Honda CB350 2025 Model Update popular 350cc retro range has picked up a fresh burst of style for 2025. In late August, Honda unveiled new colourways for the Japan-spec GB350 family (which are the export equivalents of India’s CB350 range).
The update spans all three models—GB350 C (our CB350 “Classic”), GB350 (our H’ness CB350), and GB350 S (our CB350RS)—and immediately triggered the big question for Indian buyers: will these shades come here soon? Let’s break down what changed, what India already has for 2025, and how likely it is that the Japan-only colours make their way to our showrooms.
What’s New in Japan For MY25?
Honda’s Japan lineup mirrors India’s CB350 trio but uses GB badging. For model year 2025, the fresh paint palette is as follows:
- CB350 “Classic” → GB350 C (Japan):
- New colours: Matte Sand Storm Beige and Matte Buret Silver (both matte finishes with brown seat/white piping). Matte Sand Storm Beige roughly parallels the Mat Dune Brown seen here, while Matte Buret Silver is a darker, more metallic-looking spin on the silver/grey theme.
- H’ness CB350 → GB350 (Japan):
- New colours: Classic White (brand-new for Japan), plus Matte Ballistic Black Metallic and Pearl Hawks Eye Blue (the latter two were seen in India earlier in the CB350 story). The Japanese bike also features a single-piece stepped brown seat, unlike the split-seat setup on Indian trims.
- CB350RS → GB350 S (Japan):
- New colours: Heavy Gray Metallic-U and Beta Silver Metallic, both with a subdued, matte-leaning vibe.
Local coverage in India echoed the same details and pointed out the India-Japan naming differences (CB350/CB350 H’ness/CB350RS here vs GB350 C/GB350/GB350 S there) while noting that these GB shades are Japan-market introductions for August 2025.
Any Hardware Changes in Japan?
Reports also mention small trim touches (for example, plated meter rings or slightly tweaked illumination) on certain GB variants for 2025, but the core specs remain the same.
But weren’t the 2025 CB350s already launched in India?
Yes—India got the 2025 CB350 family earlier this year with fresh colours, OBD-2B compliance, and E20 fuel compatibility. Prices and colours were announced in early April 2025:
- CB350 (Classic): DLX from ₹2,15,500; DLX Pro from ₹2,18,850; colours include Mat Axis Grey Metallic, Mat Dune Brown, Rebel Red Metallic, Pearl Igneous Black, Pearl Deep Ground Grey.
- H’ness CB350: DLX from ₹2,10,500; DLX Pro ₹2,13,500; DLX Pro Chrome ₹2,15,500; with shades like Rebel Red Metallic, Pearl Igneous Black, Pearl Deep Ground Grey, Athletic Blue Metallic (availability varies by trim).
- CB350RS: DLX ₹2,15,500; DLX Pro ₹2,18,500; with Pearl Deep Ground Grey, Pearl Igneous Black, Mat Axis Grey Metallic, Rebel Red Metallic (variant-wise).
Mechanically, the line continues with the proven 348.36cc air-cooled single and 5-speed gearbox. Power/torque figures are in the ~21.07 hp ballpark and ~30 Nm for H’ness/RS (CB350 Classic is quoted at 29.5 Nm). The bikes are OBD-2B and E20 compliant. Features on the Indian models include dual-channel ABS, assist/slipper clutch, Bluetooth connectivity on select variants, and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)—Honda’s traction control system for slippery conditions.
So… Are the Japan-Only Colours Coming To India?
Short answer: There’s no official confirmation yet. RushLane explicitly notes that HMSI has not confirmed an India introduction for these Japan-market shades. However, considering these motorcycles are made in India and exported to Japan, such paint updates can theoretically be localized easily if Honda wants to refresh showroom buzz during the festive season or a quarterly update cycle. For now, it’s wait-and-watch—but the pathway is certainly plausible.
What This Means For Buyers
If you’re in the market now, India already has a wide, attractive 2025 palette across CB350, H’ness, and RS with prices starting just over ₹2.10 lakh ex-showroom. The Japanese additions aren’t drastic rethinks; they’re mostly tasteful new paint/trim combos.
