I was looking for a city bike, having just sold my Z900, as I was not doing justice to it. I am a bit of a Honda fan-boy and have got myself the CB350. I have owned a RE Thunderbird 500 in the past and did not like the styling of the Metero 350, although it comes with a better chassis and a new engine compared to its predecessor. I prefer the UJM retro classic design of the Honda.
My shortlist was between 2 colours the dlx pro blue and white and the dlx metallic red. Ultimately settled for the red, as it had that retro look and well, the colour looks gorgeous as you can see for yourselves. I was not too bothered about the blue tooth connectivity and having the extra switches on the controls, so it was more of a - 'I love this colour', type decision. John's Honda Thrissur, Kerala was the dealership I got the bike from. Although the dealership was busy as hell, they were efficient and had a dedicated SA for the CB350. The bike was getting a lot of interest from people and test rides were given out freely. They were sending out the test ride bike with a staff as pillion, but in my case since I was already a Honda Africa twin owner, they allowed me to take the bike solo for an extended ride. The buying experience was smooth and the whole process between paying booking to delivery took 1 week, as they had the red, black and green ones in stock. The waiting time for the dual tone dlx pro version was quoted as anywhere upto 6 weeks. They blamed it on some production line issue and upgrade at the factory. I have had the bike for just over 2 weeks now, have done around 500 kms.
My initial impressions are as follows.
It sure is an attention grabber and turns heads at signals and when parked. The UJM styling is spot on. The exhaust note is top class, lacks the RE thump, but has a good character. I guess it will get more bass-ier with time.
The gearing could be improved, it has a very short first gear, the 2nd and 3rd are tall and can go easily upto 80 in 3rd, but takes sometime to get there. The 4th and 5th are ok to cruise at 90-110. I have not taken the bike over 100 kmph, being the running in period and what not.
The clutch is very light and a joy to use in city traffic. I have been getting a few false neutrals when shifting, maybe that will improve after oil change.
The bike loves to be kept in higher RPMs. The brakes are good for the capacity and power. While it is a great bike to cruise in a relaxed manner, it could run out of steam on wide open highways, if you want to do higher speed runs. But, then this bike is not intended for that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by nutcracker Since "CB" stands for City Bike, let's make this bike more city-friendly. Got the Studds side tank installed.
Only downsize is that it significantly increases the width of the bike. Meaning I'll have to be extra careful when manoeuvring between car lanes, and parking will take more space too. |
The box looks very nice and its good that you got almost the same blue as on the bike. It almost looks like an OEM accessory. I too am keen to get one, only thing holding me back is the interference with the aesthetics of the bike. But, I guess practicality might triumph over the aesthetics fairly soon.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam.k
1. Its difficult to keep the bike below 80kmph on highways. I found myself
doing 90+ invariably most of the time
2. I did bursts of speeds above 100kmph and the bike felt smoother post 100.
3. Riding the bike in closed streets or underpasses is eargasmic.The exhaust
note and blips just rumble.
4.There will be times where you will adjust your riding just to hear the long
stroke sedate exhaust note :-) |
You have said it. I feel exactly the same. The initial gears are weak and slow to pick up, but the bike likes to be in the over 80 kmph band. It could cruise easily around 90-100 comfortably in the top 5th gear, with the added feel of that amazing exhaust note.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sebring In keeping with their monthly 'ride outs' Honda is hosting a ride this month as well. This one is for Bangalore CB 350 Owners, and their co-rider. No vehicle manufacturer has been this active |
Wow, that is great. I hope Honda Kochi/ Thrissur / Kerala organises something similar.
Here are some pictures of my bike.
The gorgeous metallic red paint, truly retro classic looking.
The Honda brothers. My adventure tourer and the city bike.
I am hoping that Honda will launch a twin cylinder version of the bike, like a CB500 - 650, with the same retro styling. That sure surely be the ultimate one to have and would truly give RE a run for their money. Fingers crossed. If that happens then I will be the first one at the showroom to place an order for it.
Cheerio
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