After getting a good response from the H'Ness CB350 roadster, Honda has launched its new cafe racer version, the ''CB350RS'' at Rs 1.96 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), making it Rs 3,500 more expensive than the DLX Pro variant of the H’Ness (Rs 1,92,500). Pre-bookings of the Honda CB350RS are underway at all Honda Big Wing dealerships as well as online, with deliveries expected to start from early March.
Honda CB350RS – Design & Features
The Honda CB350RS shares the same frame, engine, and other components as the H'Ness CB350. Still, it looks different, thanks to some of the distinguished design elements such as a new nacelle ring on the LED headlamp, redesigned front & rear fender, a skid plate for added protection, an upswept exhaust, single-piece flat seat with two different textures for rider & pillion, a sportier grab rail, a new under-seat LED tail light along with new LED turn indicators, and fork gaiters. It also gets an all-black treatment on its engine, exhaust, frame, and some other parts, which gives it a sporty appeal.
The rear wheel of this new Honda cafe racer is smaller and wider than the H'Ness CB350. Further, the rider’s footpegs have been shifted a little back for a sportier riding stance. The handlebars also appear to be slightly lowered. However, the switchgear and semi-digital instrument cluster are the same units as the H'Ness CB350 that features turn-by-turn navigation feeds through Bluetooth-enabled smartphone connectivity function, real-time & average fuel economy, gear position, battery voltage, and some other tell-tale information, etc. The other notable features of the new Honda CB350RS include Honda’s Selectable Torque Control (switchable traction control), an assist and slipper clutch, and dual-channel ABS.
Honda CB350RS – Engine & Underpinnings
The motorcycle utilizes the same 348cc counterbalanced, long-stroke, fuel-injected motor with no changes to the engine output (21PS at 5,500rpm & 30Nm at 3000rpm). The engine is mated to the same 5-speed gearbox unit with a slip-and-assist clutch as the retro roadster.
The underpinnings of the motorcycle, on the other hand, are also similar to the standard CB350. Built on the same half-duplex cradle frame as the H'Ness, it is suspended on the identical telescopic front fork and a pair of shock absorbers at the rear. The Nissin braking setup has also been carried forward from the H'ness, with a 310mm disc at the front and a 240mm disc at the back, with a dual-channel Antilock Braking System as standard. Despite using similar components and a smaller rear wheel, the motorcycle offers 2mm extra ground clearance (168mm), whereas the kerb weight has gone down by 2kg, weighing 179kg. However, seat height remains the same at 800mm.
Variants & Colors Options
The Honda CB350RS will be available in only one variant, which gets two color options: Black with Pearl Sports Yellow (monotone) and Radiant Red Metallic (dual tone). The dual-tone variant is priced at Rs 1,98,000 (ex-showroom).
Competitors
Currently, there are no direct rivals to the CB350RS. However, the recently launched Jawa 42 2.1 could be considered it's the closest alternative in the 350cc segment.