Upcoming Honda H’Ness CB350-based Variant Could Be A Cafe Racer
Going by the new teaser, Honda will possibly introduce a sportier version of the H’Ness CB350
Going by the new teaser, Honda will possibly introduce a sportier version of the H’Ness CB350
[UPDATE: The Honda CB350RS has been launched in India. Check out the details in our launch report.]
- The bike will be launched on February 16.
- It is likely to be priced a little over Rs 2 lakh (ex-showroom).
- Like the H’Ness CB350, this motorcycle will also likely be sold only via Honda’s premium BigWing dealerships.
Honda is all set to launch a new bike based on the Honda H’Ness CB350 on February 16. While we initially believed it could be a scrambler, likely to be called the Honda CB350X, Honda has shared a new teaser image and a video in a cafe setting, hinting at the possibility of it being a sportier cafe racer. Looks like Honda is trying to replicate Royal Enfield’s 650cc platform in the 350cc segment. The Chennai-based bikemaker offers both the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT 650 under the same platform.
Consequently, expect the bike to have sportier ergonomics. It could feature a clip-on handlebar and rear-set footpegs for a more aggressive stance. The alloy wheels match up to the bike’s racy demeanour too. While cafe racers usually have performance-oriented road-biased tyres, this motorcycle confusingly wears mild off-road-oriented MRF Zapper Kurve tyres.
Expect the motorcycle to be powered by the same 348cc single-cylinder air-cooled counterbalanced engine. Churning out 21.07PS and 30Nm, it is one of the most refined motors we’ve ever experienced in its segment. You can read more about how the bike feels to ride in the real world in our detailed review report.
Rumours are running rife that the upcoming bike may be called the Honda CB350RS. If true, the nomenclature will be similar to what Honda has done with its big retro bike: the CB1100 and CB1100RS. The motorcycle could be priced at around Rs 2.10 lakh (ex-showroom), and is likely to be sold only via the brand’s premium Honda BigWing dealerships.
It’ll be interesting to see how the motorcycle performs in our market since cafe racers aren’t as popular as roadsters. That’s because the latter is more practical in terms of ergonomics and usability, thus attracting a wider sect of audience. That said, this motorcycle might work well for the export markets where the demand for cafe racers is larger than ours. All said and done, we are still hoping Honda brings out a scrambler variant, perhaps as the third iteration in the future. Stay tuned on February 16 when we bring out all the details on the upcoming Honda bike.
Honda CB350RS User Reviews
I chose this bike because I liked its retrospective and a twitch of modern blend along with very comfortable riding position and smooth firing of engine. Really good for everyday commute in city and a bit long weekend rides. The ride has been smooth and comfortable, especially on the roads, the handling feels stable and has enough power for highways. Mileage is descent as I already have experienced hunter 350 and overall the bike gives emense pleasure while driving. Yes, I would recommend it to someone who is really into bike and not into some name hypes, also who is interested in for stylish daily commuting bike as well as weekend rides. Perfect for the ones who love relaxed crusing.Read More
While i saw many 350 cc bikes and i think this the most compatible 350cc bike and you can never disagree with honda reliability, overall the best 350 cc in classic segment among bikes like Enfield and yezdi. Its been great so far the bike is giving pretty good, mileage and the comfort has been no issue for me when long run great, the only problem i had the power drop over the years and thats the only one. Yeah for sure for those people who really are interested in classic segment, don't get your mind confused by going with bullet all this should be in your list for you to be considered cause you have to ride your bikesRead More
I chose this bike because mainly my routes are on highways and ofcourse, because of the japanese reliability honda offers, plus it's the best bike in the segment in my opinion as it gets a fair amount of safety features like traction control, dual channel abs and because of the slipper clutch provided, gear changing and overall the engine is butter smooth. Also it gives the best mileage in the segment too, as I have ridden a classic 350 before, I can definitely tell the difference. Rides are butter smooth, it's like the bike is gliding, absolutely 0 vibration, it's not that comfortable as the hness 350 as it has a more aggressive riding stanc than the hness, but it's fairly comfortable, not that bad, the only thing bugs me are the stock seats, it's very uncomfortable for the pillion and your rear may hurt a little on long rides, but overall I'll rate it a 4/5, which is not bad at all. If you want the best looking neo retro bike in the segment, the cb350 RS is for you hands down, it has great mileage, very low maintenance cost, fairly comfortable (change the stock seats) and it feels rarer than other bikes in the segment as the BigWing network is so limited, and that gives you the satisfaction you need.Read More
I must say, it is a very good bike at this range because of the mileage and the power. The comfort of this bike is also top notch. I would recommend this bike to my friends. Also the engine is very good. So good. Now I am planning to taking the bike to Kozhikode. The comfort of this bike is very good. The mileage of this bike is around 35 kmpl. The power of this bike is outstanding in compared to other bikes. The mileage and the power of this bike is top notch at this range. The comfort of this bike is also great. The power of the engine is also very impressive at this range. So yeah, I would recommend this bike to everyone.Read More
I was willing to go in 160cc or above. I took test drive, the engine smoothness and stunning look are the 2 key factors. Apart from that Cb350rs has better mileage than speed 400 and price range is also lower comparatively. Better than Triumph in mileage and better than RE in performance. It’s suited for those who are willing to do rides on weekends and wants to use as daily commute as well. Highway ride is better compared to city. Still having 350cc with dual channels abs helps you out manoeuvre others and gives extra edge while breaking. City mileage between 33.5 to 36 kmpl and highway mileage varies between 38 to 44 kmpl, depending on riding style and roads.Read More