Yezdi Scrambler vs Honda CB350 RS - Detailed Comparison

The Yezdi Scrambler and the Honda CB350 RS are two of the best options if you are out for a sub-Rs 2 lakh retro-styled scrambler. Both offer neo-retro styling and have pretty close engine capacities, but get up close, and their personalities couldn't be more different. The Yezdi is a rough-and-tumble weekend warrior, proudly displaying its off-road DNA. The Honda, on the other hand, is a suave, urban roadster draped in a sharp scrambler suit.

If you are torn between these two fantastic machines, this comprehensive breakdown will help you figure out which one deserves the empty spot in your garage.

Price & Variants

•  Both motorcycles compete neck-to-neck on pricing, sitting comfortably just under the Rs 2 lakh mark for their entry-level trims.

• The Yezdi Scrambler has only 1 variant, but its prices differ between colours. The CB350RS is available in two variants, but these are only cosmetically different.

Dimensions & Design

•  The Yezdi Scrambler has a shorter wheelbase, which might make it easier to ride in the city traffic.

• On the contrary, Honda CB350 RS’ longer wheelbase, could make it more stable on the highways.

• Yezdi’s generous ground clearance offers a massive 32mm advantage over the Honda, making it effortlessly capable of crossing deep potholes and rough trail obstacles.

• However, that comes with a tall seat. Its advantage is that it gives the rider a commanding view of the road.

• On the flip side, Honda’s saddle is slightly more accessible, making flat-footing incredibly easy for shorter riders in stop-and-go city traffic.

• With a lighter kerb weight, the Scrambler should feel easier to move around at low speeds

• Honda’s larger 15-litre fuel tank, paired with high fuel efficiency, gives it a higher range over Yezdi’s compact 12.5-litre unit.

• The Yezdi Scrambler is a genuine dirt-tracker, featuring a high-beak fender, ribbed seat, wire-spoke wheels, and prominent twin exhausts. It looks ready to tackle a dusty trail right off the showroom floor. 

• The Honda CB350RS looks and feels more road-biased, but its charm lies in its retro silhouette with a premium fit and finish.

Ride & Handling

•  The suspension setups emphasise their separate goals, with the Yezdi Scrambler getting a massive 150mm front travel and 130mm rear wheel travel to comfortably soak up hardcore bumps.

• The Honda CB350 RS’ suspension is tuned for comfortable tarmac riding rather than taking extreme off-road beating.

• Yezdi comes equipped with spoked wheels and tubed, block-pattern tyres that offer high durability to off-road impacts.

• The CB350 RS is fitted with alloy wheels wrapped in wide tubeless tyres, prioritising superior road grip on tarmac.

• Both motorcycles, otherwise, ride on similar-sized wheels and dual-purpose tyres for traction on- and off-road.

• For braking duties, the Yezdi gains an edge with a larger 320mm front disc compared to Honda’s 310mm disc, offering a slightly sharper and more immediate bite.

• Both motorcycles come with a good braking system and standard dual-channel ABS, ensuring confident braking performance across tricky, low-traction surfaces.

Features & Technology

•  The Yezdi Scrambler, featuring a fully digital instrument cluster, looks more tech-focused, but it’s actually Honda that takes a leap forward in this department. 

• Complementing the vintage feel, the CB350 RS combines an analogue speedo with an LCD screen and an optional Honda RoadSync connectivity suite, offering Bluetooth connectivity, call management, turn-by-turn navigation, and more.

• The Yezdi Scrambler, meanwhile, leans a bit more towards off-road functionality with three dedicated ABS riding modes, including an off-road mode that cuts rear intervention for intentional dirt slides.

• The CB350 RS counters with better safety through its Selectable Torque Control (traction control) system, which prevents rear-wheel slips in wet, unpredictable road conditions. It also features an integrated Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) that informs following motorists about panic braking by rapidly flashing the turn indicators.

• An assist and slipper clutch comes standard on both motorcycles, dramatically reducing clutch lever effort in dense, stop-and-go traffic conditions.

Engine & Performance

•  The Yezdi Scrambler uses a highly updated liquid-cooled “Katar” DOHC engine. It feels pretty sporty and rev-happy and belts out 9PS more than the Honda’s air-cooled mill.

• The Honda CB350 RS, meanwhile, offers slightly larger displacement, the pure classic long-stroke feel, superior low-end pull and better refinement.

• While both engines have 30Nm of peak torque, the Honda peaks at an incredibly low 3,000rpm, allowing a super-relaxed cruising style and effortless glide through city traffic without constant downshifting.

• The Yezdi engine comes alive in the mid-to-high rev range, and its six-speed gearbox further allows it to hold higher triple-digit cruising speeds easily. 

Verdict

If your heart beats for adventure, the Yezdi Scrambler is arguably the most fun motorcycle you can have around this price range. It is for riders who want an authentic dual-purpose experience that feels punchy, rugged, and completely unfazed by bad roads. It’s a tool built for fun, offering superior power and off-road capability that justifies every penny on trails.

Meanwhile, the Honda CB350 RS offers a more hassle-free ownership experience with more touch points across the country. It feels like absolute butter on the road with phenomenal low-end torque and refinement. Plus, its modern tech, safety features, and quality build easily make it one of the best premium daily commuters around Rs 2 lakh (ex-showroom).

At the end of the day, you aren't just choosing a motorcycle, but making a statement that defines you.