Two very different Hondas at a similar price. We compare the retro CB350 roadster and the modern Rebel 300 cruiser on engine, weight, seat height, tech and price.

Here’s an interesting one: two Hondas, similar money, completely different bikes. The CB350 is a retro air-cooled roadster with a classic thump; the Rebel 300 is a modern, liquid-cooled cruiser. If you’re deciding between Honda’s own 300–350 options, this is for you.

Rebel 300 figures are from Honda’s India launch; CB350 figures are current-market and approximate.

At a glance

	Honda Rebel 300	Honda CB350
Engine	286cc, liquid-cooled single	348cc, air-cooled single
Power	29.5 bhp	20.7 bhp
Torque	27.5 Nm	29.5 Nm
Gearbox	6-speed	5-speed
Kerb weight	172 kg	187 kg
Seat height	690 mm	800 mm
Style	Modern bobber cruiser	Retro roadster
Price (ex-showroom)	₹2.22–2.62 lakh	₹1.97–2.0 lakh

Engine & character

This is the heart of it. The Rebel 300’s liquid-cooled 286cc single is the more powerful, free-revving unit — 29.5 bhp versus the CB350’s 20.7 bhp — and it’s smoother at higher revs. The CB350 counters with the thing air-cooled Honda 350s are loved for: a long-stroke thump, more low-end torque (29.5 Nm) and a relaxed, characterful cruise.

Want lively, modern performance? The Rebel. Want classic torquey character? The CB350.

Comfort & accessibility

The Rebel is dramatically easier to live with at a standstill: a 690 mm seat (vs the CB350’s tall 800 mm) and 15 kg less weight make it far friendlier for shorter riders and city use. The CB350’s upright roadster stance is roomier and more neutral for longer rides, but that seat height rules it out for some.

Features & tech

The Rebel 300 is the more modern machine: a TFT-style display, dual-channel ABS, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and the optional E-Clutch. The CB350 leans on retro charm, a torquey motor and Honda’s bulletproof reliability, with a simpler feature set.

Price

The CB350 is the cheaper way in — it starts around ₹1.97–2.0 lakh ex-showroom, undercutting the Rebel 300’s ₹2.22 lakh. You pay a little more for the Rebel’s extra power, lower seat and modern tech.

The verdict

• Honda CB350 for retro roadster style, torquey character and the lower price.
• Honda Rebel 300 for more power, a much lower seat, less weight, cruiser looks and modern tech like E-Clutch.

Cross-shopping beyond Honda? See Rebel 300 vs Meteor 350 and Rebel 300 vs Goan Classic 350.

This is an independent fan article. Rebel 300 India is not affiliated with Honda. Specifications and prices are expectations based on public information and may change at launch.