Honda has launched an all-new motorcycle, called the Honda CB350 RS in the Indian two-wheeler market. Priced at Rs 1.96 lakh, the new motorcycle will be sold through BigWing premium dealership network and joins the H’ness 350 in the 350cc segment. This segment is currently dominated by Royal Enfield and Honda aims to grab significant share.
Powering the new Honda CB350 RS is a 348.6cc, single-cylinder air-cooled engine that also powers the H’ness CB350. Paired to a 5-speed gearbox, this single-cylinder engine is capable of producing 20.78bhp of power at 5,500rpm and a peak torque of 30Nm at 3,000rpm. The motorcycle gets Slipper Clutch, which makes the gear shifts smoother while reducing clutch lever operation load. There is a main shaft coaxial balancer on the cylinder, which eliminates both primary and secondary vibrations.
For braking duties, the Honda CB350 RS gets 310mm front disc and 240mm rear disc brakes. Dual-channel ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) is available as standard. Based on the Half Duplex Cradle chassis, the new CB350 RS gets telescopic front forks and twin-hydraulic at the rear. Honda CB350 RS is available in two colour options – Black with Pearl Sports Yellow and Radiant Red Metallic.
The new Honda CB350 RS Scrambler comes with wider pattern tyres and has forward leaning riding position. Other design highlights include Round-shaped headlamp in black enclosure, blacked out shock absorbers with chrome muffler, new dual-tone fuel tank with new graphics, a single-piece seat and a seat cowl. The major difference is at the rear, which has new tail-lamp and turn indicators. The exhaust is finished in black.
The new Honda CB350 RS comes fitted with a single-pod instrument console with analogue counter and a small digital display. The console integrates details like HSTC, ABS, side stand indicator, ECO indicator, real-time mileage, average mileage, HSVCS (Smartphone Voice Control System), gear position, distance to empty and battery voltage.
Similar to the new H’ness CB350, the new Honda CB350 RS comes fitted with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) which is essentially a traction control system. This helps in maintaining rear wheel traction by detecting difference between front and rear wheel speeds, calcuating the slip ratio and controlling engine torque via the fuel injection. Customers will have an option to turn ON and OFF the Selectable Torque Control using a switch on the left side of meter.
Adding to it, the bike gets Honda Smartphone Voice Control System, which allows rider to connect his smartphone with the motorcycle via Bluetooth through HSVCS application. The motorcycle rides on 19-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel shod with 100/90 and 150/70 section tyres respectively.
In terms of proportions, the new CB350 RS is 2,171mm long, 804mm wide and 1,097mm tall. It offers a seat height of 800mm. The bike rides on 1,441mm wheelbase and has a ground clearance of 168mm.
Honda H’ness CB350 Success
The new CB350 has received an excellent response from buyers. More than 10,000 units of the motorcycle has already been delivered to customers. In order to reach more buyers, Honda has expanded its BigWing dealership network.
