Honda CB350

The Honda CB350 is a strong contender in the 350cc neo-retro segment, designed to rival popular bikes like the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and the Harley-Davidson X440. With its retro styling and modern features, it promises the best of both worlds: nostalgic charm combined with contemporary performance. But does it truly live up to the hype?

The Honda CB350’s classic, retro design instantly caught my eye, but it comes with a fresh twist. The nostalgia is strong with its chrome accents, teardrop-shaped fuel tank, and round headlamp, while modern LED lighting and bold color schemes add a contemporary appeal. However, while it stands out in the segment, I feel its design is a little too similar to the Royal Enfield Classic 350. It is slender, approachable, and well-proportioned—perfect for riders of all sizes—though I wish it had a bit more individuality.

The CB350 packs a 348cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that churns out 21PS and 30Nm, paired with a five-speed gearbox. It’s definitely one of the smoothest engines in this class, but its performance shines in specific situations.

City riding is where the CB350 struggles a bit compared to something like the Classic 350. Although Honda’s engine is really refined and smooth, it doesn’t have the same low-rpm torque as the Classic 350. So when you’re riding at city speeds, you end up having to continuously change gears. And this lack of low-rpm torque also means that you can’t ride easily at low speeds in high gears. But since th engine is really smooth, riding in lower gears isn’t much of a problem. 

The CB350 truly shines out on the highway. Good stability and a vibration-free ride make maintaining 80 to 90 kmph comfortable—something rare in this segment. However, past 100 kmph, the engine starts to feel strained. This bike is definitely more suited for relaxed cruising rather than high-speed riding.

Delivering a mileage of 42.17 kmpl in mixed riding conditions (both city and highway), the CB350 strikes a solid balance between performance and economy, which is impressive for a 350cc motorcycle.

Stability is a strong suit of the CB350, though it is not particularly agile. The long wheelbase and heavier kerb weight make U-turns and tight corners feel a bit difficult, but maneuverability in city riding is improved by the wide handlebars.

Braking is adequate for most situations, with disc brakes on both ends and dual-channel ABS ensuring progressive stopping power. However, riders who prefer sharp, instant braking feedback might find it a bit too soft.

Ride quality on the CB350 is excellent. Bumps and potholes are absorbed effortlessly, thanks to the well-balanced suspension, which is tuned more for comfort than aggressive cornering. However, the front suspension bottoms out when hitting deep potholes at high speeds.

Long rides feel comfortable thanks to the CB350’s neutral, upright seating position. The well-padded seat offers decent support, but the soft cushioning might make continuous long rides uncomfortable, especially for heavier riders. With an 800mm seat height, it is easy for most riders, including shorter ones, to plant their feet on the ground.

The pillion seat provides decent space, but on longer journeys, it might feel cramped. While suitable for a passenger, extended rides could be uncomfortable due to the soft cushioning.

Storage is minimal, with a small tool kit compartment under the seat—sufficient for essentials like documents or a wallet, but not much else. The only way to carry more would be by using saddlebags, a tail bag or tank bag.

Riding in slippery conditions feels safer with dual-channel ABS and traction control. Visibility at night is enhanced by the LED lighting all around. While the braking system is reliable, it could be a bit sharper.

The CB350 Pro variant includes Bluetooth connectivity, a semi-digital instrument console, and turn-by-turn navigation. However, the voice assist feature feels more like a gimmick than a genuinely useful addition.

If you are looking for a retro-styled cruiser with modern features, the CB350 is a strong contender. Smooth performance, excellent mileage, and great ride comfort make it an ideal choice for long-distance cruising. While it might not have the "wow factor" of some competitors in terms of design, its reliable engine and feature-packed Pro variant make it a solid buy. If you want a motorcycle that strikes a balance between modern tech and classic styling, the CB350 might just be what you are looking for.

• Reasons to consider: Iconic design, better bottom-end torque, well-established in the market

• Reasons to ignore: Slightly more expensive, lacks modern tech features

• Reasons to consider: Strong road presence, larger engine, better cruising performance

• Reasons to ignore: Significantly more expensive, might not be ideal for daily commuting