I currently own an RR 310, but due to changes in personal circumstances, I now prefer shorter trips with my wife and child. However, I still want a powerful motorcycle that I can use for solo rides in the future. I am considering the Husqvarna Svartpilen and the Honda CB350RS, but have heard that the Honda’s suspension is stiff. Which option would be better suited to my needs?

•34w

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is a reskinned KTM 390 Duke with both bikes sharing the same engine, chassis and feature-set. As such, the Svartpilen will offer you considerably more performance than the CB350RS, and it will also have the stiffer suspension setup - it's not harsh, but definitely feels more taut than the Honda.

On the other hand, the Honda CB350RS is more laidback in terms of its seating position and torquey, air-cooled engine and will have a much lower performance ceiling than the Husqvarna. Its suspension is quite well-judged and will likely be more pliant than the Svartpilen, too.

You should take a test ride of both bikes to see which one suits you better, as both bikes have very different personalities and price points.

Explore bikes mentioned

Husqvarna

Svartpilen 401

from ₹3.51 Lakh

KTM

390 Duke

from ₹3.35 Lakh

Honda Bikes

CB350RS

from ₹2.34 Lakh

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•16m

Switched my daily commute from the car to a scooter six months ago just to beat traffic, and honestly haven't looked back even once during peak hours.

•4d

I’m confused between the Honda CB350 H’ness and the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. I liked the refined engine and comfortable riding position of the CB350, while I liked the Hunter’s looks, lightweight nature, and ease of manoeuvring. My daily travel is around 40 km, mostly in traffic, with speeds rarely crossing 80 kmph. I plan to use the bike primarily for daily commuting. Which one should I go for? Also, would using an inclined handlebar riser on the Hunter 350 improve its riding comfort?

•2d

The Honda CB350 would make more sense for your needs because you spend most of your time in city traffic where comfort and refinement are paramount. While this Honda bike is a slightly larger machine than the Royal Enfield Hunter (both weigh the same 181kg), after a brief acclimatization period, you will get used to it. While a set of handlebar risers can improve your seating posture on the Hunter, you will lose some feedback and control from the front end and you will also need to arrange for longer cables and hoses to accommodate this change.

Honda Bikes CB350

Royal Enfield Hunter 350

•1w

I’m confused between the Honda H’ness CB350 and the Triumph Scrambler 400X. The Honda feels smoother, but it lacks the thrill I’m looking for. On the other hand, the Scrambler 400X is almost Rs 80,000 more expensive on-road after the recent price hike. Considering that it is now a 350cc bike rather than 400cc, even though it is priced almost the same as the earlier 400cc version, I’m finding it difficult to justify the higher price.

•2d

Between the two bikes you've shortlisted, the 350cc Triumph Scrambler 400 X is surely more fun and a better all-rounder but it does come at a steeper price than the simpler Honda CB350. If you can stretch for it, the Triumph is a fantastic rugged road bike and should serve you well. If not, this Honda bike is still an accomplished - if laidback - retro roadster which will offer you good comfort and fuel economy in the long run. Take your pick of the two after an exhaustive test ride - money will come back but the time you spend on the bike won't!

Triumph Scrambler 400 X

Honda Bikes CB350

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