Unless you’re absolutely set on something like Classic White (GB350) or the Matte Buret Silver vibe (GB350 C), the current India shades already cover the spectrum from stealthy greys to brighter reds and blues. And given Honda’s recent cadence, a minor colour roll-in later this year wouldn’t be surprising—but again, nothing is confirmed.
FAQs
Q1. What exactly changed with the 2025 update in Japan?
Fresh colour options for all three GB350 models: Matte Sand Storm Beige & Matte Buret Silver on GB350 C, Classic White plus Matte Ballistic Black Metallic and Pearl Hawks Eye Blue on GB350, and Heavy Gray Metallic-U & Beta Silver Metallic on GB350 S. Specs remain essentially the same.
Q2. Are these Japan colours different from India’s 2025 shades?
Yes. India’s April 2025 update delivered its own slate of colours (e.g., Mat Dune Brown, Mat Axis Grey Metallic, Rebel Red Metallic, Athletic Blue Metallic, etc.), while Japan’s August 2025 refresh adds Classic White, Matte Buret Silver, Heavy Gray Metallic-U, and Beta Silver Metallic, among others.
Q3. Will the Japan-only colours launch in India soon?
No official word yet. Media coverage notes HMSI hasn’t confirmed India availability; it’s possible Honda could introduce select shades later, but treat it as speculation for now.
Q4. When did the 2025 CB350 family launch in India?
Early April 2025—with updated colours, OBD-2B/E20 compliance, and prices starting at ₹2.10–2.15 lakh depending on the model/variant.
Q5. What are the current India prices (ex-showroom)?
Indicatively:
- H’ness CB350: ₹2,10,500–₹2,15,500 across DLX/DLX Pro/DLX Pro Chrome.
- CB350RS: ₹2,15,500–₹2,18,500 across DLX/DLX Pro.
- CB350 (Classic): ₹2,15,500–₹2,18,850 across DLX/DLX Pro.
Check your local BigWing dealership for city-specific on-road pricing.
Q6. Any engine or tech changes for 2025?
In India, the headline is OBD-2B and E20 compatibility. The 348.36cc single continues with around 21.07 hp, ~30 Nm (29.5 Nm on the CB350 Classic), and a 5-speed gearbox. Feature highlights include dual-channel ABS, assist & slipper clutch, Bluetooth (select variants), and HSTC (traction control).
Q7. What’s the difference between CB350, H’ness CB350, and CB350RS?
Think of CB350 (Classic) as the most old-school in stance, H’ness as the refined chrome-tinged roadster, and RS as the sportier, scrambler-flavoured variant with different seat/tail/tyre cues. All three share the same platform and core mechanicals but are trimmed to different tastes. (In Japan, they wear GB350 C, GB350, and GB350 S badges.)
Q8. Are the Japanese bikes built in India?
Yes—India is the manufacturing hub for these 350s, with bikes exported to Japan and sold there as GB350 models.
Q9. Who are the main rivals in India?
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is the prime competitor, alongside options like the Jawa 350, Yezdi Roadster, and Triumph’s Speed 400 for those cross-shopping on price/character. (Rival lists vary by buyer priorities.)
Q10. Should I wait for the Japan colours or buy now?
If a specific GB shade (e.g., Classic White or Matte Buret Silver) is your dream, waiting could pay off—but there’s no guarantee Honda will bring them here. If you simply want a tasteful retro 350 now, India’s 2025 palette is already strong, prices are known, and bikes are on sale nationwide.
Summary
The Japan-only 2025 colours inject fresh visual appeal, and given India’s role as the manufacturing base, it wouldn’t be a stretch for Honda to roll some of them into the domestic lineup later.
For now, enjoy the already-updated India range (from April 2025) and keep an eye on BigWing announcements—if Honda decides to localize Classic White, Matte Buret Silver, or the RS’s Heavy Gray Metallic-U/Beta Silver Metallic, it’ll likely surface as a quiet colour-refresh rather than a full relaunch.