[TusharK]

Honda is working on a new adventure bike that could rival the Royal Enfield Himalayan. A design patent filed by the company suggests that the new model will be based on the CB350.



The new ADV is likely to share its underpinnings with the CB350, albeit with a different suspension setup. The image reveals a more off-road-oriented suspension with a telescopic fork at the front and dual shocks at the rear.

Honda’s upcoming ADV could get a front fairing with a tall windscreen, a circular headlamp, and a prominent beak. It might also have provisions for mounting panniers and a top box.

The adventure bike is likely to be powered by the same 349cc, single-cylinder engine as the CB350. It produces 21 BHP and 30 Nm and is paired with a 5-speed gearbox via an assist and slipper clutch.

Source: Cycleworld

Link to Team-BHP News

[Sebring]

This will be a runaway success if Honda realises this plan. The CB 350 power output is under 20 BHP currently and will need to be upped. Triumph is also looking at a Tiger 400, as per grapevine.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Looks like Honda has decided to copy the entire range from Royal Enfield!

For Classic v/s CB350 debate - there was some explanation given why it isnt a copy, but an inspiration of one of their own old products.

I wonder what reasoning would be provided for this one v/s the old Himalayan 411 In this sketch form, the design of the front and tail section looks virtually indistinguishable from the RE!

[Sebring]

RE made a mistake by moving away from the cult OG Himalayan design. It is a worldwide hit

[advstreak]

Originally Posted by Sebring

The CB 350 power output is under 20 BHP currently and will need to be upped.

Yes! Imagine a 500cc 27Bhp / 41Nm smooth torque monster which the Harley X440 is shown to be possible.

[Nilesh5417]

OG Himalayan was always a compromise but lived long enough to light a spark in the segment. The only true competition it had was ADV390.

If Honda brings this in the current state of tune or even slightly higher, it will compete with 250s instead of 400s. Torque is fine but for a bike that is going on tours, the lack of top end won't be acceptable anymore.

DOA in my opinion if priced for a 400 but rides like a 250. The bar has been set far too high now!

[bharath79]

Originally Posted by Nilesh5417

OG Himalayan was always a compromise but lived long enough to light a spark in the segment. The only true competition it had was ADV390.

If Honda brings this in the current state of tune or even slightly higher, it will compete with 250s instead of 400s. Torque is fine but for a bike that is going on tours, the lack of top end won't be acceptable anymore.

DOA in my opinion if priced for a 400 but rides like a 250. The bar has been set far too high now!

Couldn't agree more. Let's see how and when Honda plays it.

Regards
Bharath

[PreludeSH]

Wish the patent officer rejects this saying he already has a similar bike

Cant believe Honda is trying to follow RE by putting similar bikes without taking any risks on their own. Atleast they should give a bigger engine.

[paperpuli]

I'm just surprised Honda India finds it more cost effective to design and test a new bike rather than localise an existing machine like the CRF 300

[Chimera]

Considering its honda, i'll probably be a decade older by the time this hits the market, considering its a brand new model and not a model that is already sold somewhere in the world.

[rishi.roger]

With that Engine, I don't see a bright future because there will be too many 30bhp+ machines competing with each other and even the pricing is very aggressive. I wonder why Honda came out of its hiding hole from selling 125cc scooters.

[ToThePoint]

Honda has patented quite a lot of bikes/maxi-scooters in India which haven't seen light of the day - ADV 350, Vario 160, CRF190L etc etc.

So unless we spot some test mules, there is no point speculating on this.

[DDV437]

With power figures like these, this bike would compete with the 250 class adventure motorcycles (V-Strom and Yezdi). The Himalayan has moved on to a much bigger class. I doubt they can double the horses from the CB350 mill without making significant changes like adding water cooling. Maybe they had benchmarked this against the old Himalayan. Good luck playing catch up, Honda!

[loki]

They recently launched a bike called XRE300 Sahara - which is fully based on the CB300F in Brazil. This 'Sahara' model loses the beak and the flex fuel engine of the older XRE300. But should do well here considering the entry level Dual Sport / ADV segment has been heating up like crazy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRnj48cCYUQ

Why don't they just get this one here?

[v12]

Why is Honda trying to build something new when they already have the CRF lineup? Its a tried, tested and proven motorcycle - and we already have the CRF1100 here to prove it.

Looks like Honda is more interested in competing with Royal Enfield that they have forgotten what they have in their own lineup.

Imitation is the best form of flattery - but Honda does not need to do that.