Honda Hness CB350

The Honda H'ness CB350 stands as Honda's entry into the 350cc retro bike segment to rival the Royal Enfield Classic 350. Honda has given the CB350 an old-school design, a refined engine and a variety of additional features.

The design of the Honda H'ness CB350 draws clear inspiration from Honda's legendary retro models, notably the Honda CB750 and CB1100. At the front, it features a round LED headlight surrounded by a chrome headlight cap and round LED indicators. 

There is also a chrome-finished Honda badge on the engine casing. The engine is blacked out with chrome accents on the fins. It features a split seat setup with a chrome grab rail. The H’ness comes with alloy wheels which are complemented by chrome mudguards (body-coloured fenders on the DLX Pro variant), and the exhaust is also finished in chrome. Even though the bike looks pretty good overall, there's a bit of an unusual space between the back tyre and the mudguard. But overall, the CB350 has top-notch fit and finish levels with premium quality components.

The H’ness CB350’s 348.36cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine makes 21PS and 30Nm and is mated to a 5-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch. The remarkably light clutch action means even if you’re stuck in long traffic jams, feathering the clutch won’t make your forearm ache. 

The CB350's engine is good at low speeds but the sound of the exhaust might make it feel like you're going faster than what you actually are. At lower speeds, the bike might not feel very eager, with a bit of a dip in performance until you hit around 4000-5000rpm, where it suddenly gets a lot more lively. In our real-world tests, the Honda H'ness CB350 achieved a mileage of 45.8kmpl in the city and 42.17kmpl on the highway.

While the H’ness CB350 might not stand out in terms of performance, but it excels in refinement. The bike features an exceptionally smooth gearbox and the engine loves to rev, making it feel more like a Jawa than a Royal Enfield. Navigating through the city traffic is quite easy thanks to the tall third gear and featherweight clutch. However, the fifth gear is too tall and is more suitable for high-speed touring on the highway. Because of this, high-speed overtakes (above 100kmph) require downshifting. 

The Honda H’ness CB350 is an excellent commuter. Apart from its unique exhaust sound, the H’ness has a smooth engine, just like other Honda bikes. But for a retro-roadster, it might not have enough low-end performance.

The Honda H’ness CB350 is equipped with a half-duplex frame. Despite its relatively long 1441mm wheelbase, which isn't made for aggressive cornering, the bike changes directions quickly and it rides through traffic and tight spaces effortlessly. The wide handlebar gives great control, and you only feel the bike's weight at slow speeds or when making U-turns. On twisty mountain roads, the H’ness is steady and balanced.

In terms of braking performance, the CB350 comes with Nissin callipers which provide impressive stopping power. Notably, the H’ness has the best brakes in its segment, surpassing the competition by a large margin.

The H’ness CB350 handles bad roads quite well. The twin shock absorbers make for a comfortable ride and while the telescopic fork does the same, it can occasionally bottom out if you hit sharp bumps. The CB350 has a 166mm ground clearance that helps it ride over bigger speed breakers with ease.

The Honda H’ness CB350, being a roadster, offers a comfortable and upright riding posture. The curved handlebar, directed towards the rider, also contributes to the overall enjoyable riding experience. With an 800mm seat height, the H’ness is suitable for shorter riders too. However, compared to larger bikes, the CB350 might not give that distinct ‘big bike’ feel.  

The seat cushioning is on the firmer side but its flat shape makes it spacious and provides enough space for the pillion to sit comfortably. One minor drawback is the 181kg kerb weight of the bike, which is noticeable especially when moving it in and out of tight parking spaces.

Despite the retro-roadster design, the H’ness CB350 comes with various modern features, including several segment-first features. The bike features a semi-digital instrument console that provides a host of information such as range, real-time mileage, gear position indicator, trip meter, and odometer. Though the display may feel a bit small and cluttered at first, it becomes easy to read once you get used to it.

Moreover,  the DLX Pro variant offers Bluetooth connectivity with audio-based turn-by-turn navigation and call and music control. It comes equipped with an all-LED lighting setup, a slip-and-assist clutch, and a traction control system. A noteworthy feature is the premium quality of the switchgear. On the flip side, Honda has positioned the indicator switch at the bottom, with the horn above it, a configuration that can be somewhat confusing and inconvenient to the rider.

Starting at Rs 2,09,857, the CB350 goes up to Rs 2,16,356 (both prices ex-showroom Delhi). The bike comes with a premium price tag as compared to its rivals, something we have previously seen with some Honda bikes. However, the Japanese manufacturer has given us an attractive, stylish, and reliable product in the form of the new CB350.

The Honda H'ness CB350 is a good-looking bike with stylish looks and a premium feel. It comes with a host of features and offers a comfortable ride quality. The 350cc Honda engine is refined and great for city riding. Yet, the lack of low-end torque takes away some of the excitement from the riding experience. It's like enjoying a well-cooked meal that's missing the perfect seasoning.