Bridging Two Worlds of Motorcycling

For decades, motorcyclists have faced an impossible choice. European manufacturers like Royal Enfield craft machines with soul, character, and timeless design that stir the heart. Yet they've battled a persistent reputation for reliability issues. Meanwhile, Japanese manufacturers have perfected the art of building bulletproof, dependable motorcycles—but often at the cost of personality.

So what happens when you combine European character with Japanese reliability? Honda's answer is the CB350 RS, and it might just be the bike that redefines the entry-level retro motorcycle segment.

A Brief History Lesson

Before diving into the bike itself, let's understand the context. Royal Enfield, a British motor company, launched its first motorcycles in 1901, with the legendary Bullet arriving in 1932. When Royal Enfield began selling 350cc Bullets to the Indian Army in 1952, these retro-styled machines became aspirational for the Indian market. They've maintained that charm for decades, but reliability has always been their Achilles heel.

The CB350 RS enters this landscape as a challenge: Can Honda capture that classic character while delivering the dependability the Japanese are known for?

Engine & Gearbox: Smooth Low-End Torque Over Raw Power

Let's address the elephant in the room: this isn't a speed machine. The air-cooled 348cc engine won't win any drag races, taking nearly two years to reach 60 km/h and a decade to hit 100 km/h (okay, we're exaggerating a bit here). However, acceleration isn't where the CB350 RS shines, and frankly, it's not the right metric for this bike.

Where the engine truly excels is its butter-smooth low-end torque delivery. This bike rewards a relaxed riding philosophy. You can cruise through any gear at minimal RPM without the need to downshift constantly. There's a remarkable amount of low-end grunt that makes you feel content cruising rather than constantly chasing speed.

The engine paired with a lightweight, responsive clutch creates an impressively cohesive package. Interestingly, this combination makes the gearbox feel harder to operate than it actually is—when you're riding so smoothly that you rarely shift, even a perfectly adequate gearbox can feel stiff.

Brakes: More Than Adequate Stopping Power

Should you decide to explore the bike's upper speed range, the braking system proves more than capable. The lever length feels adequate, with decent bite and good feedback appropriate for a cruiser. The lever doesn't feel spongy, and the brakes bleed well.

One notable advantage is the engine braking, which complements the braking system beautifully, giving riders multiple ways to decelerate smoothly. A word of caution though: the Nissin brakes (particularly the master cylinders) can develop stiction over time if not maintained regularly, so proper upkeep is essential.

Ergonomics: Slightly Committed, Not Cramped

The handlebars sit slightly lower than on some competitors, and while I would have preferred slightly more width, wider bars would compromise the handling characteristics we'll discuss later.

The footpegs are well-positioned with generous distance between the seat and pegs, making longer commutes much more comfortable on the knees. The long seat allows riders to shift their position during extended rides. Overall, the CB350 RS leans slightly toward the "committed" end of the spectrum rather than the fully relaxed posture of some cruisers, striking a nice balance between comfort and engagement.

Handling: Light and Nimble Despite Its Weight

At 179 kilos, the CB350 RS is genuinely light in how it handles. This is where Honda's engineering shines through. A wider handlebar, as tempting as it might seem, would push the bike into nervous territory—something the current setup avoids.

The bike maneuvers easily and feels flickable around town. In longer sweeping corners, it runs slightly wide, and the cornering capability sits in the decent-to-good range. While this isn't a track-focused machine, it's more than competent for spirited riding on back roads.

Comfort: Built for Real-World Riding

The rider's seat appears engineered for genuine longer journeys, while the pillion seat is better suited for shorter trips. Where the CB350 RS truly shines is its suspension tuning. The rear end absorbs bumps and potholes beautifully, and rough, uneven roads are where the bike delivers its most impressive comfort levels. Honda's focus here is on real-world practicality rather than showroom aesthetic.

Design: Tempting Even the Skeptics

Here's a confession: I've never been a fan of retro motorcycles. The CB350 RS changed that perception.

The design balances form and function thoughtfully. The headlamps are sharp, the wide fuel tank provides a clean canvas for personalization (I'd definitely recommend a PPF coating). The grab rail integrates naturally into the design, and the branding feels appropriate without being ostentatious.

The instrument console visibility is decent—not cluttered with unnecessary information. However, secondary information like trip meter, mileage, and other stats requires what feels like an eye test to read. You might genuinely need a magnifying glass here. Similarly, the mirrors remind us of our education system: they show something is behind you, but not enough to give a complete picture.

Now, let's talk about the tread on those tires. Honda has designed a pattern to channel water and maintain grip, which looks impressive. However, for a bike that's decidedly not an off-roader, these treads seem more for show than substance—it's unclear what they actually accomplish in real-world riding.

One genuine irritant: the horn and indicator switches are reversed, and it appears Honda installed an RH switch configuration on the LH side. This design misstep was so annoying that it tempted me to rip the controls apart and rebuild them properly.

Despite these minor quibbles, the proportions are spot-on. The color combinations are excellent. The overall design is tempting enough to make even a retro-skeptic consider opening their wallet.

Quality of Components: Best in Class

The fit and finish throughout the CB350 RS is genuinely impressive. The color, material, and finish quality deserve full marks. Honda has clearly prioritized component quality, and it shows in every detail. This isn't a bike that feels cheap anywhere.

Ownership and Service Costs: The Practical Reality

The CB350 RS carries a price tag of approximately 2.17 lakhs ex-showroom, translating to about 2.7 lakhs on-road in Bangalore. This positions it directly against Royal Enfield's Classic 350.

Service intervals are spaced reasonably well, and maintenance costs shouldn't be prohibitive. However, there's a significant catch: you can only service this bike at Honda BigWing showrooms. With limited showroom availability currently, you'll need to plan services strategically. Popular showrooms may experience slot delays, so forward planning is essential for hassle-free maintenance.

Price to Performance: Proven Component Architecture

The CB350 RS offers measurably better engine performance than the Classic 350 while weighing less. Here's where Honda's multi-platform strategy pays dividends: components used here appear across dozens of Honda models. Those handlebars? They look borrowed from the Hornet lineup. This isn't laziness—it's a guarantee that reliability is already established across multiple platforms and millions of miles of real-world riding.

The Verdict: A Calculated Risk That Pays Off

The Honda CB350 RS represents a calculated, thoughtful risk. Honda maintained the design essence and engine character that enthusiasts love about Royal Enfield, while delivering the rock-solid reliability that Japanese manufacturers are famous for.

Here's my honest assessment: I've never been a Honda enthusiast. The brand has built a reputation for producing motorcycles that, while competent, lack personality. The CB350 RS shatters that perception. This is where Honda's character—pragmatic, refined, and ultimately Japanese—feels like the perfect fit.

The real question isn't whether the CB350 RS is a good bike. It is. The question is whether Honda can challenge Royal Enfield's dominance in this segment. Can a Japanese company truly compete with the legend and cultural significance of a bike like the Classic 350?

That's a conversation for the comments section—what do you think?