A CB 350 RS: A Motorcycle That’s More Than Just a Pretty Face
As I stepped onto my Honda CB 350 RS, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement. This bike is more than just a pretty face; it’s a machine that’s designed to deliver a thrilling riding experience. And, boy, does it deliver!!
The Design
The first thing that struck me was the design. The CB 350 RS is a stunning motorcycle, with its sleek and sporty lines that set it apart from its more retro-inspired sibling, the H’ness CB 350. The dual-tone paint job, with its black and yellow hues, looks absolutely striking, and the LED headlamp with its matt black ring adds a touch of sophistication. The side panel is new, and I must say, it’s one of my favourite angles of the bike. The tail section has been redesigned for a compact, yet modern look, and the rectangular LED tail-lamp and grab rail under the seat add a touch of practicality.
The Ergonomics
As I settled into the saddle, I was immediately struck by the ergonomics. The seat is wider, and the footpegs have been moved 11 cm behind and 1.2 cm higher than the H’ness. This setup translates to a sweet combination that’s a bit sporty yet comfort-oriented. The handlebar is a bit wider, and 44 mm away from the rider, which means you sit a bit leaned in. The mirrors are round, but they don’t offer a good view of what’s behind. However, the tank recess is quite narrow, and if you’re above 5’8″, you might not find yourself as comfortable.
The Performance
Under the hood, the CB 350 RS packs a 348cc air-cooled engine that produces 21 PS of power at 5500 RPM and 30 Nm of torque at 3000 RPM. In real life, the performance is surprisingly good, with a 0-100 km/hr sprint that takes 13.86 seconds. The engine is well-tuned, and the exhaust note is deep and rorty. The bike is best ridden at around 100 km/hr, as this is when it’s in its elements, providing a comfortable cruising experience.
The Handling
The RS has lost many metal components seen on the H’ness, which makes it lighter and feels more agile in city conditions. The bike is very flickable now, making it easy to wiggling through traffic. The slipper clutch adds to the sporty ride feel, and you can downshift rapidly, allowing generous engine braking.
The Verdict
The Honda CB 350 RS is a motorcycle that’s more than just a pretty face. It’s a machine that’s designed to deliver a thrilling riding experience, with its sporty design, comfortable ergonomics, and good performance. While it may lack some features compared to its more expensive variants, it’s a great option for those looking for a reliable and fun bike. And, at a price of Rs. 2,73,704/- (on-road, Bangalore), it’s a great value for money.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Honda CB 350 RS is a motorcycle that’s worth considering. It’s a bike that’s designed to deliver a thrilling riding experience, with its sporty design, comfortable ergonomics, and good performance. While it may lack some features compared to its more expensive variants, it’s a great option for those looking for a reliable and fun bike.
