Launched a year back, Honda's H'ness CB350 is one of the modern classic machine with the retro feel & look. Before the launch of this model, Royal Enfield's Classic 350, Jawa models and Benelli's Imperiale 400 is the only offering in the 350cc segment with the retro looks & feel. This CB350 is always been one of my favorite motorcycle but unfortunately I didn't get any chance to swing my leg around it till now. This is the model we're going to see about for this week's Retrosters category.
Design
Like every other models in the segment, this motorbike is also equipped with the retro elements. Fuel tank is integrated in the retro aspect and so the seat which receives a step-up treatment. It also looks simple and the motorbike has got minimal body works. Round shaped LED headlamp with chrome bezel, round shaped turn winkers, rear view mirrors are what the retro lovers expect from a modern classic and the motorbike also gets the same. Single piece grab rail also adds some more essence to the retro feel of the motorbike.
Unlike any other models, front turn indicators also acts as DRLs, which we see mostly from the European bike makers. Foot pegs are centered and it gives the rider a upright riding position along with the raised handlebar. It also gets more chrome treatments including both the fenders, mirrors, exhaust, rear shocks, right side of the crankcase with Honda badging and also in the throttle body's cover which I absolutely love. Chassis components are mounted on the traditional double cradle frame.
Engine & hardware
The motorbike is powered by a 348.36cc, air cooled motor churning out 20.78bhp & 30Nm at 5,500 & 3,000rpm. In addition to the primary balancer, it gets main shaft coaxial balancer which is present at the gearbox's main shaft. What it does is, it balance the position & mass with the primary balancer shaft which is located at front of the cylinder to eliminate the vibrations produced. Engine is mated to a 5 speed transmission system with slipper clutch assist and from this, clearly we can able to understand that this motorbike is not meant for high revs, made to be enjoyed at the minimal speed. Suspension duties are handled by telescopic forks at the front and twin struts at the rear. Braking jobs by 310mm disc with Nissin caliper upfront and 240mm disc at the rear assisted by dual channel ABS.
Others
Both the end gets 7 Y shaped alloys. It would've been even more great if wired spoke rims are utilized instead of these alloys. Anyways...The motorbike is offered in 2 trims such as DLX & DLX PRO. The only difference is the dual tone color scheme and dual horn setup. Single analog dial for the speedometer is equipped at the steering head with a small LCD multifunction display for real time mileage, average mileage, distance to empty, gear position etc.. It also gets Honda Selectable Torque Control which is similar to the Traction Control System for rider's safety.
My opinion
At least the manufacturer should've offered wired spoke rims as optional which would've even more reduced the cost and improved the retro feel of the motorbike. Instead of single pod dial, dual analog dials for both speedometer & tachometer will be better, if provided. Another major mistake done by Honda is selling this model via their BigWing showrooms which is meant only for premium range of motorcycles. So, it doesn't reach peoples properly like any other models in the segment I'd say. There are much rumors about the Cafe variant of the CB350. If so, addition of front Cafe Racer fairing and lowered clip-ons differentiate the motorbike from the current CB350.
Design
Like every other models in the segment, this motorbike is also equipped with the retro elements. Fuel tank is integrated in the retro aspect and so the seat which receives a step-up treatment. It also looks simple and the motorbike has got minimal body works. Round shaped LED headlamp with chrome bezel, round shaped turn winkers, rear view mirrors are what the retro lovers expect from a modern classic and the motorbike also gets the same. Single piece grab rail also adds some more essence to the retro feel of the motorbike.
Unlike any other models, front turn indicators also acts as DRLs, which we see mostly from the European bike makers. Foot pegs are centered and it gives the rider a upright riding position along with the raised handlebar. It also gets more chrome treatments including both the fenders, mirrors, exhaust, rear shocks, right side of the crankcase with Honda badging and also in the throttle body's cover which I absolutely love. Chassis components are mounted on the traditional double cradle frame.
Engine & hardware
The motorbike is powered by a 348.36cc, air cooled motor churning out 20.78bhp & 30Nm at 5,500 & 3,000rpm. In addition to the primary balancer, it gets main shaft coaxial balancer which is present at the gearbox's main shaft. What it does is, it balance the position & mass with the primary balancer shaft which is located at front of the cylinder to eliminate the vibrations produced. Engine is mated to a 5 speed transmission system with slipper clutch assist and from this, clearly we can able to understand that this motorbike is not meant for high revs, made to be enjoyed at the minimal speed. Suspension duties are handled by telescopic forks at the front and twin struts at the rear. Braking jobs by 310mm disc with Nissin caliper upfront and 240mm disc at the rear assisted by dual channel ABS.
Others
Both the end gets 7 Y shaped alloys. It would've been even more great if wired spoke rims are utilized instead of these alloys. Anyways...The motorbike is offered in 2 trims such as DLX & DLX PRO. The only difference is the dual tone color scheme and dual horn setup. Single analog dial for the speedometer is equipped at the steering head with a small LCD multifunction display for real time mileage, average mileage, distance to empty, gear position etc.. It also gets Honda Selectable Torque Control which is similar to the Traction Control System for rider's safety.
My opinion
At least the manufacturer should've offered wired spoke rims as optional which would've even more reduced the cost and improved the retro feel of the motorbike. Instead of single pod dial, dual analog dials for both speedometer & tachometer will be better, if provided. Another major mistake done by Honda is selling this model via their BigWing showrooms which is meant only for premium range of motorcycles. So, it doesn't reach peoples properly like any other models in the segment I'd say. There are much rumors about the Cafe variant of the CB350. If so, addition of front Cafe Racer fairing and lowered clip-ons differentiate the motorbike from the current CB350.
Tags
Retrosters