness CB350 hits the right notes.

Features That Feel Thoughtfully Added

Unlike many retro-style bikes that focus only on looks, Honda has packed the Hness with smart features that truly enhance the riding experience. What I liked most was how subtle the features feel—they're not flashy or over-the-top, but they genuinely add value.

One of my personal favorites is the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). It’s basically traction control for better grip in slippery conditions. This is a rare feature in this segment and adds an extra layer of safety. Then there's the

Honda Smartphone Voice Control System (HSVCS) which connects with your phone for navigation, calls, and music—all controllable through voice or handlebar buttons. I didn’t expect such tech in a retro bike, and it genuinely surprised me.

Another useful addition is the assist and slipper clutch , which reduces clutch effort and prevents wheel lock during aggressive downshifting. It made city riding feel super smooth and stress-free.

Even the semi-digital console deserves a shoutout. It gives a perfect balance between analog charm and digital utility, showing info like gear position, trip meter, fuel level, and even battery health.

Honda Hness 2025

Build Quality, Comfort, and Everyday Usability

As someone who has ridden multiple bikes in this segment, I can say confidently that the 2025 Honda Hness CB350 is extremely well-built. The frame feels strong, the fit-and-finish is premium, and the paint job has a depth that makes the bike look expensive. Even the seat is wide and soft—perfect for longer rides without backache.

The suspension setup is also well-tuned. It uses telescopic forks at the front and twin hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear , which work well even on broken roads. Combined with disc brakes on both ends and dual-channel ABS , the Hness provides a confident ride experience in all kinds of conditions.

Take a look at the comfort and safety aspects:

Feature Area	Details
Suspension	Telescopic Front + Twin Rear Shock Absorbers
Braking System	Front and Rear Disc Brakes with Dual-Channel ABS
Seat Comfort	Wide, Cushioned, Ideal for Long Rides
Tyres	19-inch Front, 18-inch Rear, Tubeless
Ergonomics	Upright Riding Posture, Mid-set Foot Pegs

Riding the 2025 Honda Hness CB350 daily felt very natural to me. It’s not heavy on the wrists or the lower back, and it’s easy to maneuver even in traffic. That’s a big plus if you’re someone like me who enjoys long rides but also needs a dependable city bike.

So Why Isn’t It As Popular As It Should Be?

This is the part that confused me the most. With all these features, comfort, and Honda reliability, the 2025 Honda Hness CB350 should have been a massive hit. But it isn’t. And after some digging and real-world feedback, I’ve realized a few key reasons.

One of the biggest issues is limited dealership access. Honda chose to sell this bike only through their premium BigWing dealerships , which are still not present in many Indian cities. I personally had to travel far just to test ride it, which can be a major turn-off for potential buyers.

Then there’s the pricing. While the Hness isn’t overpriced, it is slightly more expensive than the Royal Enfield Classic 350 —which already has massive brand loyalty in India. And let’s face it, in our price-sensitive market, even a small gap matters.

Finally, some people feel the Hness lacks the “character” that RE bikes have—the loud thump, rugged design, and strong legacy. Honda’s engine is smoother and quieter, which is great for someone like me, but not for those chasing raw nostalgia.

My Final Thoughts – A Motorcycle Worth Considering

At the end of the day, the 2025 Honda Hness CB350 is a bike that delivers everything it promises—style, substance, technology, and unmatched reliability. It may not carry the loud presence of a Royal Enfield, but it quietly excels in areas that truly matter. And for riders who value refinement, comfort, and modern features over just brand name, the Hness makes a very strong case.

I genuinely feel this bike is underrated. Maybe it doesn’t have the “legend” status yet, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s a well-rounded, thoughtfully built machine. If you’re thinking of buying a retro-styled cruiser in 2025, please don’t overlook the Honda Hness CB350 —because it might just surprise you like it did me.