[TurboDocRx]

Originally Posted by OffTheLine

I also wanted to know if there is any difference between the power delivery of these models, as I enjoy a slightly spirited riding experience. Please help me with these questions.

I own a Highness Dlx pro [2021] and here is my 2 cents. I initially testrode the 2 bikes & booked the CB350RS because I liked the overall styling and looks of CB350RS. CB350 was not available at the time.
Later on I changed my decision to highness purely because of the pillion comfort and relaxed seating position. I opted for the
A few months back I testrode the CB350 when I was in Bigwing for a service of my highness.So I think I can comment on the differences of the 3 bikes.
The rider's triangle is pretty same for CB350 and the highness. It has a little bit more relaxed and cruiser type stance which is very useful in long rides. Personally I have my handlebars raised a little bit which again adds to comfort.The seats are long and wide enough(especially the split seats) which are comfortable for both pillion and rider.
Coming to the RS, it is more rider focussed. It has a more engaging riding position (little bit sporty) and rear set footpegs.It is not committed like you see in an apache or Duke I would say. It also has a toe shifter(Highness & CB350 has toe heel shifter). The differences between these bikes are not day and night, like that of an interceptor and GT650.It is indeed very minute and all 3 comes with the same long-stroke motor. Note that RS stands for road sailor,not Racing sport or rennsport. It's basically a cruiser with a long stroke engine probably trying to look like a scrambler cum roadster. No offence to CB350RS owners, I feel that RS has an identity crisis(purely because of its engine). While there is no debate that Highness and CB350 are just retro styled modern cruisers,the CB350RS with its sporty look and the tall-geared long stroke motor felt very weird to me. It's just my personal opinion. If you want a scrambler styled bike with scrambler like performance, don't go for the RS. Don't let the skid plate and the fat 150 section rear tyre fool you, it's just a highness underneath. The wider 150 section tyre means that you have to lean a little bit more in corners. I'm not saying you can't take it off road, but a triumph speed 400x,yezdi scrambler, or a scram 411 can be better logical choices compared to the RS.
Personally I still don't like the design of the CB350 beacuse the fenders and rear has genes from a classic 350. Honda claims that it took inspiration from its CB predecessors but the Highness has the closest resemblance to an 80's or 90's CB350(design was similar to that of the Yamaha RD350)
The power delivery seemed pretty similar to me. The CB350RS with the wider tires should theoretically have a bit more rolling resistance. But it's also 2kgs lighter. It's a bit confusing, but they both felt the same in a straight line. The only difference was when cornering due the lager tyre size which I mentioned before.

[/i]

Originally Posted by OffTheLine

I heard that the RS lacks Bluetooth connectivity and a USB charging port. Do you think these features are required?

Believe me the bluetooth system is pretty much useless. It has a Honda Roadsync app which basically allows you to use the buttons on the left handlebar to pick calls,change music, and read messages. Remember that you still need a proper Bluetooth system(like sena),earbuds or neckband and a phone holder. Changing music is kind of useful I would say. The voice search thing is kinda whack. All you can really do is say a contact's name and hope it gets it right. (It totally suggested the wrong people when I tried it.)
According to me picking up a call during riding is outright dangerous and even if you pick up while riding ,its very hard to hear due to the wing noises. I would prefer to pull over the bike. And picking up with the buttons in your sena or smartwatch or swiping the phone is sensible. You can manage it with a sena or even a bluetooth earbud in one ear.
Navigation is also a bit gimmicky. You can preset and save a few locations that you can browse while riding the bike. One can always use the phone directly rather than these buttons. The instructions can be heard through the bluetooth earphones or sena. Personally, I have found some glitches on the app and there were problems while the navigation and music were used together. I had to finally use Google maps directly and spotify in background which worked fine without the Honda roadsync. As a summary, I would say bluetooth system is not a deal breaker and you can live without one. It is only partially useful in long rides. The only genuine reason I picked up the H'ness dlx pro over the dlx variant was dual horn and dual tone paint scheme.

