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Old 11th June 2022, 12:46   #1
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Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades

Prologue

Hi Friends,
This is my first attempt at writing anything more than 100 words in this excellent forum. Kindly accept my apologies in advance for any errors that might have crept in.
I am a medic who went overseas for post graduate training in early 2000s and returned back in 2017 to do something at the grass roots levels to improve our health care system. Last 4 years have been really busy trying to set up a charity, working with different organisations in faraway corners of the subcontinent etc.

While working in a remote tribal hospital in 2018, I was surprised by the high quality of the road network and the motorcycles that were accessible to the rural youth. Sadly, this also meant really bad accidents. This led to a little research on reasons for higher mortality and means to improve the situation.

We started with Road Safety Bikeathon in 2018 in association with Rotary Club Mysore to drive home the importance of wearing helmets and seat belts. What started as 12 Royal Enfields on a sunny day has now over 4 years, become a crowd of more than 100 bikes (different manufacturers) and 10 vintage cars touring the rural areas spreading this very important message over a weekend. Last year we started focussing on the Mysore, Gonikoppal Virajpet, Madikeri, Kushalnagara, Piriyapatna belt after having achieved measurable improvement in helmet wearing in the Kabini, Begur, Saragur, HD Kotte areas.

It's amazing to see what a bunch of urban riders can achieve in changing perceptions by being polite, fully kitted up (in safety equipment), riding in unison along the rural roads. Everyone wants to know what is happening and why are they hundreds of miles away from their natural habitat. The answer about road safety initially confused them. When the same was reiterated by local medics and police officers in local lingo at short, roadside meetings, it created the intended impact and there was respect for safety accessories.

After famous sportspersons (from Dhoni to Messi and more) and movie celebrities, the only other group, rural youth would take heed of are the urban youngsters of our country (thanks to Insta, FB, TikTok etc.). This gave us the unique opportunity of presenting a large group of ‘safe & hip urban’ youngsters to make helmets and seatbelts look “fashionable” and cool.

Aeons ago at a seaside village in Trivandrum with the KB
Attached Images
 

Last edited by ram1kv : 12th June 2022 at 08:06.
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Old 11th June 2022, 13:18   #2
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re: Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades

The Desire

Having been a commuter, short distance tourer on KB125 that I had during college days, motorcycling was given up due to back ache and change of continents. The sense of freedom, being part of the elements and ability to reach remote places is what biking is all about for me. Being the organiser of the Bikeathon, I had travelled short distances in different makes of two wheelers to spread the road safety message. Rest of the distance was covered in the safe cocoon of a car. The bug bit me during these events to do the whole route on a bike, despite the health and other challenges.

Team BHP as always was the source of information and inspiration to find the right ride. The search was triggered by how good the Meteor 350 looked. Multiple test rides took me closer to buying one given the torquey engine, vibration free experience and manageable weight distribution. But talking to BHPians, Meteor owners (including an orthopaedic surgeon) and a 40 minutes ride on Bangalore Mysore Highway during last Bikeathon taught me that upright position with all the stress and force impacting an erect spine was the last thing advisable for a vertebral frame with multiple prolapses (including the neck!)

First Choice: the sexy Meteor

Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades-photo_20220611_100114.jpg

As always, the heart doesn’t want to listen to these mundane woes of an ageing body and the search continued. Yezdi Adventure, Classic 350 and Himalayan were tested and rejected due to the following reasons:

Yezdi Adventure: poor weight distribution, fit and finish left a lot to be desired.

Classic 350: Gorgeous machine, smooth ride but didn't pull at the heart may be because I was smitten by the Meteor more than the Classic.

Himalayan: While a great allrounder, the heaviness and difficulty to use it as a commuter bike ruled the mighty Himalayan out.

I was keenly following the different bike threads here and Cyborg’s excellent one about his CB350 and the ease of ownership inspired me to do a test ride despite my personal preference to an Indian product. Honda’s insistence on selling them only through Bigwing outlets was truly a hurdle in going for a quick look and test ride. Thankfully the outlet in Trivandrum was generous in letting me try one over an extended time and route, while we were on a short break in January 2022.

I was pleasantly surprised by the suspension, weight management, sound and flickability of the bike. The refinement, fit + finish and road presence were expected, given the brand and their effort to mimic the king of the jungle. Roads, untarmacked streches, highways and little lanes were all easily managed in spite of my rusty riding skills. Slightly forward leaning position suited well for my dodgy back and there were no niggles after a 45 minutes test ride. The riding triangle felt perfect for my height and reach (5’11, 75 kg). Loved the thumpy exhaust note echoing back from the walls while riding the narrow lanes along the hilly terrains of Trivandrum.

