The 350-cc platform from Honda has been fairly successful for Honda. They have the H’ness CB350 and the CB350 RS doing their bidding for the neo-retro segment. While they have not been able to give a stiff competition to Royal Enfield, they are trying to bring in new products on the same platform.
A new Scrambler seems to be in the works based on the CB350 platform. A recent design patent reveals how this new upcoming Scrambler from Honda might be.
Closer observation of this image shows that this new bike is sporting a new tank. The tank is seemingly flanked by metal brackets that are usually meant for jerry cans. The rider seat too is longer and covers a portion of the tank. This is a common trait of adventure or scrambler motorcycles and helps riders to saddle the bike when riding off-road. The rear suspension also seems to have a longer travel. The rest of the motorcycle seems to be like the other CB350 siblings.
It is anticipated that the motorcycle will be powered by the same engine found in the CB350 and CB350RS. This 348.3 cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine produces 30 Nm at 3,000 rpm and 20.7 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
Honda might use he same half-duplex cradle frame seen in the current CB350 series for the chassis. It probably will have twin shock absorbers at the back and a telescopic fork up front. Similar to the CB350RS, the bike described in the patents appears to have a 19-inch front and a 17-inch rear wheel configuration. However, it might get chunkier off-road-friendly rubber.
As of now, only the design patents for this motorcycle are out. The launch for the same will be some time away. However, given that it is a ready platform, after homologation and initial testing we could see it in flesh by the end of this year.
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