Honda has now launched a Sportier scrambler version of the recently launched H'ness CB350, called the Honda CB350RS. According to Honda the RS in the name stands for ‘Road Sailing’. The CB 350 RS is priced at INR 1.96 Lakh (ex-showroom, India) making it Rs 3,000 more expensive than a regular H'ness CB350. So does the motorcycle justify its premium price tag? Let's see:
Design
In terms of design, a clear distinction can be seen between the H'ness CB350 and CB350RS. The new CB350RS gets sets of front and rear mudguards, all LED indicators similar to the one on Hornet 2.0, a new Tuck and Roll seat, saddle, and pillion grab rails as well. It also gets a redesigned rear with under-seat LED taillamps. The motorcycle comes with an underbelly bash plate, rear set front footpegs, and a blacked-out exhaust unlike the chrome-plated one on the H'ness CB350.
Honda CB350RS commissions the same fuel tank, side panels, cradle frame, telescopic fork, and twin shock absorbers as the H'ness CB350. The analogue and digital instrument cluster remains the same as well. However, it gets an all-new dual-tone coloured tank paint scheme – Radiant Red Metallic and Black with Pearl Sports Yellow.
Dimensions and Engine
The Honda CB350RS runs on MRF Zapper Kurve tyres with a 100/90-19 section at the front and a wide 150/70-17 tyre at the rear. The motorcycle is equipped with a 310mm disc at the front and a 240mm disc at the back, with dual-channel ABS as standard. The cosmetic changes have resulted in the CB350RS weighing 179kg, which is 2kg less than the CB350’s 181kg. Ground clearance has marginally increased by 2mm to 168mm which will not make much of a difference in riding dynamics as per Honda.
The long-stroke engine has remained untouched. So the power and torque figures remain the same as well - 20.8hp at 5,500rpm and 30Nm of torque at 3,000rpm. The engine is synced to the same 5-speed gearbox and gets Honda’s Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and an assist and slipper clutch are the other features on offer.
Overall, the CB350 RS offers a pretty good package for the younger generation looking out for something classy like the H'ness CB350 but at the same time having the aggression of young blood.
Comments