The new Honda CB350RS has been launched at Rs 1.96 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India). The Honda CB350RS is based on the same platform as the Honda H'ness CB350, sharing the same frame, engine and other components.
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Scrambler styled Honda CB350RS costs Rs 3,000 more than the CB350 DLX Pro
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The bike uses the same engine and produces identical peak figures
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Gets a smaller 17-inch rear wheel with a wider tyre
Honda CB350RS design
The Honda CB350RS, though based on the Honda H'ness CB350, looks markedly different, evident in the shape of the front mudguard, redesigned LED headlamp, side panel, stubby tail section and upswept exhaust. The single piece, flat seat is all-new as well with different textures on the rider and pillion side. Another aspect that sets this model apart from the standard bike is the smaller rear wheel, and wider tyre.
The motorcycle features LED lights all round, including the indicators that appear to have been lifted off the Honda Hornet 2.0. Features like the switchgear and instrument cluster have been carried over from the standard CB350.
Unlike the standard CB350 that is available in two variants, DLX and DLX Pro, the CB350RS will be available as only one variant. This bike also gets a dual-tone coloured tank, like on the CB350 DLX Pro, as standard.
Honda CB350RS engine and features
The Honda CB350 Scrambler is powered by the same 349cc, long stroke, single-cylinder engine that's also present in the H'ness CB350. Peak power and torque figures remain the same as well - 20.8hp at 5,500rpm and 30Nm of torque at 3,000rpm.
This engine is mated to the same 5-speed gearbox as the CB350 and gets Honda’s Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and an assist and slipper clutch, as well.
Honda CB350RS chassis
The Honda CB350RS utilises the same cradle frame, telescopic fork and twin shock absorbers as the H'ness CB350. Going by our experience on the latter, the RS should offer a comfortable ride over bad or broken sections of the road. And since this is a scrambler, Honda is offering 100/90-19 section tyres at the front and a wide 150/70-17 tyre at the rear. For reference, the CB350 uses a 100/90-19 tyre at the front and 130/70-18 at the rear.
The Nissin brakes have been carried forward from the H'ness, with a 310mm disc at the front and a 240mm disc at the back, with dual-channel ABS as standard.
The minor changes in the hardware have resulted in the CB350RS weighing 179kg, which is 2kg less than the CB350’s 181kg. Meanwhile, ground clearance has gone up by 2mm, up from 166mm to 168mm. Seat height, on the other hand, remains the same at 800mm.
Honda CB350RS price and availability
The CB350RS is priced at Rs 1.96 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India), making it a little over Rs 3,000 more expensive than the CB350 DLX Pro that is priced just under Rs 1.93 lakh.
The CB350RS will be available in two color options – Radiant Red Metallic and Black with Pearl Sports Yellow, with bookings open across all Big Wing dealerships in India.
Also see:
Rishaad Mody
Azaman Chothia
Ved Janve
Vishal Venugopal
