Honda CB350RS vs CB350 H'ness differences explained

By now, you probably know that the new Honda CB350RS is a variant of the CB350 H'ness that was launched in September 2020. In terms of the engine, suspension, brakes and chassis, the bike is identical, but there are some other changes that set it apart.

• Honda CB350RS gets more youthful style
• Smaller rear wheel with fatter tyre
• Based on the base H'ness DLX model

Honda CB350RS style

The biggest differences are in the styling, where the RS takes a more youthful stance. The bike gets black treatment replacing much of the chrome on the H'ness and it looks better because of it. The CB350RS is currently available in two colour options, a solid red or a very nice looking yellow and black combo. Adding to the bike's scrambler design theme is a small metal skid plate attached to the bottom of the frame, just ahead of the engine.

The headlamp itself is the same, but it uses a matt black ring instead of chrome. However, the tail lamp is a new, smart looking rectangular LED unit and the RS also gets modern LED indicators as seen on Honda's bigger bikes.

Honda CB350RS mechanical changes

Another big visual change is in the use of sleeker fenders at the front and rear. Since these are now made from plastic and are smaller than the ones on the H'ness, they have helped to shave off 2 kilos from the kerb weight of the motorcycle, taking the total to 179kg.

Perhaps the only significant mechanical change on this motorcycle is the switch from an 18-inch rear wheel to a 17-inch unit. The front tyre size is the same, but the rear is now a fatter 150 section unit. Honda has also switched over to chunky looking MRF Nylogrip Zapper Kurve tyres that were previously seen on the Bajaj V15. Thanks to the bigger, more rounded rear tyre, the ground clearance has actually gone up by 2mm, even though there has been no change made to the suspension travel.

Honda CB350RS riding position

The rider ergonomics have changed a little as well with a slightly lower and fatter handlebar, while the footpegs are a little more rear set. The RS no longer gets the heel gear shifter that was seen on the H'ness. The bike gets a new seat that is slightly wider for the rider, but seat height and seat length are both unchanged.

Honda CB350RS features and price

The CB350RS is priced at Rs 1.96 lakh for the Red colour variant and Rs 1.98 lakh for the dual tone option. That puts it nearly 10,000 rupees higher than the base CB 350 H'ness. The RS is also based on the standard H'ness model, which means it doesn't get the voice-controlled Bluetooth feature, the USB charger, or the dual horns that come with the DLX Pro variant of the H'ness.