The mid-size retro-cruiser space in India is heating up like never before. Just a few years ago, the Meteor 350 was cruising almost uncontested, but now Honda and Harley-Davidson have thrown serious contenders into the ring — the CB350 and the X440. Three bikes with three very different personalities, all fighting for the same spot in your garage.
If you’re wondering which one actually fits you, this breakdown should help separate the noise from the numbers.
Engine & Performance
The Meteor’s 349cc motor is tuned for calm, predictable riding. It’s not meant to outrun anyone; it’s built to make your ride feel relaxed and unhurried. But once you hop onto the Honda CB350, the tone changes. Honda’s engine feels smoother, a touch more eager, and genuinely better refined at higher speeds.
And then there’s the Harley X440 — the bruiser of the trio. With the biggest displacement and the strongest mid-range punch, it almost feels like it doesn’t belong in a “350cc” comparison. You twist the throttle, and it moves.
Engine Comparison
| Bike | Engine | Power | Torque | Riding Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Enfield Meteor 350 | 349cc | 20.2 bhp | 27 Nm | Relaxed, predictable, best for smooth cruising |
| Honda CB350 | 348cc | 20.8 bhp | 30 Nm | Smoothest engine, best refinement, quicker response |
| Harley-Davidson X440 | 440cc | 27 bhp | 38 Nm | Strong pull, muscular mid-range, highway-friendly |
If your priority is refinement, Honda wins by a mile. For brute torque and highway authority, the X440 dominates. For everyday calm, the Meteor stays a favourite.
Ride Quality & Handling
The Meteor feels like the classic Indian cruiser — stable, easygoing, and friendly for new or returning riders. It absorbs rough patches decently, though it does feel slightly heavy at very low speeds.
Honda’s CB350 is the most balanced of the trio. It’s lighter on its feet, easier to flick in traffic, and handles bad roads quietly thanks to Honda’s suspension tuning.
The Harley X440 feels the most “solid,” almost like a baby Street 750. That weight gives confidence on the highway but makes tight city corners more demanding.
Ride Comparison
| Bike | Ride Feel | Who It’s Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Meteor 350 | Plush, stable | Daily riders + light touring |
| CB350 | Balanced, refined | Mixed city + motorway riders |
| Harley X440 | Firm, heavy, planted | High-speed tourers, torque lovers |
Design & Road Presence
Meteor stays true to the classic cruiser template — low seat, wide tank, relaxed stance.
Honda leans on retro charm: chrome, round headlamp, minimal bodywork — it feels premium without being loud.
The Harley is the most muscular of the three with its aggressive stance, wider tank, and heavier presence. Park them together, and most heads turn toward the Harley first.
Features & Technology
This segment isn’t about flashy tech, but the companies have sprinkled in enough modern touches.
- Meteor 350: Turn-by-turn navigation pod, USB charging
- CB350: Voice control (Honda Smartphone Voice Control), traction control
- Harley X440: TFT display, full Bluetooth integration, better electronics overall
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Meteor | CB350 | Harley X440 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navigation | Yes (Trip Navigator) | With HSVC | Yes (TFT + Connected) |
| ABS | Dual-channel | Dual-channel | Dual-channel |
| Traction Control | No | Yes | No |
| Display | Semi-digital | Semi-digital | Full TFT |
Harley wins on modern tech. Honda sneaks ahead with traction control — rare in this segment.
Price Breakdown (Ex-Showroom)
Meteor remains the price warrior after the GST cuts.
| Bike | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Meteor 350 | ₹1.95 lakh – ₹2.15 lakh |
| Honda CB350 | ₹2.10 lakh – ₹2.18 lakh |
| Harley X440 | ₹2.39 lakh – ₹2.79 lakh |
If your budget caps at ₹2 lakh, Meteor is your only real choice.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Meteor 350
Pros
- Very comfortable cruiser stance
- Easy for beginners
- Now more affordable
- Smooth mid-range
- Trustworthy for long-term ownership
Cons
- Mild vibrations at high revs
- Lacks top-end punch
- Not the most modern in terms of tech
Honda CB350
Pros
- Smoothest engine in the class
- Best overall refinement
- Great city + highway balance
- Excellent fuel efficiency
- Honda reliability
Cons
- Slightly conservative design
- Pricing overlaps the Meteor yet offers fewer accessories
Harley-Davidson X440
Pros
- Most powerful
- Best highway performance
- TFT display + premium tech
- True road presence
Cons
- Heavy in the city
- Firmer suspension
- Pricier maintenance
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose Meteor 350 if:
- Comfort and calm cruising matter most
- You’re new to big bikes
- You want the best value after the price cuts
- You prefer an easygoing, friendly ride
Choose Honda CB350 if:
- You want the most refined, smoothest 350cc
- You ride a mix of city and long distances
- You prefer reliability and a mature design
Choose Harley X440 if:
- You want power and presence
- Highway touring is a priority
- You want premium tech at a competitive price
- You want a bike that feels bigger than it is
If you want, I can also create:
- A detailed riding experience comparison
- A top speed + mileage real-world test summary
- A full ownership cost comparison (service costs, spares, maintenance)
Just tell me what angle you want next.
