Honda CB350 H'ness

The Honda H'ness CB350, also known as the Highness 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 motorbikes, notably the Honda CB750 and CB1100.

• It has a round LED headlight, surrounded by a chrome ring 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 parts such as the 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. Overall, the CB350 has top-notch fit and finish levels with premium build quality and components as expected from any Honda company  bike or scooter.

• Despite the retro-roadster design, the H’ness CB350 bike 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.

• The premium quality of the switchgear is quite noteworthy. On the flip side, Honda has positioned the indicator switch at the bottom, with the horn above it. This configuration can be somewhat confusing and inconvenient to the rider.

• 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.

• The remarkably light clutch-lever 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 in the lower revs. The bike gets livelier above 4000-5000rpm.

• 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 does not have enough low-end performance.

• 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.

• The CB350 comes with Nissin callipers and has organic brake pads which provide impressive stopping power as one does not have to exert much pressure on the levers.

• 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 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.

📝Redditors’ Opinions on Honda CB350 H’ness

The Honda CB350 H’ness is widely appreciated for its smooth and refined engine, comfortable cruising posture, retro styling, strong exhaust note, and dependable mileage, making it an excellent choice for relaxed rides at 80–90 km/h. While owners value its handling and reliability, recurring concerns include weak stock batteries, occasional rust or paint quality issues, heavy handlebars at low speeds, and criticism of the “H’ness” name or its resemblance to Royal Enfield. Overall, it’s regarded as a stylish, comfortable motorcycle with a few recurring drawbacks to watch for.

✅ 6 Positive Opinions:

• The only people who should stay away from the cb350 are those who like going fast. If you like cruising along at 80-90 and don't crave the adrenaline rush from the acceleration then go for it. Says—-CTRdosabeku

• Most Hondas feel the same despite higher kerb weight. They keep the Centre of mass lower than Indian brands, making the motorcycle feel lighter and easy to corner. Says—-DrSiddharthAbhimanyu

• Looking great! Just one suggestion swap the red highness logo with the black one from the anniversary or legacy editions. It will go with the overall look. Says—leoiranRed

• Same here, brought the same colour 2 weeks ago,I would suggest you the buy the official backrest from Honda, it’s good! (If you want) BUT And also pillion foot pegs are slim, they told me that there is an accessory to widen it, (I will get it on next service) Says—--Eclectickarthik

• First of all, congratulations and welcome to the club.  As such i faces not much of a problem with the bike. There was one instance where my left horn became loose, but was fixed easily with a nut replacement. Other than that, i ocassionally hear a knock from the front, cant locate it where. I think a lot of hness drivers faced this issue, probably they fixed it in newer versions Says—Lopsided_Ad9145

• If you're saying this vibrates, don't ever ride a single cylinder because it's as smooth as it gets. Says—--brownguysays

⚖️  3 Mixed Opinions:

• For some reason I can't edit the post. The pros and cons aren't visible properly so re-writing them here.

Hness CB350

(+) Easier to handle  

(+) I fell in love with the throttle response and acceleration  

(+) Exhaust note is just top notch (significant)  

(-) I like CB a bit more in the looks department

CB350  

(+) Looks (I love the retro look on this one, especially the mudguard and suspensions)  

(-) The mid section (where cb350 is written) made me very slightly uncomfortable while standing as it was hitting my inner thigh (this was a bit more profound when compared to hness. Says—DrBullah

• Bro not sure about meteor but just rode hness on a ride and can share my experience. The handlebar is VERY heavy which stood out and low speed turns... especially when slithering in stopped traffic. The handlebar weight makes it very hard to lean (compared with grr, t4, hunter which i rode as well). Other than that it was very smooth, much better high end than hunter and good suspension. Says—-----SiDMerceR

• As much as I don't mind a cruiser motorcycle, this is what I'm trying to explain to my mum:I can ride a cruiser at 40/50, but I can't ride a sport then. Only now...But it falls on deaf ears... As much as I'm buying the next motorcycle on my own, my sister and mum both enjoy being pillions and my mum herself wants to learn to ride eventually as well... Well, happy for you OP. Even my friend owns one, and he's had nothing but good stuff to say about it. Just make sure it comes with all issues pre-addressed (there were several factory call backs over the last year, get them sorted out) and ensure to maintain it properly, will ensure no rusting.That apart, have fun! Says —------ MSNayudu

❌ 4 Negative Comments:

• Hness has a bad battery from tata, this is kind of a known issue in the community, replace the battery under warranty. If you are not confident , replace the battery under warranty. Take the bike to an exide or amaron store, sell your new battery ans get a new one, be sure that you get the correct model. Says—--rogueck

• I faced this same issue twice in my one year ownership experience, every time I turn off and turn on the ignition it'll work, there is definitely some issues with the battery honda is using (TATA). Says—--TheByt3

• Only if Honda had not chosen to name it H'ness. That was really stupid of them, as if they lack originality. CB350 was just apt and it would have contributed to its legacy. Says—--Head-Mechanic-8442

• Apart from rust there is nothing special. Says—--pachka-sigaret

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