The Honda CB350 will lock horns with the Royal Enfield Classic 350.

Honda has launched a new variant of the CB350 to take on the Royal Enfield Classic 350. The new retro-classic, simply called ‘CB350’, is priced at Rs 1,99,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The Honda CB350 boasts a classic design featuring long metal fenders, metallic covers for the front fork and a split seat. The bike gets a heritage-inspired semi-digital instrument console paired with a Honda Smartphone Voice Control System. Other features include LED lighting, an emergency stop signal and Honda Selectable Torque Control.

The CB350 is powered by the familiar 348.36cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. It produces 20.78 BHP @ 5,500 rpm and 29.4 Nm @ 3,00 rpm. The engine is mated with a 5-speed gearbox via an assist and slipper clutch.

The CB350 is equipped with a telescopic front fork and nitrogen-charged shock absorbers at the rear. Braking is handled by a single 310 mm disc at the front and a 240 mm disc at the rear supported by dual-channel ABS. The bike rides on 18-inch alloy wheels with a 130-section tyre at the rear.

Honda CB350 ex-showroom prices:

• DLX – Rs 1,99,900
• DLX Pro – Rs 2,17,800

The CB350 BABT is expected to be powered by the same 348cc, single-cylinder engine.

Honda has shared a teaser of what appears to be a new variant of the CB350 on social media. The CB350 BABT is likely to feature a classic look and might come in an all-black colour scheme.

The teaser doesn’t reveal a lot, but you do get a glimpse of the bike’s front alloy wheel. Note how the front fender is mounted at the bottom of the fork in typical classic fashion.

The CB350 BABT is expected to be powered by the same 348cc, single-cylinder engine as the standard model. It develops 20.8 BHP and 30 Nm and will be paired with a 5-speed gearbox.

While the CB350 BABT may sport a classic look, it will be equipped with all the latest features and safety systems offered on the standard bike. These include LED lights, Honda Selectable Torque Control, a Honda Smartphone Voice Control system, an assist and slipper clutch and a side stand with engine inhibitor.

I don't care what the other reviewers say about it, the thumping SOUND is music to my ears

BHPian ram1kv recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi folks,

It has been more than a year since I posted anything on this thread! The Bug and I were enjoying some 'apna time'. We have done more than 5000 kilometers over multiple rides albeit south of the Vindhyas. My hectic schedule with hardly any Sundays off (forget Saturdays!) has kept me away from the regular rides organised by Bigwing Centres in Bangalore, which is really a shame as meeting other owners is definitely a bonus when you are in a 'limited Bigwing company' geographically isolated as per Honda Bigwing's expansion plans.

The reason for this post is to give a perspective after 18 months of ownership.

So here goes:

Pros:

• My back pain is actually better when I ride the bike often! (I had analysed this surprising benefit and will elaborate in a separate post, if there are any keen audience)
• The confidence to ride even in dense city traffic has been achieved
• Decent mileage of 36-37kmpl
• Low service costs
• Engine refinement and low/no heat
• Excellent Bigwing Staff and their DIY workshops
• New Service Centres in Bangalore
• Comfortable Ride if you are in a serene mood
• I don't care what the other reviewers say about it, the thumping SOUND is music to my ears
• LOOKS! She still takes my breath away at every glance
• Pillion riders love the bug and compare positively about it (even with CB 350RS)
• Accessories becoming so useful that I cannot think of riding her stock.

Cons:

• Wobbling anecdotes: Even though I have been lucky, many other owners have had issues with wobbling above 60kmp and the response from the company has been less than professional going by the discussions in the forum. the dealers seem to be sadly caught in the middle.
• City rides in Bumpy Bengaluru: You get fed up with the frequent gear changes
• Lack of power after 110kmph

As mentioned in the previous post, it was a long term ambition to take the bug out for our annual Road Safety Bikeathon. So last year, the route was from Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru to Madikeri, Kodagu and back through 3days. We had 100+ 2 wheelers, one vintage car and many modern four wheelers in this campaign. We went via Mysuru, Gonikoppa, Virajpet on the onward journey and Kushalnagara on our return journey. There were flash mobs, street plays and short speeches by local police and medics about road safety throughout the ride. The interaction with a few hundred school children at Rotary school in virajpet was the high point, especially when they pledged to wear helmets and seatbelts as well as enforce the same on the adults in the family!

Attaching few photos below:

It's the rural population who needs to be encouraged more to adopt road safety behaviour as there are many more deaths in the remote regions.

