[heinrici]

Originally Posted by kugo_93

The only thing bothering me is a kind of Khat Khat ( metallic clunk ) noise every time the bike goes over a pothole or a sharp edge on the road. The noise comes from the front of the bike.

My cb350 had same khat khat noise from the rear number plate hitting the rear mudguard. Solved it by putting a sponge between the two and tying with black tape - jugaadu solution.

[kugo_93]

Originally Posted by heinrici

My cb350 had same khat khat noise from the rear number plate hitting the rear mudguard. Solved it by putting a sponge between the two and tying with black tape - jugaadu solution.

Agreed, the rear noise is from the number plates, its the front noise that puzzles me.

[vprao]

I have been riding bikes since I was 16. I guess I must have done over 2,50,000 km. My last bike before the CB350 was Xpulse. Somehow the off-roading bug bit me and I took the plunge. Although I did some challenging trails, age was catching up and a fall at my age (45) isn't a good thing. I did fall couple of times but got lucky with few bruises. It was during some hardcore trails, it dawned upon me that off-roading at my age is best done on a four wheeler and not a two wheeler. Also, long trips on my bike was no longer fun as it used to be in my thirty's. The aches on my body takes more of my attention than the scenery around. I bought a Thar and decided that Xpulse would be my last bike.



It was during one of our Ladakh trips that I drove my friend's CB350 there. It was love at first sight! I immediately decided that I'll book it once I returned from the Ladakh trip. I stuck to my decision and booked it immediately after I returned. Fast forward 6000 km on the CB350 in 8 months (I guess my fastest so far in any of the bikes I owned) and here is my observation...

1. Engine Refinement - This has the smoothest engine I have ever ridden. The exhaust note is music. I had Royal Enfield Classic 500 before. I have not ridden new REs, but compared to the old Classic 500, CB350 refinement is miles ahead. Don't be under the impression that there are no vibrations. There are handlebar vibrations above certain RPM, but it's very less.

2. Paint Quality - I was expecting a better job but I saw rusting within a few months. However, it was taken care by the BigWing service without any fuss.

3. Ergonomics - I find the ergonomics of the CB350 top notch. The seating position is perfect and I feel no backache/shoulder pain for really long rides. Seat firmness too is perfect and I don't feel my bum aching.

4. Fuel Efficiency - I get an average of 45 kmpl on long rides considering that I ride in the 70-80kmph range. I'm very happy with it.

5. Quality Issues - Now this is where it makes me wonder whether the CB350 really lives up to the Honda hype. Most Honda bike owner has this some sort of superiority complex that makes them believe that they own a marvel of engineering. I too felt the same for 6000 kms.

Then the dreaded day arrived. I started experiencing cone set problems. I had both top and bottom replaced. I was told that they don't come under warranty and had to pay around ₹2000. I got a rude shock. None of my bikes owned so far experienced cone set replacement in 6000 kms. In fact I never replaced one in any of my bikes. All my pride of owning a Honda machine went down the drain.

I have another issue that started appearing recently. During cold starts, the moment I shift to first gear, the engine rpm goes up and down rapidly. I was told by the service people that it is back firing and happens in cold weather. I'm not convinced as it appears every time I start cold, be it early morning or during day time. I'll be visiting the service guys soon on this and will update.

I have had some or the other issue with almost every bike I have owned, and I had come to terms that issues are part and parcel of owning any machine. However, when I bought my CB350, I had very high expectations. I was in fact owning a premium Honda bike. The recent developments have only made me wonder whether a Honda machine really lives up to it's name?

[Hatman]

Hello to all
I am a proud owner of probably the third Honda cb 350rs in Delhi NCR as I booked the bike the day it was launched. The delivery process was completed within two weeks. I would be repetitive if I bring out the same plus points as already mentioned, however I wish to highlight one issue that is bugging me since an year atleast. My bike is a gem of a ride but there's a slight humming sound from the front of the bike. It becomes more prominent when whistling peacefully at 40-70 know speeds on higher gears. Has anyone else faced this issue? My service centre has not been able to douse the sound however with some mechanical work they have minimised it. Is it common or my figment of imagination.

