For decades, the 350cc modern-classic motorcycle segment in India and beyond was the undisputed kingdom of Royal Enfield. Then, in a bold move, Honda threw down the gauntlet with its H'ness CB350, a motorcycle designed specifically to challenge the throne. The result is a fantastic choice for riders, but a difficult one: Do you go with the authentic heritage of the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 or the polished refinement of the Honda H'ness CB350?

Let's break down this clash of titans to help you decide.

Design and Aesthetics: Cruiser vs. Roadster

This is the most immediate difference between the two bikes.

• Royal Enfield Meteor 350: The Meteor is a pure-bred cruiser. It features a low-slung seat, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, and forward-set footpegs that create a relaxed, feet-forward riding posture. It’s designed for laid-back journeys and has an authentic, old-school charm that is unmistakably Royal Enfield. It looks most at home munching miles on an open highway.
• Honda H'ness CB350: The H'ness leans into the retro roadster aesthetic, reminiscent of the classic Honda CB bikes of the 70s. It has a more muscular and rounded tank, a flatter single-piece seat, and mid-set footpegs. This results in a more upright and commanding riding position. With its generous use of chrome and impeccable finish, the Honda exudes a premium, neo-retro feel that’s both classic and sharp.

Winner: This is purely subjective. If you want a relaxed cruiser look, the Meteor wins. If you prefer a classic roadster stance, the H'ness is for you.

Engine and Performance: The Thump vs. The Rumble

While both are 350cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engines, their character is worlds apart.

• Royal Enfield Meteor 350: Powered by the modern J-series engine, the Meteor delivers 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque. The engine is all about low-end grunt. It has that signature long-stroke "thump" that fans love. The power delivery is relaxed and predictable, making it perfect for city cruising and relaxed highway speeds. While vastly more refined than older RE engines, it’s built for character over outright performance.
• Honda H'ness CB350: The H'ness engine produces 20.8 bhp and a class-leading 30 Nm of torque. Honda's engineering prowess is on full display here. The engine features a counter-balancer that makes it incredibly smooth and vibe-free, even at higher speeds. It has a more refined, bass-heavy rumble rather than a traditional thump. It feels more eager to rev and is happier sitting at 100-110 km/h, making it a slightly better highway machine for those who want to cover ground quickly.

Winner: For refinement and a stress-free high-speed experience, the Honda H'ness takes the crown. For authentic character and low-end torque, the Meteor 350 is the champion.

Ride, Handling, and Comfort

The ergonomic differences directly translate into how these bikes feel on the road.

• Meteor 350: The cruiser ergonomics make it exceptionally comfortable for long, straight rides. The seat is well-cushioned and the riding position is very relaxed. However, its heavy-set nature and forward pegs make it slightly less agile in tight city traffic or sharp corners. It’s stable and planted, but not a corner-carver.
• H'ness CB350: The upright roadster posture of the H'ness makes it a fantastic all-rounder. It feels lighter and more nimble than the Meteor, making it a joy to filter through traffic. The handling is more direct and confident in corners, encouraging a more spirited riding style. While comfortable, the seat is a bit firmer than the Meteor's.

Winner: For versatility and nimble handling, the H'ness CB350 is superior. For pure, laid-back touring comfort, the Meteor 350 has the edge.

Features and Technology

• Meteor 350: The Meteor’s standout feature is the Tripper Navigation pod—a simple, turn-by-turn navigation display powered by Google Maps that syncs with your phone. It’s incredibly useful for touring. It also comes with a semi-digital instrument cluster and dual-channel ABS as standard.
• H'ness CB350: Honda has packed the H'ness with modern tech. It boasts all-LED lighting, a slipper clutch for smoother downshifts, and its trump card: Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which is essentially traction control. This is a segment-first safety feature. The top variant also gets Bluetooth connectivity with voice control for calls, music, and navigation through the Honda app.

Winner: With traction control and all-LED lighting, the Honda H'ness CB350 clearly wins on the technology front.

The Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

There is no single "better" bike here; there is only the "better bike for you."

You should buy the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 if:

• You want the authentic cruiser experience.
• You are a Royal Enfield purist who loves the signature thump and brand heritage.
• Your primary use is relaxed city commuting and long, leisurely highway tours.
• The Tripper Navigation system is a major selling point for you.

You should buy the Honda H'ness CB350 if:

• You value Japanese engineering, refinement, and reliability above all else.
• You want a smooth, vibe-free engine for both city and high-speed highway riding.
• You are a new rider who would benefit from safety features like traction control.
• You want a versatile bike that handles city traffic and twisty roads with equal ease.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to a battle of the heart versus the head. The Meteor 350 is an emotional purchase, a ticket into a storied legacy. The H'ness CB350 is a logical one, offering a near-flawless package of modern performance and classic style. Our best advice? Test ride both. The one that puts the bigger smile on your face is the one for you.