Retro Bikes Launched In 2021: Honda CB350 RS, Benelli Leoncino 500 BS6, Yamaha FZ-X & More!
Retro motorcycles in India enjoy quite some attention, and here are the newly arrived ones
Retro motorcycles in India enjoy quite some attention, and here are the newly arrived ones
In India, the retro-styled motorcycle segment has never lost its charm. And capitalising on the same, biker makers are constantly putting out new models every year. So here we bring you the list of retro-styled motorcycles that arrived in 2021.
Honda CB350RS -
At the beginning of 2021, we witnessed the launch of the CB350RS, which is a sportier version of the H'Ness CB350. The retro-styled motorcycle gets dual-tone paint schemes, a tuck-and-roll seat, sportier front fenders, a single horn setup as opposed to the H'Ness DLX Pro’s dual horns, and a single toe gear shifter. The CB350RS is powered by the same 348.36cc engine, seen on the H'ness, and is priced at Rs 1,99,739 and Rs 2,00,368 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the Monotone and Dual Tone variants.
Benelli Leoncino 500 BS6 -
This year Benelli also updated its Leoncino 500 by plonking in the 500cc parallel-twin BS6-compliant engine from the TRK502. Other than the engine, there's no update made to the motorcycle, and it has retained the underpinnings of the BS4 model. The Benelli Leoncino 500 BS6 is available in two colours: Silver and Red, priced at Rs 4,89,900 and Rs 4,99,900 (ex-showroom Delhi) respectively.
Yamaha FZ-X -
For the first time in India, Yamaha has entered the neo-retro segment with the launch of the FZ-X. The 149cc motorcycle is based on the FZS, and gets the same engine and underpinnings as the street naked. The FZ-X is priced at Rs 1,24,300 (ex-showroom Delhi), and it comes with features such as an LED headlight and taillight, a USB charging port, side-stand engine cut-off, and a new fully digital instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity via the Yamaha Y-Connect app.
Jawa Standard and Jawa 42
This year Classic Legends has rolled out a bunch of updates for the Jawa Standard and Jawa 42. The former has received two new paint schemes Khaki and Midnight Grey with the tricolour pinstripes and the 293cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine has also been updated which now produces 27.33PS which is an increase by 0.82PS and 27.02Nm which is 0.3Nm less than the previous model. Meanwhile, the latter has got new bar-end mirrors, alloy wheels with tubeless tyres, revised seat cushioning, new accessories and an updated engine. The price of the Jawa Standard and the Jawa 42 starts at Rs 1,78,415 and Rs 1,69,415 (ex-showroom Delhi) respectively.
Royal Enfield Classic 350 -
Royal Enfield has finally given the Classic 350 a substantial update. The new generation of the retro motorcycle is based on the 'J' platform earlier seen on the Meteor 350 and powered by a new 349cc single-cylinder air-cooled, fuel-injected engine that churns out 20.2PS and 27Nm. The brand has also updated the suspension setup and features as it now gets optional tripper navigation for the Chrome variant. The Classic 350 is available in a total of eleven colour options and the price starts at Rs 1,84,374 (ex-showroom Delhi).
Premium Retro Bikes -
For the ones having deeper pockets and absolute passion for retro bikes, there are a few options available such as the Ducati Scrambler 800 which has received a new paint scheme, a flatter seat and a revised suspension setup. One can also have a look at the Ducati Scrambler 1100 Dark Pro that gets a BS6-compliant engine and some minor design and mechanical tweaks. Triumph has also updated its Bonneville range with the Gold Line Edition that gets cosmetic updates. Other alternatives include the BMW R Nine T that is sold via the CBU (completely built unit) route and the recently launched Kawasaki Z650RS that comes across as a comparatively affordable premium offering, priced at Rs 6.24 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
Honda CB350RS User Reviews
I chose this bike because I liked its retrospective and a twitch of modern blend along with very comfortable riding position and smooth firing of engine. Really good for everyday commute in city and a bit long weekend rides. The ride has been smooth and comfortable, especially on the roads, the handling feels stable and has enough power for highways. Mileage is descent as I already have experienced hunter 350 and overall the bike gives emense pleasure while driving. Yes, I would recommend it to someone who is really into bike and not into some name hypes, also who is interested in for stylish daily commuting bike as well as weekend rides. Perfect for the ones who love relaxed crusing.Read More
While i saw many 350 cc bikes and i think this the most compatible 350cc bike and you can never disagree with honda reliability, overall the best 350 cc in classic segment among bikes like Enfield and yezdi. Its been great so far the bike is giving pretty good, mileage and the comfort has been no issue for me when long run great, the only problem i had the power drop over the years and thats the only one. Yeah for sure for those people who really are interested in classic segment, don't get your mind confused by going with bullet all this should be in your list for you to be considered cause you have to ride your bikesRead More
I chose this bike because mainly my routes are on highways and ofcourse, because of the japanese reliability honda offers, plus it's the best bike in the segment in my opinion as it gets a fair amount of safety features like traction control, dual channel abs and because of the slipper clutch provided, gear changing and overall the engine is butter smooth. Also it gives the best mileage in the segment too, as I have ridden a classic 350 before, I can definitely tell the difference. Rides are butter smooth, it's like the bike is gliding, absolutely 0 vibration, it's not that comfortable as the hness 350 as it has a more aggressive riding stanc than the hness, but it's fairly comfortable, not that bad, the only thing bugs me are the stock seats, it's very uncomfortable for the pillion and your rear may hurt a little on long rides, but overall I'll rate it a 4/5, which is not bad at all. If you want the best looking neo retro bike in the segment, the cb350 RS is for you hands down, it has great mileage, very low maintenance cost, fairly comfortable (change the stock seats) and it feels rarer than other bikes in the segment as the BigWing network is so limited, and that gives you the satisfaction you need.Read More
I must say, it is a very good bike at this range because of the mileage and the power. The comfort of this bike is also top notch. I would recommend this bike to my friends. Also the engine is very good. So good. Now I am planning to taking the bike to Kozhikode. The comfort of this bike is very good. The mileage of this bike is around 35 kmpl. The power of this bike is outstanding in compared to other bikes. The mileage and the power of this bike is top notch at this range. The comfort of this bike is also great. The power of the engine is also very impressive at this range. So yeah, I would recommend this bike to everyone.Read More
I was willing to go in 160cc or above. I took test drive, the engine smoothness and stunning look are the 2 key factors. Apart from that Cb350rs has better mileage than speed 400 and price range is also lower comparatively. Better than Triumph in mileage and better than RE in performance. It’s suited for those who are willing to do rides on weekends and wants to use as daily commute as well. Highway ride is better compared to city. Still having 350cc with dual channels abs helps you out manoeuvre others and gives extra edge while breaking. City mileage between 33.5 to 36 kmpl and highway mileage varies between 38 to 44 kmpl, depending on riding style and roads.Read More