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.
- KTM RC 125 now arrives in a new paint scheme
- Malamadre’s custom Motard
- Supermono custom from FMW motorcycles
- Custom Guzzi by Vagabund Moto
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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