Honda-H'ness-CB350

Honda has recently unveiled its most-wanted retro-styled CB350. Honda made the right choice to develop CB350.

Old retro Honda 350

Let’s rewind the clock and see about Honda CB350. Now, this isn’t the first time Honda has brought CB350 on the motorcycle scene.

Retro CB350 Pic Courtesy- Wikipedia

Honda first started the CB350 production in 1968. However, the production did not last long, and it went on for five years.

Compared to the timeline, the specs of the old retro CB350 were good.

Dubbed as “CB350 Super Sport”, it had a 325cc twin-cylinder motor capable of making 36hp with a top speed of 170 km/h.

Carrying a wet weight of 170 kgs, we believe was the lightest retro. Honda sold 250,000 copies in just five years.

The retro had a green and white dual-tone paint scheme slightly different from the retros present in the ’70s.

Later on, in 1974, CB360 was the successor of CB350.

New Honda H’ness CB350

After 47 years, Honda India now has resurrected the CB350. The new Honda H’ness CB350 comes developed with the help of nine new patents.

We can see some cues taken from the old retro CB350, like the style dual-tone paint scheme.

Dual-tone paint scheme

Engine and exhaust

The BS6 compliant 350cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine motor makes around 20.8 bhp and max torque of 30 Nm@3000 rpm. The CB350 also arrives with the PGM-FI technology.

350cc engine

The  PGM-FI is Honda’s proprietary technology that Honda used in their cars, like the Prelude and Accord.

While the uneven connecting rods make sure there is less loss of energy via combustion. On the other front, the CB350 also has a wall build between the transmission and crankcase, allowing less friction.

Assist and slipper clutch

Well, what goes behind Honda’s research are those advanced sensors that arrive via simulations used through computers resulting in making the CB350 a more refined commuter.

Another important aspect the H’ness CB350 comes equipped with the coaxial balancer, which helps balance the mass and is an intelligent mechanism to eliminate the vibrations.

Main shaft coaxial balancer

The 45mm exhaust gives a favourable balance as it allows control over the exhaust note, making it bolder and refine.

When you push the throttle, the enlargement in the expansion chamber helps give more soothing exhaust notes.

What more the to avert discolouration, the exhaust pipes get double skin treatment.

Now, mind well, it also gives a visual fancy to one’s eye. Honda has made an intelligent move by pushing the cylinder position an offset which allows minor abrasion.

The air cooling system allows maintaining the absolute temperature and dense air intake, which again makes the CB350 more efficient.

 Thermal efficiency goes one level up thanks to the build-in piston cooling jet resulting in better mileage.

Structure and chassis

Smooth lines comprised of an aggressive stance allows it to stand out.

A massive dual-tone fuel tank with a bold Honda Emblem provides a heritage-inspired look that grabs more attention.

The retro CB350 adorns the full LEDs when it comes to headlamps, rear lamp and ring-type blinkers to add a more evocative look.

LED headlamp, taillight and blinkers

The single-piece seat and 15-litre fuel tank are great assists for longer commutes.

Honda engineers have been working hard to stack the entire structure in the half-duplex cradle frame, making the steering joyful.

Half-duplex cradle frame

The engine mounting at the low position has again optimised the load, making the centre of gravity low.

The CB350 carries 181 kgs as kerb weight.

Two Flavours 

The H’ness, aka CB350, comes in two flavours 

  • DLX and
  • DLX Pro

The main difference between the two the DLX Pro gets the Honda Smartphone Voice Control system (HSVCS).

H’ness CB350 is equipped with a complete Bluetooth ecosystem that will facilitate the rider by seamless information exchanges in daily life.

Plus, the Pro gets a dual-tone paint scheme, whereas the standard DLX gets a single tone.

Colours

For DLX

Green Metallic

Precious Red Metallic

For DLX Pro

Pearl night star black spear silver metallic

Matte steel black metallic

Athletic blue metallic

Competitors

Honda H’ness CB350 will go head-on with the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Jawa Forty Two and Benelli Imperiale 400 

Price

The Honda H’ness CB350 price starts from Rs 1.85 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs 1.90 lakh (ex-showroom).

Specs

Type 4 Stroke, SI Engine
Displacement 348.36cc
Max Net Power 15.5kW @ 5500 rpm
Max Net Torque 30N-m @ 3000 rpm
Fuel System PGM-FI
Bore x Stroke 70mm X 90.5mm
Compression Ratio 9.5:1
Starting Method Self
Battery 12 V, 6.0 Ah
Headlamp LED, DC
Length 2163 mm
Width 800 mm
Height 1107 mm
Wheel Base 1441 mm
Ground Clearance 166 mm
Kerb Weight 181 Kg
Seat Height 800 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 15 L
Frame Type Half Duplex Cradle
Front Suspension Telescopic
Rear Suspension Twin – Hydraulic
Braking System Dual-Channel ABS
Tyre Size & Type (Front) 100/90-19M/C 57H
Tyre Size & Type (Rear) 130/70-18M/C 63H
Brake Type & Size (Front) Disc 310mm
Brake Type & Size (Rear) Disc 240mm
Clutch Type Multiplate Wet Clutch
No. of Gears 5 Gears

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