Choosing a bike for my dad - Got home a Honda Highness CB350

I can totally see the reason my dad was smiling. That was it. Next, we went straight to book and buy it. My dad usually, takes his time, when it comes to such decisions. But this time it was different.

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The urge to get back to motorcycling

The last time my dad drove a geared motorcycle was the Hero Honda Super Splendor back in the mid-early 2000s. His ownership of two wheelers are as follows:

1. Bajaj Chetak
2. Yamaha RX100
3. Honda CBZ
4. Hero Honda Super Splendor
5. Honda Activa
6. Suzuki Access 125
7. Honda Dio

Typically, my dad is more of a car user at least from 2010s with scooters used just for short distance commuting. But he does have some history of owning a couple of legendary motorcycles prior to the Super Splendor. Our Dio was nearing the 7 year mark and to put it plainly, we started to feel that its not as stable as it once was, especially on the braking. The small wheels of the scooter didn't help either. What he wanted was a two wheeler with a good amount of tyre width offering grip, manageable weight and of course a refined engine.

The Search Begins

At first, we still were looking at scooters. We test rode a Suzuki Avenis 125 and a TVS Ntorq. The Suzuki was very refined, typical Japanese engine with little to zero vibrations. The TVS might have felt faster, but it was on a whole different league due to so much vibrations when compared to the Suzuki. It was ruled out there itself.

Since we weren't in a hurry to take a decision, we kind of forgot about the initial test rides and just went about on our daily routines. 2-3 months passed and once again the interest to test ride again picked up. This time, I persuaded my dad to consider motorcycles due to them being more stable, having larger tyres and overall are much safer too. My dad is nearing 60, so the major thing we were worried about was handling the weight. There were the motorcycles we shortlisted initially.

1. Honda Highness CB350
2. Royal Enfield Hunter 350
3. Triumph Speed 400
4. Yamaha Aerox 155
5. Husqvarna Vitpilen 250

Initially the Aerox was pretty much the frontrunner and was ticking almost all the boxes. On the spec-sheet, it was the least heavy, had good power thanks to it sharing the R15's engine, and good sized tyres for a scooter. But we did notice was the pillion seat was quite high, so there was always some amount of reluctancy. We did contact a couple of Yamaha showrooms for a test-ride, but as seen in multiple other threads, test ride vehicle was not available at the two outlets we contacted. This basically killed the interest and effectively ruled it out.

The test-rides Begin

Royal Enfield Hunter 350:

Next up on the list was the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. The experience to get a test ride here was a stark opposite to Yamaha. The showroom staffs were much more welcoming, interested to answer questions and of course test ride vehicles were readily available. We did the test ride from the Besant Nagar Showroom. Three of us, me, my dad and my brother test rode the Hunter. Initial impressions were really good. Engine felt refined, weight was also very manageable. Overall, all of us were very impressed. This also kind of changed my dad's perception of RE (typically he thinks of Bullet and vibrations) as an ordinary brand to something that is comparable to the best in the world like Honda. The showroom staff recommended my dad to try out the Meteor 350 as well, since they felt the hunter was aimed more at the younger age group. For the Meteor, he says its the most comfortable bike he has ridden, but the weight of 200+ kg was surely felt when tried taking U-Turns. As a highway cruising machine - big thumbs up, but to commute in the city, not really. Overall, very satisfied with the overall experience at RE.

Truimph Speed 400:

Next up, the Triumph Speed 400. Now, initially this wasn't in the list due to the pricing as per our initial budget. But we had a showroom which was hardly 1-2 km from our home on the ECR, and also the overwhelmingly positive reviews did persuade us to take a chance. We also have a bias to models which are sold internationally with the same spec as it is here. It gives us confidence that it's not some trimmed down version specific to us.

Here too, test rides were easily available. Initial impressions were amazing. Weight was very manageable. The bike was very nimble and flickable. Power Delivery was impeccable. Even for me, coming from an R15 with 18.1 bhp to experience 42 bhp, the bike lunges forward like nobody's business with slightest twist of the throttle. I can only imagine how quick it felt for my dad who is effectively upgrading from a 110cc Honda Dio. . There was one niggle we did notice though. We felt the the gear shifting was a bit sluggish. It wasn't smooth. I thought it was something to do with the overly used TD bike and a new unit won't have this. But initial impression is sometime the most relevant impression in that timeframe. Overall I was sold. The quality of materials used, my first experience of 40+ bhp, I felt this can't be beaten. But in my dad's perspective, though he will adjust, it did seem sportier and faster than he can usually handle. Still when we left the showroom, this was on top of our list.