FINAL VERDICT

•If you want a comfortable cruiser, go for the Highness or CB350. Looks are subjective.However, if you live in a region that experiences significant rainfall and has potholes, the CB350's extended mudguards can provide substantial protection against slush and enhances your riding. Additionally the longer seat provides exceptional comfort for both the rider and pillion.
•If you like the CB350RS just for its looks and don't want a scrambler like performance, then go for it. It can be a perfect commuter and highway cruiser with decent mileage.But the pillion seat isn't very comfortable, which can be solved with an OEM backrest. I think a backrest or aftermarket grab rails would ruin the look of the bike. The lack of a USB charger and dual horn are notable drawbacks, despite the fact that Bluetooth is something you can live without.
•If you want a proper scrambler to go offroad and you're used to a short-stroke engine, you might want to look at other options like the Triumph Speed 400x, even if it's a bit more expensive.
Happy motoring!!

[FueledbyFury]

I was not in my hometown for a while and the CB 350 was doing local errands with my dad. The bike has only clocked about 1500 km after the second service. I came back home for a one-month break and thought about a ride but due to the Christmas season, I was busy with friends and family, and here comes 2025 in the blink of an eye. After the festive season, everyone went back to their busy life, I was left bored at home. I have thought about going for a ride, but with no one for the company, I didn’t have good spirits to plan one.

Days passed, and one evening there was a slight rain. There is a theory that if it rains in the evening or the night before, there is a good chance of getting good weather in the hills. That light evening rain pushed me out of my bed to plan the trip. It's been a while since I've been to Vattavada near Munnar; why not? Even though Vattavada is a familiar location, this was my first solo trip.


Even though I awoke at 5 a.m., I was sluggish and moved slowly. I left my house at 6:15 a.m., and traffic was light because it was a weekday. Around 7:15 a.m., I arrived at the Neriamangalam Bridge, where road extensions were underway on NH 85. The ride to Munnar was not very refreshing, as in most areas, road construction work is ongoing. It was a little cloudy, but the sun was out, and even though there were small signs of rain, it was holding out like maybe another day.

One of the viewpoints en route Munnar


Bypass viewpoint




Hahaaa...My theory proves it again!




Vattavada Checkpost




Vattavada village

There is a free strawberry farm visit upon reaching Vattavada. You can also buy fresh strawberries and strawberry jams from the farm store. The owner was a friendly person who suggested some local roads along the valley.

Maggie says Hi!!


After Vattavada, I visited Gap Road which is always a scenic road to ride on.


"The open road, a trusty ride, and the misty hills."

[Clickr_Biker]

Thank you FueledbyFury for the update on your latest ride. I have the same machine and same color too .
Recently completed a 500km (oneway) ride from Bangalore to Poombarai (Kodaikanal) and back. The riding position is very upright and I never felt any joint/back pain even after 10+hours ride. Did you modify the cushioning on rider seat or is it stock with the cover that came from Bigwing as an accessory? Only issue I faced during this long ride is that the bum gets hurt after straight 200+ KM ride and have to take a break for 10-15 mins to recover. Wonder if a change in cushioning can resolve this?

[FueledbyFury]

Originally Posted by Clickr_Biker

Thank you FueledbyFury for the update on your latest ride. I have the same machine and same color too .

That's a good ride you got there! Do justice with some pictures of your ride.

Did you modify the cushioning on rider seat or is it stock with the cover that came from Bigwing as an accessory? Only issue I faced during this long ride is that the bum gets hurt after straight 200+ KM ride and have to take a break for 10-15 mins to recover.

No. It's still in stock setup and I didn't put any covers on the seat. If you are in Bangalore you can pay a visit to Rao seats, where some of my friends have gone for gel based custom seats on their CB 350 Highness. Received positive reviews from them for long touring hours. Also it's better to take some intervals in long rides so that we won't be exhausted at the end of the day.

[pradeepkm]

A quick question on CB350. My bike is still due for 1st service. Even If I revv it , will never go beyond 80. Is there a software /EC restriction done like that. They have instructed to keep it on Eco mode.

[jetsetgo08]

Originally Posted by pradeepkm

A quick question on CB350. My bike is still due for 1st service. Even If I revv it , will never go beyond 80. Is there a software /EC restriction done like that. They have instructed to keep it on Eco mode.