I’m not a fan of H’ness badging and the original version had it highlighted with a bright red background. The anniversary edition offerings looked AWESOME! The matt green one with brown split seats (and a less conspicuous H’ness badge) took my breath away. Popped out the teenager in me, drooling at the ride, palpitations and all! Thankfully home office also okayed the choice despite reservations about health and regular use. It helped a lot that the good old KB125 had a major role to play for us getting together in the first place��

Test rode at Thiruvananthapuram in Jan 2022 and purchased from Bengaluru within a fortnight

Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades-tvm-showroom.jpg

Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades-handover.jpg

Few other photos of the Green Bug.

Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades-lighting-up.jpg

Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades-front-.jpg

Last edited by ram1kv : 14th June 2022 at 14:41.
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Old 11th June 2022, 13:35   #3
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re: Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades

Purchase

Mr Ayush at Topline Honda in Bangalore is a thorough gentleman. He made sure that the whole booking and purchase process was seamless and lasted all of 10 days! Even though my natural inclination was for an RE product, Honda and their staff have justified the faith reposed in them. Currently the process is on to get familiar with a bike after a 2-decades vacuum. The multiple monuments within a hundred km radius of Bangalore will be the initial destinations with the better half. Small aliquots in achievable time frames will make this possible. The 2 weeks Panchakarma Rx for the back in December 2021 has gone a long way in increasing ability and confidence to get back. I am attaching a few more photos from the initial days of getting to know the BUG.

Posing in front of the BEAST (Hexa XTA)

Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades-beast.jpg



A side on view

Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades-side-view-2.jpg



Another side angle view

Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades-side-view.jpg



Its a riot of colours!

Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades-spring-air.jpg

Last edited by ram1kv : 12th June 2022 at 07:56.
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Old 11th June 2022, 15:12   #4
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re: Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades

Initial Impressions
It has been a few months since the BUG came home. We have fell in to a good routine. My kids and wife clamour for a pillion ride whenever they get a chance which says a lot about the comfort in the back seat. Weekly once or twice I take the bike to work, a 50km round trip with a long stretch of 60kmph riding along the toll roads. My observations so far are:

Pros
1. Excellent suspension
2. Good road presence
3. Super smooth engine
4. Excellent gear shifts with hardly any false neutrals
5. Good balance
6. Precise brakes
7. Can tackle uneven roads admirably
8. Loud horns
9. Proper bassy exhaust note
10. Decent mileage, I'm getting a combined mileage of 34-35 kmpl
11. NO vibrations
12. And to top it all off, a total looker with the exclusivity factor (especially for the anniversary editions).
13. Topline Honda Bigwing Showroom & Service Centre: is a winner all the way with courteous service and professional attitudes

Cons
1. Low end torque is inadequate requiring frequent gear shifts in city rides
2. Head lights were not fit for purpose
3. Service centres are few and far between.
4. Matt green paint finish will put me back by a lot if scratched

Mods
1. Puig crash guard extender
2. Auxiliary lights (60W) from HJC with Maddog Switch and wires
3. Bobo Mobile holder and Zoul type C charging wire

Posing by the flaming Eucalyptus undergrowth

Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades-3-quarter.jpg


Blending in with the spring blossoms

Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades-blending-.jpg


Any angle, it's a pleasing view

Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades-brake-light.jpg


Burning Hot

Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades-burning-hot.jpg

Last edited by ram1kv : 12th June 2022 at 08:00.
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Old 14th June 2022, 15:39   #5
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re: Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades

Money Matters!

The final OTR in Bengaluru including the roadside recovery, extended warranty and insurance (from Topline) was Rs 2,63,109/-

The First Service after 1 month, cost me Rs 1,579/-

Accessories as mentioned above cost Rs 15,295/-

Fitting Charges were Rs 1,200/-


Helmet + SHAD SH33 Top box = Rs 14,099/- (still confused about which rack to get as I am scared of spoiling the look further!)

Carbon Racing hood = Rs 2,499/- (fitted at home)



Attaching few more photos of the bug with fitted accessories below:


Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades-photo_20220614_150856.jpg


Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades-hood-2.jpg


Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades-hood1.jpg


Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades-photo_20220614_150818.jpg
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Old 14th June 2022, 16:10   #6
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re: Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades

Conclusion

The Honda CB350 is an excellent choice for someone interested in cruising in highways at below 100kmph speeds and for regular city commutes. It is refined, easy to handle and packs enough grunt. Modern features like Bluetooth connectivity and hybrid display with good visibility, could induce an occasional smug grin. ABS, predictably good brakes and wonderful weight management will definitely keep you safe. Despite the macho sound, there is hardly any engine heat. There is ample pillion comfort and space. Above all, it is kinder to one's backbone + buttocks and easier on the wallet to maintain.