Honda Highness CB350:

I will be honest. My dad had a soft spot from the very start for this bike. The only reason there was reluctancy was due to the weighing figure of 181 kg. Funnily enough, initially I was the first person who persuaded my dad to test ride before coming to a conclusion. But after the Triumph, I was so spoilt that I had the least amount of interest to test ride the Honda. In my mind, I felt it can't be so much different than the Hunter / RE in general which in many reviews was mentioned the Honda was desperately trying to replicate. I knew Honda as a whole was not getting good press and were sleeping on the Activa sales. But in the end ultimately, all of us agreed to give it a try. We test rode the bike from Honda Bigwing Chennai South in Adyar.

How the Honda Won us Over:

I was initially least interested to ride it. I just told my dad its okay, if he alone rode it. After 10 mins, he returned from riding it. I noticed something different. This was the first time I saw my dad having a huge smile on his face. Something that wasn't the case with the other two bikes. This triggered my curiosity and pushed me to take it for a spin. 10 mins later, I returned, the expression I had before I test rode it (uninterested and glum) was totally opposite to the one I had after I returned (utterly surprised and of course grinning). I thought the REs were smooth (they indeed are, REs have come a long way), but this was in another league. The thing I felt was so unbelievable was how, not even for a second I felt I was riding a bike having a kerb weight of 181 kg. The R15 is 141 kgs, I should be ideally be feeling it. But magically, I didn't! The exhaust note is also very soothing to the ear, resembling a gradually accelerating motor-boat with rhythmic beats. I hardly care its trying to replicate an RE and so its not exactly a "pure Honda". It sounds pure and rhythmic, period. Having just 20.2 bhp from the long stroke 350cc engine, yes it might feel slow, but seriously, I can see why people love these types of machines. Not everyone wants the fastest and loudest accelerating machines always. I can totally see the reason my dad was smiling. That was it. Next, we went straight to book and buy it. My dad usually, takes his time, when it comes to such decisions. But this time it was different. So I knew he really loves it. With a waiting period of 5 days, we booked and paid the amount, which effectively came around 2.82L onroad. On the color, after some discussion we went for the Military Green (which we felt was kind of unique, hardly seen any green bikes on the roads) with a couple of accessories including a skid plate and a brown seat cover.

Our test-ride bike

Before we go any further, kindly don't get triggered by the lack of riding gear worn by my dad (except the helmet of course). I have persuaded him to wear shoes, gloves in the city, and consider a jacket for longer rides. He has promised me he will wear them from coming week, Gloves and jacket, I will try to buy it for him as soon as possible. 

Delivery:

Initially, we were informed, there might be a delay, due to RTO not working on 15th Aug and the following Friday. Though we were slightly disappointed, We were ready to wait it out. On Friday, we got a call, that RTO was working half a day, and the dealer will try their best to get the formalities done. On Saturday, we got a call, that the bike was ready for delivery. Kudos to BigWing Chennai South, Adyar for taking the initiative to get this done as early as possible. Much appreciated. Delivery was smooth. I did a little PDI, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Fit and Finish was perfect, typical of a Honda. Loved the color we had chosen. It looked and felt special.

Delivered!

H'ness or Highness, which do you prefer?

The beautiful long stroke 350cc Engine

Beautifully designed Tail Light

Unique Design of having both the indicator lights always on like a DRL. When indicator is triggered, it will blink

The Chrome Exhaust, responsible for the soundtrack

Ride to Mamallapuram:

Today Morning (18th Aug 2024), we went on a short trip together on the ECR. I was on my R15M. Two completely different machines, built for different purposes, riding together. My dad really loved it. I can tell it perfectly suited him. 70-80 kmph at 5th gear with absolutely nil vibrations, totally relaxed. Out of all the bikes he has owned and driven from the start, he said, this is his favorite and the best one. As for me, I get to spend more time with my dad doing something we both love.

First Ride together!

At Mamallapuram

I guess our garage now has two R15s and a CB350. If you think about it, its like the mature and aged Honda has two aggressive Yamaha kids 

Since its too early, I will list down pros and cons for now:

Pros:

1. Butter Smooth Engine
2. Subjective but, I really loved the exhaust note.
3. Biggest Pro - weight distribution, still in disbelief this motorcycle is 181 kg.
4. Build Quality

Cons:

1. The horn and indicator switches are swapped. Horn is above the indicator. Needs time getting used to.
2. Not exactly a con, but need to see how service experience is. There are only four BigWing showrooms in Chennai, so need to see.

I guess the key takeaway here is, do not discard anything without a test ride. Don't make decision fully based on the spec-sheet. I felt for me, this episode was the best example of it. I will keep updating this thread with updates as we progress through the ownership.

Ride Safe!

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