Honda CB350RS Launched: Price, Features And Full Details Revealed

This is Honda’s second motorcycle in the 350cc segment

• The Honda CB350RS is a sportier motorcycle based on the Honda H’Ness CB350.
• It is dearer than the H’Ness CB350 by Rs 3,500.
• Features a sportier riding stance, skid plate, gaitered fork, and meatier tyres.
• It will be available solely through Honda’s premium BigWing dealerships.

After debuting in the 350cc segment with the Honda H’Ness CB350, the Japanese brand has followed it up with the launch of the Honda CB350RS in the country. The motorcycle starts from Rs 1,96,000, making it Rs 3,500 dearer than the DLX Pro variant of the H’Ness CB350 (retails at Rs 1,92,500, both ex-showroom Gurugram). It's available in two colour variants: Black with Pearl Sports Yellow (monotone) and Radiant Red Metallic (dual tone). The dual tone variant is priced at Rs 1,98,000. 

The motorcycle is powered by the same 348.36cc single-cylinder air-cooled fuel-injected engine (matte finish on the engine case), churning out 21.07PS at 5500rpm and 30Nm at 3000rpm. It is linked to a 5-speed gearbox (toe-only shift lever) with assist and slipper clutch. As we’ve experienced in our review, this counterbalanced motor is one of the smoothest in the segment. So, expect similar levels of refinement in the CB350RS as well. That said, we’re yet to find out if Honda has tweaked the final drive to suit the character of this motorcycle. As expected, the bike gets a basic traction control system that’s switchable like the CB350.

The motorcycle is built on the same half-duplex cradle frame as the retro roadster. It is linked to a telescopic front fork with gaiters and a pair of shock absorbers at the rear. In the CB350, the suspension was tuned for a plush ride quality so it wasn’t really keen on cornering hard. We hope Honda has tweaked it for spirited riding. 

The bike rolls on redesigned 19-inch front and smaller 17-inch rear Y-shaped alloy wheels wrapped with meatier-looking, mild-offroad tyres measuring 100-section up front, and 150-section (20mm wider than the one on the H'Ness CB350) at the rear. Braking is via the same 310mm front and 240mm rear discs with dual-channel ABS from the Highness. Interestingly, the motorcycle offers 2mm extra ground clearance (168mm) and the kerb weight has gone down by 2kg to 179kg.

The motorcycle appears to have a slightly lowered handlebar. It also features dual-tone paint schemes on the fuel tank, tuck-and-roll seat, sportier front and fenders, and a skid plate for added protection. The new seat is wider than the one on the H'Ness CB350, so shorter riders may find it a little uncomfortable while maneuvering with feet. The instrument cluster is the same semi-digital unit showing real-time and average mileage, gear position and battery voltage among other run-of-the-mill information. However, there's no USB port, no smartphone-connected turn-by-turn navigation on offer here. It also gets a single horn setup as opposed to the dual horns in the DLX Pro variant of the H'Ness. The rider’s footpegs have been moved slightly back for a sportier riding stance, and even the brake pedal is different. Honda has also replaced the chromed headlight nacelle with a more rugged-looking unit, finished in matte.

Like the Honda H’Ness CB350, this motorcycle too will be sold only via the brand’s premium BigWing dealerships across the country. Bookings are underway and bike will be available at dealerships from early-March. 

All in all, it looks like Honda has tried to emulate what Royal Enfield has done with the 650cc platform by offering the more laidback Interceptor 650 and the more aggressive Continental GT 650 with the same base. The only alternative to the Honda CB350RS in the 350cc segment would be Jawa Forty Two 2.1. We took the motorcycle for a spin and here’s what we think about it.