Honda CB 350: When it comes to a class that is mostly dominated by Retro styled cruisers, the Honda CB 350 has done all this silently. It’s Honda’s reply to the mid-size classic motorcycle segment in India, offering old-school appeal with modern refinement.
Introduced primarily to take on the Royal Enfield, the CB 350 has impressive build quality and a slick engine, and a classic design that’s both familiar and a step away from the obvious.
The bike doesn’t shout for attention — but that is somewhat of the appeal. It is for riders who appreciate classic lines matched to modern performance. It’s respectful of the past by responding to the present.
Honda CB 350 Design and Styling
The CB 350 is an impressive motorcycle at first glance itself. It captures the look of old bikes with its round headlamp, metal fenders, teardrop fuel tank and long chrome exhaust — but without showing its age.
It looks clean and considered, not weighed down with pointless styling.
The CB 350 will be available in a number of colour combinations and trim levels from the manufacturer, including dual-tone shades with tank stripes and single-tone paint schemes.
Depending on whether it’s the RS or H’ness variant, you’ll notice small differences in badging, exhaust design and seat styling.
One of the best in class construction overall. Especially considering the pain finish, switch gear and panel alignment, Hondas attention to detail is obvious.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the CB 350 sits a 348.36cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine which makes 20.8 bhp and 30 Nm of torque. These figures might not seem aggressive, but it’s the tuning that really counts.[Honda CB350 ]
Torque delivery and rideability are the key words for this motor rather than outright speed.(Honda CB350 )
The engine is smooth and progressive with power fed in consistently from the lower regions of the rev band. There’s an elemental thump there, which I can respect, but at highway speeds it’s never a harsh presence.
It cruises at 80-90 km/h with ease, so long distances riding this bike should also be comfortable.
The 5-speed transmission has positive gears and a slip-and-assist clutch to take the sting out of city traffic or hill riding.
Ride and Handling
The suspension system of the CB 350 — telescopic forks in the front and twin shock absorbers in the rear — provide excellent cushioning. It soaks up most bumps and potholes with ease, and remains stable even over patchy roads.
The frame is stiff for that confidence when you’re getting nice and low in the corners, but still compliant enough for comfort on the straight bits.
The bike is planted on the highway and the handlebar is nicely weighted and gives good feedback. It’s not exactly an aluminium feather at 181 kg, but it feels well distributed and manageable.
Stopping power comes from a disc at either end with dual-channel ABS being offered as standard. Bite and feedback are indeed gradual, ideal for casual cruising as well as panic stops.[Honda CB350 ]
Features and Practicality
Honda has managed to blend retro charm with modern tech cunningly. The CB 350 gets an analogue-digital instrument console displaying information including gear position, instantaneous mileage and service reminder indicators, trip meters and so on.
Higher models also come with Bluetooth connectivity for call alerts and navigation guidance using the Honda Smartphone Voice Control System.
Furthermore, there’s a hazard light switch, side-stand engine cut-off and a traction control system—uncommon in this class.[Honda CB350 ]
The seat is a wide and well padded one and is also pillion friendly. Fuel tank capacity of the Pulsar NS150 is 15 litres, and considering the fuel efficiency of 35-40 kmpl, it also comes with a decent range for touring purposes, at least.
Pros:
The engine feels composed, nice and smooth and it doesn’t offer aggressive performance.
Retro and timeless design in any color you can imagine
Great feel on both long and short distance rides
solid build quality and reliability from honda
Traction control and Bluetooth available in certain models
Cons:
Not enough hit for aggressive riders
Priced at a slight premium to its rivals
Poor service reach in smaller towns
Less number of customization possibility as compared to Royal Enfield
A few options may provide a more favorable price-to-feature ratio
Honda CB 350 Final Verdict
The Honda is not about speed or noise, it’s about sensation. It combines the old-school charm with modern machining and everyday usability in a sleekly finished package.
For who must have a serene, classy motorcycle with classic appeal and strong brand equity, the CB 350 is a sound option.
It’s not anyone’s superlative, but it does stealthily everything a modern classic of its kind should do.