Honda CB350RS: Review In Images

Is the youthful sibling of the H’ness CB350 worth its price?

Honda expanded its CB lineup by bringing in the CB350RS. We’ve already ridden the bike (read the full review here), but this image story only highlights the key takeaways  

One can easily draw parallels with the  H’ness CB350. The CB350RS sports the same retro theme, with a dash of sportiness.  

For starters, it uses the same round-shaped all-LED headlamp with DRLs, but the chrome housing has made way for a new nacelle ring on the LED headlight with a brush metal finish.

The CB350RS features blacked-out mechanicals instead of chrome, which accentuates its sporty character. The paint quality and overall fit and finish are of course as per Honda standards

At the heart of the CB350RS is the air-cooled, single-cylinder 348.36cc engine (from the H’Ness CB350), producing 21.07PS at 5,500rpm and 30Nm at 3,000rpm. That said, it’s 2kg lighter than the H’ness CB350, which improves its power-to-weight ratio, making it almost a second quicker to 100kmph. 

The long-stroke motor is quite refined and has an even spread of torque, but it’s geared quite tall, which eats into its performance. As a result, quick overtakes aren’t as easy and require you to downshift a couple of gears to keep the motor in its sweet spot. 

Like that of the H’Ness, the slipper clutch is a boon and is light enough to be operated by just one finger.

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The instrument console is a semi-digital unit. You get an analogue tachometer and a small digital inset that displays the fuel level, gear position, real-time and average mileage, and the distance to empty. The brightness can be altered, and the whole setup is quite convenient to read. 

Honda’s decision to switch the indicator and horn positions may feel strange initially, but you’d find it better ergonomically. However, the same cannot be said about the horn switch.

The CB350RS gets slightly revised ergos, thanks to the lower-set handlebar and rear-set footpegs. The ribbed seat not only contributes to the aesthetics but also has enough cushioning to keep you comfortable for long hours on the saddle. The seat height remains unchanged at 800mm.

Honda has sprung the CB350RS on a front telescopic fork and a rear twin-shock setup. The ride quality is pliant. 

Shedding speeds are a 310mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc mated to Nissin callipers. The CB350 RS’s ABS calibration is quite predictive and not too intrusive, allowing you to brake hard without causing any jitters at either end.

Apart from the ABS, Honda has also equipped the CB350RS with traction control. 

Last but not least, the bike sits on a 19-inch front wheel and a smaller 17-inch rear wheel, wrapped in block-pattern MRF Zapper Kurve tyres. The rubber offers enough grip on the tarmac and is confidence-inspiring on rough patches as well. 

Compared to the H’ness’s 130/70-section rear tyre, the CB350RS gets a fatter 150-section, which is a bit heavier to steer. 

What’s illogical is the price! Honda expects you to pay a premium of Rs 10,000 over the H’Ness CB350. And it doesn’t even get Bluetooth-connectivity, a charging port, or a navigation system. You can opt for the Bluetooth-connectivity feature, but that’ll increase the asking price.

At Rs 1.96 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the Honda CB350 RS is an expensive bike. This price tag is a bit hard to digest when you consider that the DLX variant of the H’Ness 350 is almost Rs 10,000 more economical yet offers USB-charging.

You could get the standard CB350 if you seek a fun, chilled-out ride. But if you’re there for the looks and willing to splurge without getting anything extra in return, you can go for the CB350 RS.