Honda CB350

The Honda CB350 is a retro roadster offering based on the CB350 platform, which currently includes the Honda H’ness CB350 and Honda CB350RS. The CB350 aims to compete with the Royal Enfield Bullet 350. Here’s how it performs in the real world:

The CB350 comes with a retro roadster-like design that is very similar to that of the Royal Enfield Bullet 350. It comes with a round LED headlight and turn indicators. The fuel tank is teardrop-shaped, and gives the bike a retro look. The bike comes with a split seat setup that looks similar to what we have seen on the higher variants of the CB350 H’ness, but with more premium seat covers. The main difference when compared to other bikes in the CB350 lineup is that it gets full-length metal fenders at both ends. It is offered in simple colours without any fancy stickering but looks quite good. It comes with a peashooter exhaust with a full-chrome finish, the exhaust unit looks quite retro and adds a bit of premiumness to the bike overall.

The CB350 is powered by the same 350cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine as the CB350 H’ness and Honda CB350RS. The engine produces 21.07PS at 5500rpm and 30Nm at 3000rpm. 

The engine, like the ones on the H’ness and CB350RS, has amazing refinement and ensures that vibrations aren’t felt even at higher speeds. But it has similar weaknesses as well, which is a lack of low-speed torque. But once this initial sluggishness is overcome, the bike rides very smoothly. 

The Honda CB350 is a decent motorcycle when it comes to handling. Even though it has a relatively larger 1441mm wheelbase when compared to the other bikes in the CB350 platform, it is able to manoeuvre well. The wide handlebar is great when trying to cut through city traffic conditions. The bike is a bit towards the heavier side with a kerb weight of 187kg but this weight is only noticeable when riding at slow speeds or taking U-turns. 

The suspension setup is well-balanced and is able to absorb most bumps, potholes and undulations easily.. That said, there will be instances where the front suspension bottoms out when going over sharp potholes. Coming to the brakes, they are able to bring the bike to a stop easily and the performance overall is well timed with the lever action, bite and progression being responsive.

The Honda CB350 offers a neutral and upright riding posture and that combined with the well cushioned seat gives the rider a comfortable riding experience overall. The seat is not too hard or too soft and ensures that the rider doesn’t feel discomfort during long rides.

The CB350 comes with the same semi-digital instrument cluster as other bikes in the CB350 lineup. The console offers information including the speed, fuel level, gear position, distance to empty and battery voltage, along with the readouts like the odometer, tachometer, and tripmeters. 

The DLX Pro variant gets smartphone connectivity via bluetooth and gets related functionalities such as turn-by-turn navigation and Honda Smartphone Voice Control system (HSVCS).

The Honda CB350 is a good bike overall and makes for an ideal alternative to those looking to buy a retro looking bike with more modern features like LED lighting and smartphone connectivity.