Brands united to convey the bigger message:

Driving the message home using local language and local police:

At the Kote Anjaneya Gate in Mysore Palace:

Every Rider was assigned an identifiable sticker and we rode in groups of ten to reduce disruption to other road users:

Somewhere in the Mysore Bangalore Expressway:

The Bug completed the nearly 700km of this Bikeathon admirably. Most importantly, I could go to work the very next day to discuss the impact of the campaign with very little back stiffness!

Hope you enjoyed this brief write up and the photos. Will try and pen some more ride updates shortly.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Extended warranty plans for the H'ness CB350 and CB350RS start at Rs 5,321.

Honda has announced two new warranty programs, 'Extended Warranty' and 'Extended Warranty Plus' for its BigWing customers.

The first 10,000 H'ness CB350 and CB350RS customers can avail of the Extended Warranty program at no additional cost starting from August 8, 2023.

Under the Extended Warranty Plus program, Honda is offering a 10-year comprehensive warranty, which is transferrable. Customers can purchase it anytime between 91 days from the vehicle purchase date and up to the 9th year. There are three options for customers: a 3-year policy for vehicles up to the 7th year, a 2-year policy for the 8th year and a 1-year policy for the 9th year. These options extend coverage up to 1,30,000 km.

Customers can avail of the Extended Warranty program at their nearest authorized Honda BigWing dealership at prices starting at Rs 5,321.

I’m keen on the KTM 390 Adventure X, Honda CB350 series, Suzuki V-Strom SX and the upcoming Yamaha MT-03.

BHPian ramki.grandhi recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello fellow bikers, I’ve started looking for a motorcycle but I’m not as young as most of the members here. Could you please suggest me a motorcycle based on the below requirements?

A little bit about me

• Have a decent budget, up to 5-6 lacs
• I'm 40 years old, a full-time dad, uncle etc.
• Not well-built, but recently joined a gym and making slow progress.
• Targeting to be fit by year-end and reward myself with a bike.
• I generally drive extremely carefully and I've never broken a road law/rule. I have an official certification about this from my wife
• I already have Activa and XUV700

My requirements

• Want to keep the bike for a very long and pass it to my children in a decent condition
• I had experience with 150cc bikes during my college days and till 30years of age
• Bike has to be free from rusting issues and must have good service support.
• Not interested in crazy electronics and features.
• There is no definitive use case for the bike, but it should be suitable for poor Bangalore roads and occasional short highway drives.
• Should be easy to drive and not keen on aggressive driving posture.
• Not interested in bikes that aren’t successful and may get discontinued. As I’m looking for long term.
• "You don't need a new bike, blah... blah... blah..." This is not an acceptable suggestion. Because I already have family, friends and colleagues for this.

So far I’m keen on the upcoming MT03, 390 Adventure X, Honda CB350 series, 250 V-Strom. Thank you very much, everyone. Based on the suggestions I will start test drives soon.

Here's what BHPian Proxima had to say about the matter:

If your primary purpose is highway rides, you can't go wrong with a pre-owned Versys 650. You should be able to get a good example at the higher end of your budget. It's comfy, has more than enough power and is very reliable. Service isn't too expensive at good independent garages.

If your purpose is mixed between city and highway, I'd recommend the Classic 350 (or wait for the upcoming Bullet 350). They will be well within your budget.

The Himalayan 450 looks promising as well and should be able to do well both in the city and on highways.

The KTM Adventure 390 is good but the engine feels very vibey/rough.

Here's what BHPian ajay0612 had to say about the matter:

Among existing bikes, it has to be the Honda CB350 (decent volumes, timeless design, Hondas last for decades, have low maintenance).

However, I would suggest you wait upto 3rd July (for the launch of Bajaj-Triumph motorcycle launch on 27th June and Hero-Harley motorcycle launch on 3rd July) before committing, just to avoid buyer's remorse.

Here's what BHPian aston_martyr had to say about the matter:

I am exactly in the same boat as you. -5 on the age.

All your conditions apply to me as well and I am looking at the following options:

• CB350s - have heard good things and the ride does seem comfortable for Bangalore roads based on the short test ride I have taken.
• CB300R - waiting for the BS6 phase 2 launch, the reason I am looking at this is because of its super lightweight and predominantly my usage will be within the city and the bike can manage occasional highway runs without any issue. Japanese bikes are built to last and I have no worries about passing either one of these on to one of my family members down the line. Maintenance is also light on the pocket, however, spare availability is a question mark for CB300R is what I hear.
• Suzuki Vstrom 250 - Have not test driven this but have been a pillion on a highway drive, it was okay but runs out of breath with 2 of us is what I felt.
• Hunter 350 - Very good driver ergonomics, perfect for city drives as per my older sibling who has booked one recently. Yet to take a test drive on this one myself.
• MT-03 - Waiting for it like everyone else.

