Honda also made a big name in the retro motorcycle market with the Honda CB350 and its sporty avatar, the Honda CB350RS. Both Honda bikes combine classic looks with modern features to give options to an old-school bike fan and new riders alike. Let’s pit the two models against each other to help you choose which suits your style and needs.
Design and Styling
The Honda CB350 has a classic design inherited from old motorcycles: the round LED headlamp, shiny chrome parts, and large fuel tank are its attributes. Most important is the straight riding position and comfortable design that allow one to roam about easily for hours.
The CB350RS looks sportier in an overall perspective. It comes with a more streamlined headlamp design, shorter fenders, and a sporty-styled rear-section. While the CB350 is all about classic style, the two-tone colors, darkened engine parts, and a skid plate make it appear very young and tough. Hence, it’s a proposition for those wanting to ride on a modern interpretation of old-style motorcycles.
Engine and Performance
These Honda motorcycles run the same 348.36cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. In this avatar, the motor produces 20.8 bhp and 30 Nm of torque in a manner that power delivery is linear and seamless.
The motorcycles also have a 5-speed gearbox and an assist-and-slipper clutch to ease gear changing, hence relieving the rider during long-distance riding. Both models also have an injection system from Honda called PGM-Fi to enhance fuel delivery and ensure consistency in performance.
Features: Modern Tech Meets Retro Styling
The CB350 and CB350RS are also both blessed with a variety of modern features that enhance convenience and safety.
- Honda Smartphone Voice Control System: This feature is standard on both models. It enables riders to control phone calls, navigation, and music using voice commands.
- Full-LED Lighting: Both Honda bikes get LED headlamps, tail lamps, and turn indicators for better visibility.
- Dual-Channel ABS: Provides controlled braking on varied surfaces, increasing the confidence and safety of the rider.
- Honda Selectable Torque Control: It helps maintain rear-wheel traction in slippery conditions, a feature that is useful on both city and highway rides.
The CB350RS gets sportier styling and, most obviously, new instrumentation befitting its sporty demeanour. However, the CB350 will retain its classic and detailed dashboard to showcase its old-school character.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The Honda CB350 focuses on comfort and versatility, making it a great choice for long trips and everyday rides. Its wide handlebars and straight sitting position help to reduce the tiredness of the rider during long travels, while the soft seat and plenty of leg space improve overall comfort.
The CB350RS has sportier riding positions, courtesy of the slightly rearward footpegs and lowered handlebar. It is still comfortable on long rides but has that more relaxed, café racer-like feel. Its narrower seat and sporty look just present an invitation for some exciting weekend rides.
Chassis and Suspension
Both bikes share the same half-duplex cradle frame that provides them excellent stability and strength. They also share telescopic front forks and twin hydraulic rear shocks that are set up for good performance.
Suffice it to say, the CB350RS utilizes a much shorter back fender and much stiffer suspension; thus, the motorcycle is very stable during turns. The CB350 has a softer suspension to absorb bumps and potholes, ensuring a smooth ride.
Wheels and Tyres: Built for Different Terrains
Honda CB350 comes with alloy wheels having 19-inch in the front and 18-inch at the back, using tubeless tyres. The tyres are designed for smooth city roads and highways and assure excellent grip and stability.
The CB350RS has a 17-inch rear wheel and a chunkier set of tyres for more off-roadability and some brashness in styling. That type of design makes it more amenable to light trails and fun rides.
Price & Variants
The Honda CB350 comes in many variants, with the base price starting at Rs. 2.10 lakh (ex-showroom). It has many colour options and variants, so there is something to fit everyone’s taste. The CB350RS, the sportier version, starts at a slightly higher price of Rs. 2.15 lakh ex-showroom. The CB350RS has a more stylish look and additional features, hence the marginal increase in cost, which should still be appealing to young riders.
The Ending Thoughts
As far as the middleweight motorcycle segment is concerned, the Honda CB350 and CB350RS make up a fantastic amalgamation of classic styling and contemporary elements; hence, both bikes make up a perfect choice. The Honda CB350 is a great machine for those who love retro styling and comfort during long rides, making it a perfect choice for city commuting and touring.