Posing with the lilies

Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades-photo_20220614_154515.jpg

As a bonus, you get a lot of attention on the roads thanks to the look and also the sound. Recently, I rode up to a popular restaurant in Bengaluru and the staff insisted on parking the bike by the shade because 'it's an expensive BIG BIKE' This incident definitely made my day and I'm definitely going back there, that too only on the BUG.


Profile

Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades-photo_20220614_154556.jpg



The hood divides opinion but protects efficiently from windblast up to my head level and makes highway journeys enjoyable. I feel it takes away from the gorgeous looks of the bike but needs must for a 40 something. It will also come in handy for the next road safety bikeathon to keep up with the younger crowd.

Attaching a leaflet from the last year's Bikeathon

Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades-bikeathon.jpg

I am an enthusiast, but definitely not an expert on motorcycles. You could call me a professional when it comes to medical emergencies. And recently I've acquired the additional tag of a chronic back pain patient and have taken medical and ayurvedic treatments. As a returnee to motorbike riding after a long hiatus, Team BHP helped in many ways to gather the confidence and to take the final leap of faith.

Got to give a big shoutout to Sebring and his excellent ownership thread of SMURFY (Smurfy - My Honda CB350 Ownership Review). Most queries of a potential CB350 buyer are already covered well in there.

If I can be of any help to others here, it will be an honour



Always ready for the next adventure!

Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades-photo_20220614_154603.jpg

Last edited by ram1kv : 14th June 2022 at 21:14.
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Old 15th June 2022, 12:42   #7
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Re: Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Motorcycle section. Thanks for sharing!

Going to our homepage tomorrow
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Old 16th June 2022, 13:48   #8
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Re: Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades

Interesting read. Congratulations and hope to read more colourful updates. I too own cb350 in same anniversary green color and can echo every word you have written.
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Old 16th June 2022, 15:00   #9
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Re: Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades

Congos Doc on the BUG, wish you a million happy miles! @Sebring's thread was a deciding factor for me too in picking up a black anniversary edition, and before that, it was @argee's thread that gave me all the information I needed about the CBR250. These two are the most informative threads on the internet for the respective motorcycles, I believe. T-BHP, baby!!
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Old 16th June 2022, 16:15   #10
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Re: Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades

Congrats and Wishing you 1000s of Miles of happy riding.

CB350 is a good motorcycle who wants to restart riding after a long gap, not too aggressive and easy to ride.

Like you, I am planning start motorcycle riding after a gap of 10-12 years. I have a well maintained 1999 RX135, but don't ride it frequently. It draws too much attention, lacks current riding comforts/safety and scared that it will get stolen.

So I have my eyes set on CB350 for sometime now and hoping to buy in 8-10 months time. Somehow CB350 reminds me of my Yamaha RD350 which I used to ride in late 90s.

Regards
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Old 16th June 2022, 19:52   #11
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Re: Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades

Hello, good thread and good pictures. I was wondering, if one lives in a city where a BigWing outlet is not located, what options do I have for buying a CB350? The nearest BigWIng is located over 5 hours away, i'll have to go there for a test ride and if I buy, will have to ride it back home.

Is there a way to get the H'ness through a regular Honda dealer? What about service?
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Old 16th June 2022, 21:00   #12
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Re: Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades

Quote:
Originally Posted by ram1kv View Post
Carbon Racing hood = Rs 2,499/- (fitted at home)

Attachment 2320600


Attachment 2320601
Nice bike and love the colour. Safe riding.
Is it just me who feels the Screen is mounted incorrectly? Looks almost vertical whereas I would have expected it to be a bit more aerodynamic. Is it something that is not made for the CB?
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Old 16th June 2022, 22:42   #13
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Re: Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades

Sir, I am not sure of the order to follow while complimenting you on the following: your Joie de Vivre, your honest-to-God writing, your choice of the vehicle and its color, or your picture composition skills. It is threads like yours that make fence-sitters like me get closer to ditching that elusive, mysterious, and certainly, questionable virtue called practicality, and realize we should do what we like more often, as many times as possible. In my case, it is convincing myself to buy a motorcycle and ride as much or as little as I want. Congratulations again, sir!
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Old 17th June 2022, 14:54   #14
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Re: Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades

Quote:
Originally Posted by ram1kv View Post
Money Matters!

The final OTR in Bengaluru including the roadside recovery, extended warranty and insurance (from Topline) was Rs 2,63,109/-

Carbon Racing hood = Rs 2,499/- (fitted at home)

Attachment 2320601
Firstly, congrats sir on your new ride. I am also in the queue to get my hands on the CB350 Anniversary edition albeit in black color as I loved the sparkle in the black shade.