As an afterthought, I might consider a used CB500X/Versys 650 if the above-mentioned options do not work out for me.

Here's what BHPian //R had to say about the matter:

First of all, kudos to your decision of getting back on a motorcycle after years. Not many would understand the feeling of freedom and escapism that a simple bike ride is capable of rendering. Good thing is the market is flooded with different types of motorcycles nowadays and we, as customers, are getting spoilt for choices. For your use case, I'd highly recommend either an Adventure bike for a lot of favourable reasons. Comfortable ergonomics, good suspensions to tackle the worst of Indian roads, very good rider's triangle for an upright seating position, the versatility of riding in the city or on highways and they tend to age well too.

Since you mentioned you're planning to get it by the end of this year as a reward for your fitness journey, I'd advise you to keep an eye out for a handful of ADV bikes coming out this year:

KTM is already pushing out a diverse set of variants for its Adventure series (both 250 and 390) and we might see an 890 as well.

The Bajaj-Triumph bike is almost ready. We'll have a good bunch of reviews and feedback within months of its launch.

The Himalayan 450 is just around the corner too. I own a 2020 BS6 and an upgraded engine & suspension setup is sure to fix most of its shortcomings.

However, if you aren't too convinced about the ADVs as yet, may I suggest you go take a look at the RE 650s as well especially the new Meteor 650. It's a very comfortable and punchy tourer IMO. A few people from my riding group have bought it and it seems to tackle rough patches on the road pretty well.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Even though I went in casually, I was impressed by the bike enough to write this report.

BHPian masterCheif007 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I would say just WOW !! Visited the showroom today for a test ride and the experience was great. Did a test ride too (initially I was a bit apprehensive as I come from std 350 ci - 4S, and all controls are just reversed).

Now take my report with a grain of salt as I am coming from the old bullet fraternity but I was blown away with the light clutch. Following is my observation (most will be obsolete as I can only compare with my cast iron):

• Clutch smoothness: Clutch is extremely light compared to my motorcycle (which has unintentionally developed me a strong grip), its a single finger operation - my left hand middle finger has calluses from the hard clutch with my bike.

• Smooth shifts: Another aspect that was amazing was the smooth shifting gearbox

• Good brakes: front brake has awesome stopping power (compared to my drums). Also rear brakes did decent job (I had to remember using the rear brake as everything was opposite to my bike which has brakes on the left)

• Decent pickup: even though I was sitting on the bike for the first time the pull was nice and smooth, compared to mine which gives a harsh shove till the speeds reach 60 kph and then looses out of steam.

• Seating and ride: seating position is as comfortable as my bullet and suspensions are much well tuned. Seat height is great for me and the vehicle feels extremely light compared to mine (I didn't enquire about the dry weight but it felt so).

As I said, since I am coming from bullet cast iron my comparo might not be valid for majority here. But since this is such a refined vehicle compared to mine I thought of penning down my observations.

I actually went for the test drive to get used to the left side shift before I test ride my serious contenders that are inty 650, ktm 390 adv and the himalayan (not sure). But even though I went in casually, I was impressed by the bike enough to write this report.

And as so it happens while coming out of the showroom, my bike had already marked it's territory and also after starting managed to turn itself off too. But this is nothing new for me.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The best method always is to get the vehicle to the service centre, get them remove all the rust (ensure this) and get the parts painted.

BHPian Captain Cactus recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hey guys,

Few days back I found rust under the tank of my CB350 the bike few months old can you guys tell me any solution and is it a common issue with other CB350 as well? Also I have shared the pics below:

Here's what BHPian ICE_Swift had to say on the matter:

I'd suggest taking it to the service centre.

Get it checked thoroughly Under Your Supervision and check the depth of Rust.Please check the entire area at the service centre ,ask to remove the Tank if it helps.If it's a small part that's replaceable under warranty push for replacement.

Also I'd suggest getting it done at the Service Centre Over DIY because of the warranty mainly.Once the warranty is over you can do this kind of Minor Stuff at Home.I don't know if it voids the warranty, better not to risk in case there's any more rust damage.

On a side note yours is not the first CB350 I've seen Rusting.A Friends CB350 bought immediately after launch has developed Rust along the Entire Exhaust Pipe Stretch.

Here's what BHPian adrian had to say on the matter:

Get hold of a paint brush (the thin one that the kids use for painting). Dip it is a rust converter solution and treat the part. If you are more confident with your mechanic skills, remove the tank, remove the rust using a sand paper and paint the part.

Rust converter is available in spray can and basically what it does is to convert iron oxide (Rust) to a more stable ferric tannate which forms a protective barrier as well preventing further rusting.

