[jetsetgo08]

Originally Posted by JessieS

We should be changing gears looking at the RPM, not at the speed. Following this rule, I never found the CB350 to be intractable. If you notice, because of its taller gearing, the RPM in the CB350 doesn't increase like other similar bikes, when on lower gears. Therefore, no need to go to a higher gear immediately on a CB350. Practice this and you should be fine.

Not a CB350 owner, but I have ridden it considerably. While what you said is correct and enjoyable on open roads, the problem is specific to those who commute daily on busy roads and heavy traffic, there is a distinct drop in power while shifting between 1->2 and 2->3. So much so, that even the KTMs have better spread out 1,2,3 gears. This leads to a jerky ride in traffic scenarios. But, thankfully the clutch is lighter, and in most such scenarios 4th and 5th gears are useless unless you find open roads.

Those who ride the clutch or lug the engine trying to ride it like a bullet, will observe premature worn out clutch, chain sprockets. On the other hand, it's a great engine for the highways, in fact I would say it is the best bike for touring if Honda supports the sale and service from regular outlets(not bigwing).

[abhishek272010]

Completed my Honda CB350RS Scrambler build. Although it isn't a true scrambler, its more of a scrambler style bike.
I recently swapped the chain to a ROLON chain and I will be upgrading the tyres soon too.

I am extremely happy with my build. The fuel tank is from the Honda Cb3350 hness limited edition. Offered for free to replace my rusting tank by the Honda Service centre in Mumbai. I went for Domino racing handlebar grips as well with Maddog scout auxiliary lights. The rest of the mods have been highlighted in my post above.

[ruskyhead]

I am thinking about downsizing the rear also, any concerns so far? Stability and handling wise? Also does it look good still?

[Mr.Sleeper]

Originally Posted by abhishek272010

Completed my Honda CB350RS Scrambler build. Although it isn't a true scrambler, its more of a scrambler style bike.
I recently swapped the chain to a ROLON chain and I will be upgrading the tyres soon too.

I am extremely happy with my build. The fuel tank is from the Honda Cb3350 hness limited edition. Offered for free to replace my rusting tank by the Honda Service centre in Mumbai. I went for Domino racing handlebar grips as well with Maddog scout auxiliary lights. The rest of the mods have been highlighted in my post above.

Beautiful Build Bro, post more pictures if you can!

[Mr.Sleeper]

Originally Posted by ruskyhead

I am thinking about downsizing the rear also, any concerns so far? Stability and handling wise? Also does it look good still?

I've completed around 7000kms after downsizing from 150 to 140 and I haven't observed any issues. To be very honest, I can't confirm on any significant improvements either regarding cornering and acceleration, but theoretically you have less unsprung mass when you downsize, so that is definitely better for the bike's handling and performance. The bike still looks buff and proportionate from the rear and in my opinion for the kind of power the bike makes, 150 section is overkill.

[Mr.Sleeper]

Originally Posted by jetsetgo08

Not a CB350 owner, but I have ridden it considerably. While what you said is correct and enjoyable on open roads, the problem is specific to those who commute daily on busy roads and heavy traffic, there is a distinct drop in power while shifting between 1->2 and 2->3. So much so, that even the KTMs have better spread out 1,2,3 gears. This leads to a jerky ride in traffic scenarios. But, thankfully the clutch is lighter, and in most such scenarios 4th and 5th gears are useless unless you find open roads.

Those who ride the clutch or lug the engine trying to ride it like a bullet, will observe premature worn out clutch, chain sprockets. On the other hand, it's a great engine for the highways, in fact I would say it is the best bike for touring if Honda supports the sale and service from regular outlets(not bigwing).

The tall gearing really shines on the highway where the bike can maintain 110-115kmph effortlessly while giving great mileage. Sadly though for people with heavy city usage, the same tall gearing can get annoying and makes riding the bike quite a high effort experince.