[krankstter]

I have the Hness as well, Have completed around 4500kms on it. Got the third free service done last month and the front has become extremely heavier after that. The issue wasn't as noticeable at first but it's started to bother me now starting last week. Every time I slow down to take a turn, the front acts erratic, it shows extreme inertia and hesitation to turn, sometimes even pulling in the opposite direction. Was this why you got your cone set replaced? Is this something that I should get checked too? I'm planning to take her to the ASS today.

[krankstter]

Fresh update, cone set was too tight. ASS guy said it was not something unnatural and that it happens every now and then so needs regular checks. I'm guess things expanded a bit since it's summer (probably not significant enough since a big manufacturer like Honda would take care of it's tolerances, but it makes sense to me, the timing of the issue matches perfectly with the onset of summer).

[Hatman]

Dear krankster
I had the same issue and was resolved by the ASS. but the humming sound still remains. What could be the possible cause. Earlier there was no sound at all except for the sweet note of the engine

[VividSiv]

If I drive this bike more than 100Kms I am feeling pain in my lower part of my back bone(Tail bone). Is it some thing to do with the soft suspension? I have installed carbon racing inclined handle bar raisers. Is it playing a spoil sport here?. Have set the rear suspension to its highest stiff setting. But still getting this pain.

[TurboDocRx]

Originally Posted by krankstter

Fresh update, cone set was too tight. ASS guy said it was not something unnatural and that it happens every now and then so needs regular checks. I'm guess things expanded a bit since it's summer (probably not significant enough since a big manufacturer like Honda would take care of it's tolerances, but it makes sense to me, the timing of the issue matches perfectly with the onset of summer).

Mine was tighted 1or 2 times and then replaced at 12000kms. They told me that there is no weather seal and the rain water swept in to cause rust of ball bearings. Could have replaced for free in the extended warranty like many owners have .My bike had 15 days or so to enter the extended warranty period.

[jetsetgo08]

Originally Posted by VividSiv

If I drive this bike more than 100Kms I am feeling pain in my lower part of my back bone(Tail bone). Is it some thing to do with the soft suspension? I have installed carbon racing inclined handle bar raisers. Is it playing a spoil sport here?. Have set the rear suspension to its highest stiff setting. But still getting this pain.

Tailbone pain could be a combination soft seat, soft suspension and wrong riding posture. Is it possible to adopt a more street/adventure bike like riding position? Slightly inclined forward with rear set footpegs. Did you notice the seat sink after riding long? You can also try harder seat cushion or gel seat cushion.

[Abyb]

Originally Posted by VividSiv

If I drive this bike more than 100Kms I am feeling pain in my lower part of my back bone(Tail bone). Is it some thing to do with the soft suspension? I have installed carbon racing inclined handle bar raisers. Is it playing a spoil sport here?. Have set the rear suspension to its highest stiff setting. But still getting this pain.

I have experienced the same. The bike rides like a dream, but anything in excess of 50-60 km gives me a sore back. The riding position is not comfortable either. I don’t think I can go for long rides on this bike, and the thought of taking for servicing from Shillong to Guwahati is not pleasant. I wonder how I can tackle this? Air/gel seats? Tourer seats? Handle bar risers? Replace the bike with an NX500? Or just live with it?

Originally Posted by jetsetgo08

Tailbone pain could be a combination soft seat, soft suspension and wrong riding posture. Is it possible to adopt a more street/adventure bike like riding position? Slightly inclined forward with rear set footpegs. Did you notice the seat sink after riding long? You can also try harder seat cushion or gel seat cushion.

The service centre guy advised me to buy an NX

[Iyencar]

Originally Posted by VividSiv

If I drive this bike more than 100Kms I am feeling pain in my lower part of my back bone(Tail bone). Is it some thing to do with the soft suspension? I have installed carbon racing inclined handle bar raisers. Is it playing a spoil sport here?. Have set the rear suspension to its highest stiff setting. But still getting this pain.

You'll need to figure this out step by step. First revert to the stock system by ditching the risers. If that doesn't work, move on to the suspension while maintaining stock handlebars. Then, think of a seat modification. One step at a time with atleast a 100 kms of riding inbetween each change.

[Abyb]

I guess I figured out that my riding jacket was probably the culprit. But I need a longer ride to confirm this