I hope you are not upshifting early into the 5th gear. There is hardly any juice left for accelaration in the 5th gear, which is purely meant for cruising.

[FueledbyFury]

Originally Posted by pradeepkm

A quick question on CB350. My bike is still due for 1st service. Even If I revv it , will never go beyond 80. Is there a software /EC restriction done like that. They have instructed to keep it on Eco mode.

Actually, there shouldn't be any issue on going beyond 80. As jetsetgo08 suggested, you should be in 5th gear only when you hit 80. It's strictly for cruising.

PS: It is not advisable to push your vehicle during the run-in periods.

[pradeepkm]

I do see a lot of oil spots where I am parking my CB350. It is due for 1st service. Just want to see if it is common ? Any indicators ?

[FueledbyFury]

Originally Posted by pradeepkm

I do see a lot of oil spots where I am parking my CB350. It is due for 1st service. Just want to see if it is common ? Any indicators ?
Attachment 2719169

No. It's not common. Please check with the service centre as soon as possible.
Please update the issue once you check with the service Centre.

[DarthFader]

Originally Posted by FueledbyFury

TIf you are in Bangalore you can pay a visit to Rao seats, where some of my friends have gone for gel based custom seats on their CB 350 Highness. Received positive reviews from them for long touring hours. Also it's better to take some intervals in long rides so that we won't be exhausted at the end of the day.

I own a 2021 cb350 as well and I took help from Rao seats for a bucket seat kind of modification. I was not very happy with how it eventually turned out. In my opinion, if one is not aware of the internals of seat foams and their shapes the output is random at best.
Adding on that, I feel Rao Seats are hyped and they overcharge for the quality of the final output.

On the gel mod for seat, I have heard mix reviews from people who went for that and were not very happy with the squishy feeling under the butt.

I guess the best option is to make your glutes stronger and build your stamina with shorter rides first and then progressively move for longer ones later.

[Clickr_Biker]

Originally Posted by DarthFader

I guess the best option is to make your glutes stronger and build your stamina with shorter rides first and then progressively move for longer ones later.

I completely agree. Tried my friend's CB350 which had a modified seat done from Rao seats and didn't find it very convincing. Decided to continue with OEM seat cover for the time being. Recently did a 230KM ride from Bangalore to Halebidu/Belur and didn't observe much pain this time. May be body is getting adjusted to the seats. Will wait and watch

[Clickr_Biker]

Originally Posted by FueledbyFury

That's a good ride you got there! Do justice with some pictures of your ride.

Managed to process one photo of my bike from a pile of images

[DarthFader]

Originally Posted by Clickr_Biker

Managed to process one photo of my bike from a pile of images

Beautiful pic brother. I got the same color

I wish Honda had provided an OEM backrest with luggage rack extension for H'ness the way they did for the new CB350.

[pradeepkm]

Originally Posted by FueledbyFury

No. It's not common. Please check with the service centre as soon as possible.
Please update the issue once you check with the service Centre.

It is rectified in 1st Service . Leakage was from the Gear Shaft "O" ring oil seal.
They couldn't identify it first time. I had to revisit and then they had a thorough look.

[FueledbyFury]

It was during the last week of January 2024. It was exam season for me. At that time, my dad called me and said, the bike's ready for delivery, and I should go and pick it up, as he would be reaching home quite late. Despite the fact that the CB was bought for my dad, as he was out of station, my mother and I went to BigWing for the delivery. Even though I had an exam the very next morning, my dad and I went for a short night ride that day itself. It's been a good journey since then. The CB is now my dad's go-to vehicle for everything, whether it's small local errands or highway runs. I'm really happy that he is enjoying it so much, with occasional road trips. It's better late than never, right?

3rd Service/ 1 Year Maintenance Update (6,849 km up)

Till date, the CB has crossed 6,849 km and recently completed its third service. During the service, based on Honda's recall campaign the camshaft component, front and rear speed sensors were replaced. After the first service onwards, I've been using fully synthetic oil, and the engine is a lot smoother. So, I have decided to stick with it from now on. In addition to that, the spark plugs were also replaced.

Below are the 3rd service details that costed ₹2277.76(including tax).