[Mr.Sleeper]

Originally Posted by mpp1

I just don't understand how Honda's engineers missed the trick of the low end torque loved by Indians when they decided to copy the Bullet?

The tall gearing along with the long stroke engine definitely gives the bike a very unique riding experience that is very enjoyable on nice open roads where you get the revv the bike out. I guess Honda did this on purpose to differentiate it from the competition.

Unfortunately our roads are much more crowded and cumbersome and it's here that the Bullet shines by being effortlessly tractable.

[ruskyhead]

Fair, I thought so I'll also be switching to a 140/70 rear with the tramplr XR its a radial tyre and hopefully will make the handling a bit more enthusiastic as my rear tyre has flattened out and makes the flickability very low

[Mr.Sleeper]

Sticker Work!

Happy New Year Folks, been quite a while since I've posted as I got busy with life and academics. A LOT has been happening with the CB in the past few months, let's go over them post by post.

Finally did what I've been meaning to do since the time I got the bike: Add my custom touch and get the tank and fenders stickered. Initially wanted to go with the Honda OEM striped tank stickers but BigWing being BigWing didn't have them in stock and were least interested in sourcing them. So got the work done at a Stickering Shop at Kaloor, Kochi. The workmanship and finishing was good and they were keen to take my inputs and suggestions regarding the final output.

Was very happy with the end result, but unfortunately this happiness was short lived as you'll see why in the following posts. (Unrelated to the stickering)

Work in Progress:








Feast Your Eyes!

[The_Apex]

Originally Posted by Mr.Sleeper

[center]Sticker Work!

So got the work done at a Stickering Shop at Kaloor, Kochi. The workmanship and finishing was good and they were keen to take my inputs and suggestions regarding the final output.

Was very happy with the end result, but unfortunately this happiness was short lived as you'll see why in the following posts. (Unrelated to the stickering)

Thank you for sharing.

I never had got stickers for my vehicles on my own as of date.
But I am looking to get a piece to cover a minor scratch.

Could you please specify the key things to look for like sticker paper quality/brand. Will it peel of color in future if I try to remove it? If any other aspect is considered.

[abhishek272010]

Stickered my fuel tank with retro theme graphics.



My bike vs how it looked earlier.

[SuratNuJaman]

Originally Posted by mpp1

I just don't understand how Honda's engineers missed the trick of the low end torque loved by Indians when they decided to copy the Bullet?

Ease up. Honda copy RE? The Bullet I had late 70's early 80's had more stability, character and pleasure factor than the Bullet I purchased circa 2005.

I test rode the CB350 in end 2022, bought it the same day, and sold the Bullet within a month. I was surprised to get more than what I paid for, my English friends are bemused by this. (Economics and Inflation adjustments are not our strong points)

Honda has hit the jackpot with their styling of the CB350.

[MDED]

Originally Posted by Mr.Sleeper

13T Front Sprocket Swap!

Stock: Front 14T, Rear 35T, Chain Link 104

Combination 1: Front 13T, Rear 35T, Chain Link 104

+ Stock chain and rear sprocket can be used
+ Only front sprocket needs replacement
+ Noticeable improvement in low end power
+ Easier to ride in city or hilly roads, less gear shifts needed
+ Cost Effective

- Top speed drops noticeably, while the bike can reach 120, it seems strained, Vibration free cruising speed has come down to 90-100 km/hr
- Mod not suitable for owners who do a lot of highway riding as the bike seems little strained while maintaining speeds above 100 km/hr


The sprocket change has definitely improved the tractability and peppiness of the bike. I am extremely happy with the results and would recommend this mod to owners facing the same issues as me.

Hi,

Your location shows in BLR. Could you advise any mechanic whom I can approach to get the same done.

Thanks

[neochanger]

Hello guys!

Has anyone tried replacing stock brake fluid with an upgrade. It's a common suggestion usually to replace the brake fluid with DOT 5.1 brake fluid. I would like to know what grade is the stock brake fluid in the CB350 RS and whether replacing with DOT 5.1 would make any noticeable difference.