The retro motorcycle scene is hotter than ever, with iconic brands vying for the hearts (and wallets) of nostalgic riders. In the heart of this battle lie four contenders: the Jawa 350, the Royal Enfield Classic 350, the Honda H’ness CB350, and the Harley-Davidson X440. But with so much chrome and character to choose from, picking the perfect classic companion can be a head-scratcher. Let’s dive into their specs and see who reigns supreme in this four-way showdown.
Jawa 350: A 346cc single-cylinder engine thumps out 27.15 hp and 28 Nm of torque, offering a relaxed, vintage feel.
Royal Enfield Classic 350: The legendary 346cc single-cylinder throws down 20.2 hp and 27 Nm, delivering a familiar thrum and decent low-end grunt.
Honda H’ness CB350: Honda’s modern take boasts a 348cc single-cylinder engine with 21 hp and 30 Nm, prioritizing smooth refinement and fuel efficiency.
Harley-Davidson X440: The smallest Harley packs a punch with its 441cc single-cylinder, churning out 30.8 hp and 32 Nm, promising lively acceleration and a unique American cruiser experience.
Specifications
Jawa 350
Royal Enfield Classic 350
Honda H’ness CB350
Harley-Davidson X440
Engine
334cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine
349cc, single-cylinder, air-oil cooled engine
348.36cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine
440cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine
Power
22.5PS @ 7,000rpm
20.2PS @ 6,100rpm
21.07PS @ 5,500rpm
27PS @ 6,000rpm
Torque
28.1Nm @ 5,000rpm
27Nm @ 4,000rpm
30Nm @ 3,000rpm
38Nm @ 4,000rpm
Gearbox
6-speed
5-speed
5-speed
6-speed
Suspension & Brakes:
Jawa 350: Telescopic forks, twin gas-charged shock absorbers, disc brakes front and rear. Basic setup, but adequate for everyday riding.
Royal Enfield Classic 350: Telescopic forks, twin gas-charged shock absorbers, disc brakes front and rear. Similar setup to Jawa, but with slightly heavier feel.
Honda H’ness CB350: Telescopic forks, twin gas-charged shock absorbers, disc brakes with ABS (optional). More modern and responsive suspension, ABS option adds safety.
Harley-Davidson X440: 35mm inverted forks, twin gas-charged shock absorbers, disc brakes with ABS. Premium suspension setup for a comfortable and confident ride.
Specifications
Jawa 350
Royal Enfield Classic 350
Honda H’ness CB350
Harley-Davidson X440
Front suspension
35mm telescopic fork with 135mm wheel travel
41mm telescopic fork with 130mm wheel travel
Telescopic fork
KYB 43mm USD fork
Rear suspension
Twin shock absorbers with 100mm wheel travel
Twin shock absorbers
Twin shock absorbers
Twin shock absorbers
Front brake
280mm disc brake
300mm disc brake
310mm disc brake
320mm disc brake
Rear brake
240mm rear disc brake
270mm rear disc brake / 153mm drum brake
240mm disc brake
240mm disc brake
Front tyre
100 / 90-18
100/90 – 19
100/90-19
100/90 – 18
Rear tyre
130 / 80-17
120/80 – 18
130/70-18
140/70 – 17
Features & Technology:
Jawa 350: Basic features like analog dials, halogen headlight, and single-channel ABS.
Royal Enfield Classic 350: Similar to Jawa, with the addition of a trip meter and optional Tripper navigation.
Honda H’ness CB350: Modern features like fully digital instrument cluster, LED lighting, turn-by-turn navigation, and dual-channel ABS.
Harley-Davidson X440: Packed with features like LED lighting, fully digital instrument cluster, cruise control, and dual-channel ABS with traction control.
The Harley-Davidson X440 takes the lead in technology and features, followed by the Honda H’ness CB350. Jawa and Royal Enfield offer a more basic experience.
Jawa 350
Royal Enfield Classic 350
Honda H’ness CB350
Harley-Davidson X440
Instrument Console
Analogue instrument console with digital inset
Analogue instrument console with digital inset
Semi-digital instrument console
3.5-inch monopod TFT
Bluetooth Connectivity
No
Yes (with tripper navigation accessory)
Yes (only through Honda RoadSync app)
Yes (only in the top-end S variant)
Style and Design:
Jawa 350: Embodies a timeless chrome-laden design, reminiscent of its Czechoslovakian roots, catering to vintage enthusiasts.
Royal Enfield Classic 350: Oozes a rugged charm with its signature tear-drop tank and spoke wheels, appealing to those who appreciate classic British motorcycles.
Honda H’ness CB350: Offers a modern take on retro with clean lines, rounded headlights, and a youthful vibe, attracting a broader audience.
Harley-Davidson X440: Flaunts a bold, muscular stance with a forward-mounted footpeg and peanut-shaped tank, delivering the iconic Harley-Davidson experience.
Specifications
Jawa 350
Royal Enfield Classic 350
Honda H’ness CB350
Harley-Davidson X440
Wheelbase
1449 mm
1390mm
1441mm
1,418mm
Ground Clearance
178mm
170mm
166mm
170mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
13.2-litres
13-litres
15-litres
13.5-litres
Seat Height
790 mm
805mm
800mm
805mm
Kerb Weight
184kg
195kg
181kg
190.5 kg
Price & Value:
Jawa 350: Affordable price tag, but build quality and reliability concerns might deter some.
Royal Enfield Classic 350: Competitive pricing, established brand, and large ownership community.
Honda H’ness CB350: Great value for money, offering top-notch build quality and features at a reasonable price.
Harley-Davidson X440: The most expensive option, but the Harley badge and premium features might justify it for some.
Price & Verdict
Jawa 350
Royal Enfield Classic 350
Honda H’ness CB350
Harley-Davidson X440
Rs 2,14,950
Rs 2,24,755
Rs 209857
Rs 2,39,500
(all prices ex-showroom)
The Verdict:
Choosing the best bike depends on your riding style and priorities.
Power and heritage: Harley-Davidson X440 for the cruiser fan looking for a unique, powerful ride.
Nimble efficiency: Honda H’ness CB350 for the tech-savvy rider seeking modern features and smooth performance.
Raw retro charm: Jawa 350 for those who crave classic looks and a distinct torquey character.
Timeless stability: Royal Enfield Classic 350 for the rider who values heritage, comfort, and predictable handling.
Ultimately, the perfect 350cc classic awaits you. Test ride, compare, and experience the thrill of choosing your legend.