The best method always is to get the vehicle to the service centre, get them remove all the rust (ensure this) and get the parts painted.

If you don't want to take the things to the service centre, get a can of rust converter and spray on the rusted part. No need to scrape off the existing rust.

Here's what BH{ian Sebring had to say on the matter:

I'm using Loctite Marine paste on any rust I find. Once treated, the same section never catches rust.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The Honda ADV/crossover may not be a hardcore off-road touring bike like the Royal Enfield Himalayan, but a Meteor 350 rival.

Honda is reportedly working on a new 350cc adventure bike for the Indian market. The new model is likely to be launched this year by Diwali.

Honda’s new ADV motorcycle is said to be based on the same platform as the H’Ness CB350 and CB350RS. The bike is expected to have a different steering geometry with long travel suspension, higher ground clearance and offering a more upright riding position.

The new model is likely to be powered by the same 350cc, single-cylinder engine as the H’Ness CB350. It develops 21 BHP @ 5,500 rpm and 30 Nm @ 3,000 rpm and is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.

Some reports suggest that Honda’s upcoming ADV/crossover may not be a hardcore off-road touring bike like the Royal Enfield Himalayan, but a Meteor 350 rival.

Source: Car and Bike

Overall loving the bike and hoping many more blissful miles on it.

BHPian mr_punks recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I have been an avid reader of this wonderful forum since a few years now, finally got the courage to post my first ownership review. I apologize for any mistakes hereafter. I am 21 years old and an engineering student. Bikes and cars always fascinated me and coming from a family business related to vehicles it grew on me. I used to wander around the cars parked at my Dad's office checking out the minute bits in the interior. Trying to touch my feet on the pedals while sitting on the seat, turning the steering wheel and trying to understand the gear combinations of old jeeps were the only things I used to do when visiting my Dad's office. My dad had a Yamaha rx100 back in the day on which I proudly used to go to my school. That is the bike on which I learned to ride.

Coming to the topic of this thread

My First Bike-Honda Highness

Introduction

One fine evening my father called me and asked me to search for a bike which has a straight seat. Yes you read it right a straight seat. Honda highness was just launched at that time and I was drooling on its review on youtube. So the first answer which came from my mouth was highness. My father heard the name and asked me to show the bike, I duly showed him the bike on google and the deal was done. In the next few minutes I was on the call with Pranav from Honda Bigwing Worli asking him to send me a Performa Invoice so that I can check for loan eligibility from my bank. As we Recieved green signal from the bank, booked the bike on the very next day i.e- on 2 Feb 2022 by paying a booking amount of 5000/-.I had test drove my friends Royal Enfield classic but didnt like the Handling.It felt heavy while riding and the vibrations on the mirror, handlebar, tank were a no-no for me.Yezdi was not launched at that time and I didnt like Jawa that much for its low ground clearance and its sound(No offence to fellow Royal Enfield and Jawa owners)I had insisted them to give me a 2022 manufactured bike which they didn't more on that later.

Name of the bike booked -Honda Highness Cb350

Colour-Athletic blue metallic

Next few days went in completing the formalities from the bank and transferring the amount to the dealership.

All things done the bike was scheduled to be delivered just after the number plate arrival from the RTO. It arrived on 15th feb but We took delivery of the bike on 16th feb 2022. I was busy attending my online lectures so my father took delivery of the bike. I was so overwhelmed by seeing it for the first time. Immediately sat on it and took it for a spin in our society. Later after my lectures were over took it to Mahim dargah for seeking blessings. Thereafter spent the day wandering around it understanding all the features and admiring the beauty.

We took Engine Crash Guards, Fork Gaters and tank pad as accessories and extended warranty as well as RSA

Likes

• Looks
• Refined engine
• Smooth and vibration free ride
• Suspension

Dislikes-

• Small spots of rust here and there
• Service only at Honda Bigwing
• Coming to the various aspects of the Bike

The engine-The engine is really refined and smooth.It doesnt feel out of breath even at 90-100 .Climbing steep slopes with pillion is effortless.It glides over road at 30kmph on 3rd gear without any jerks.I usually use engine braking while going down a slope and it is quite good

Riding and handling-The posture is really comfortable. I can easily maneuver it in dense Mumbai traffic. One cannot feel its weight even though its weight is Approx 180kgs. Riding is confidence inspiring and its traction control comes handy when rainy. It doesn't feel out of place when cornering and feels stable even at 110-120 kmph. It has Nisin brakes Callipers which does the work flawlessly. There were instances of hard braking and Abs worked perfectly

Quality of components-The paint fit and finish is really good.I love to see it sparkle when parked in sunlight. The quality of the switches felt premium although after Mumbai rains some amount of paint chipped from the switches. Brake pads went kaput after only 2400km which was duly replaced by my father.