Regarding your visor, not sure if its only me who observe this but it seems a little too upright. Please have it checked. I find the angle to be more deflecting in Sebring's post about the CR "Wanderer" windscreen here
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Old 17th June 2022, 20:03   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rajshenoy View Post
I too own cb350 in same anniversary green color and can echo every word you have written.
It has been a blast Rajesh. Approached with trepidation but enjoying thoroughly given how easy and pleasant the experience is.

Quote:
Originally Posted by chandrda View Post
Congrats and Wishing you 1000s of Miles of happy riding.

CB350 is a good motorcycle who wants to restart riding after a long gap, not too aggressive and easy to ride.

Like you, I am planning start motorcycle riding after a gap of 10-12 years.

So I have my eyes set on CB350 for sometime now and hoping to buy in 8-10 months time.
Regards
You will never regret chandrda, the bike sure does have a great retro charm while being a totally modern and smooth machine.

Quote:
Originally Posted by SkylineGTR View Post

Is there a way to get the H'ness through a regular Honda dealer? What about service?
Not to my knowledge Skyline. While the Bigwing tag is good for show off, it definitely is a downer when it comes to service and test rides. Hope Honda expand their Bigwing showroom network nearer to you. 5 hours ride is too much of a distance!

Quote:
Originally Posted by tchsvy View Post
@Sebring's thread was a deciding factor for me too in picking up a black anniversary edition, and before that, it was @argee's thread that gave me all the information I needed about the CBR250. These two are the most informative threads on the internet for the respective motorcycles, I believe. T-BHP, baby!!
Yes tchsvy Can't beat TBHP for useful info and these lads have definitely taken it to the next level. The sparkly bits in that wonderful black finish did have me thinking too, but being a military family boy, the green and brown combo was a no brainer for me.

Quote:
Originally Posted by dinu2506 View Post
Nice bike and love the colour. Safe riding.
Is it just me who feels the Screen is mounted incorrectly?
Yes Dinu, it is too vertical and I will adjust it back a bit. Supposedly made for CB350 by an accessories manufacturer. Fault is all mine.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sankalp05 View Post
It is threads like yours that make fence-sitters like me get closer to ditching that elusive, mysterious, and certainly, questionable virtue called practicality, and realize we should do what we like more often, as many times as possible. In my case, it is convincing myself to buy a motorcycle and ride as much or as little as I want.
You are right on the target there dear Sankalp. Every moment, all of us are slowly sliding towards the inevitable end. Totally worth it to embrace the experience of doing what you really want as long as it's not at others' cost. This is one bike which you would not want to park up, provided you're not crazy about power, speed and carving the corners in a blaze. It keeps you safe and satisfied. Every time you start walking away from it, that tremendous urge to turn back and enjoy the amazing looks is always there
Good luck for your final swoop of the fence to land on your chosen beauty!

Quote:
Originally Posted by srinath34 View Post
Regarding your visor, not sure if its only me who observe this but it seems a little too upright.
Thank you Srinath, I will get it corrected soon. Currently away travelling, teaching budding doctors.

Quote:
Originally Posted by gypsyFreak View Post
Very true Sir.
Riding a motorcycle gives you a true sense of freedom. The scenario in my case was to move out of depression for which i picked up motorcycling. My story here: (My exit route from depression - Royal Enfield Himalayan).

Congratulations on your purchase. Honda's reliability will definetely give your GREEN BUG, a bug free experience
Thank you GypsyFreak, could'nt agree with you more there. I have not read your thread yet, but will be enjoying it real soon. Incidentally, getting a tad overweight, feeling lots of self pity after my neck vertebrae gave up, producing electric shocks down both arms, I was full of blues. It is a video of a bunch of bikers going to Everest base camp on their mighty Himalayans, which turned it around for me. Many of those guys had multiple injuries and some even had metal rods in their spine. My complaints and self pity looked ridiculous compared to their grit and determination.



There is nothing better than getting fit/getting up to get back on a bike again! So, there is always that sweet spot for Himalayan in my heart

I would like to write occasionally on the little road trips, adventures and the like on the Green Bug. As it's the first time, testing waters and trepidations galore.

Posting a snap of a breakfast ++ ride to an unusual spot near Denkanikottai, Tamil Nadu. The cool Interceptors were difficult to keep up with on open roads, but in repose they look like "Besht buddies" dont they?
Attached Thumbnails
Honda CB350 Review | Getting back on a motorcycle after 2 decades-20220410_112213.jpg  


Last edited by libranof1987 : 18th June 2022 at 19:33. Reason: Merged back-to-back posts. Kindly use the Edit/Quote+ functionality to quote multiple posts.
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