Fuel efficiency-It gives 27.5 km/l in city riding. Occasional Highway trips were done by my dad and it returned efficiency between 30-40 km/l .My dad rode 800kms around the outskirts of Mumbai in 2 days for business purposes and he didn't feel any kind of Fatigue. My Dad prefers bikes instead of cars nowadays to travel in and around Mumbai due to traffic.

Miscellaneous Experiences-

• Even after 1 year of owning it people still ask about it at signals. The most common question is "kitna mileage hai".I simply smile and answer them. It feels good interacting with people and the bike creates a sense of uniqueness in the herd.

• There was one instance where I was sitting in my college parking with my friends and my bike was parked just in front of me. One gentleman arrived and starting looking at it from different angles. After some time I went and interacted with him. His first question was 'Is it imported?' I simply smiled and said a No. Rest half and hour went in chatting about the bike with him and now we are Friends.He has An ola scooter and we drag raced it against my highness.It was a memorable experience

• One fine evening around 8:30pm I was waiting for my friend in front of his building. One Man around 35-40 years old walked out of his building just opp.my friends house and stopped for a sec looking at my bike.Rest 15mins or so went in chatting about the bike.He was looking for a bike for his son and had visited the Royal enfield showroom a day prior and he felt the bikes were Heavy.He checked the weight of the bike and clicked photos of it.He even called his wife and showed it to her.

Grateful to God for this

A coin has two sides, just like that there are bad experiences as well

• The bike had fallen two times.First time my leg slipped due to mud on the road while turning it.Thankfully I didnt't get even a hurt but the bike suffered scratch on the crash guard.Second time it fell in our society due to children playing around it.No one got hurt in this incident as well

• Accident- A taxi crashed on the silencer near Crawford market.Ijust left from the spot as these things happen. Small scratch came on the silencer that's it

• One evening while grocery shopping near my house while I switched the ignition ON the instrument cluster did a full swipe and suddenly it shut off. All the lights went off and I was unable to start the bike. Called the RSA which arrived after Approx 1 Hour and took it to Worli Service station.Fault came to be a Faulty battery which arrived after 1 week due to some kind of shortage. They Put the new battery in but the problem persisted, so they did a thorough inspection. At the end they replaced the start switch under warranty and the problem was solved.

Coming to the ordeal-

As I said earlier that they gave me a 2021 manufactured bike instead of a 2022 manufactured bike.we came to know about this as we received the RC after 1 month or so.My dad confronted them about this.They said that there was conversation about the year of manufacture and as you are taking delivery in february you will get a bike which is manufactured the previous year as production of new models begins after feb.After this we filed a case against them in consumer court.They didnt come for the hearing of the case and eventually the court stated to settle the case in our favour on 11th jan 2022.This verdict was given sometime in november I think.Later as the date was near the representatives of Honda bigwing held a meeting with our Lawyer and the case was settled outside the court. They paid us compensation for it.

Overall loving the bike and hoping many more blissful miles on it. Thank you for taking out time and reading my ownership thread

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Both bikes are mechanically identical and use a 348.6cc, single-cylinder engine that makes 20.78 BHP and 30 Nm.

Honda has launched the 2023 H’ness CB350 and CB350RS in India. Prices for these modern-classic motorcycles start at Rs 2.10 lakh (ex-showroom).

The 2023 edition of the H’ness CB350 and CB350RS comes equipped with OBD2-B on-board diagnostics system. Besides this, Honda has also introduced Emergency Stop Signal, which flashes the turn signals under heavy braking to alert the vehicle behind.

Honda has updated the seat on the CB350RS. The new split-type seat is said to be more comfortable. It also gets Bluetooth connectivity. Both bikes feature an LED headlight, traction control, a USB port and a semi-digital instrument console.

Both bikes are mechanically identical and use a 348.6cc, single-cylinder engine that makes 20.78 BHP and 30 Nm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The bikes get telescopic fork suspension at the front and dual shock absorbers at the rear, while the braking setup consists of discs at both ends.

2023 Honda H'ness CB350 & CB350RS ex-showroom prices:

• CB350 DLX - Rs 2,09,857
• CB350 DLX Pro - Rs 2,12,856
• CB350 DLX Pro Chrome - Rs 2,14,856
• CB350RS DLX - Rs 2,14,856
• CB350RS DLX Pro - Rs 2,17,857
• CB350RS DLX Pro Dual Tone - Rs 2,17,857