Honda CB350 RS vs Honda H’ness CB350: What’s different?

Honda recently launched the CB350 RS in India, a motorcycle that is based on the H’ness CB350 that made its debut around three months ago. So, what separates the two motorcycles from each other? Read on to find out.

Pricing

The heaviest deciding factor for many is the price so let’s get that out of the way first. The H’ness CB 350 is offered in two variants- DLX and DLX Pro that are priced at Rs 1.86 lakh and Rs 1.92 lakh. On the other hand, the CB350 RS costs Rs 4,000 more at Rs 1.96 lakh and is available in a single variant.

Styling

Now the most noticeable difference between the two is the design. While the H’ness CB350 harks back to the original CB350 with chrome elements all around, the CB350 RS takes a modern approach. Its gets blacked-out fenders, exhausts, suspension and footrests, all that are chrome on the H’ness CB350.

Besides this, the new CB350 RS gets a different seat, tail lamp and turn indicators. The motorcycle also sports an engine bash plate and redesigned side panels. However, the rest of the elements including the chrome mirrors and LED headlamp are the same on both CBs.

Competition

Thanks to the difference in styling, the two motorcycles also have different rivals. While the H'ness CB350 goes against the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Meteor 350, the CB350 RS will take on motorcycles like the Bajaj Dominar 250 and KTM 250 Duke.  

Colours

To appeal to the retro side of the H’ness CB350, Honda is offering the motorcycle in a choice of six colour options: three for the DLX version and three for the DLX Pro variant. Meanwhile, the CB350 RS is available in two colours that are comparatively brighter and sportier.

Cycle parts

The Honda CB350 RS and the Honda H’ness CB350 share the same suspension and braking hardware. The front uses telescopic forks while the rear has a pair of shock absorbers. Braking is handled by a 310mm disc at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear with a dual-channel ABS. 

And while the front wheels at 19-inch, the rear on the CB350 RS uses a smaller 17-inch wheel as compared to the 18-inch unit on the H’ness CB350. The RS also gets fatter 150 section tyres as compared to the 130 section rubber on the bike it is based on.

Features

As for features, the two motorcycles remain identical. They both offer a Bluetooth-enabled instrument cluster, Honda Selectable Torque Control, a hazard light switch and a dual-channel ABS, like we mentioned earlier.

Engine

Just like the feature list, there isn’t any change to the engine specifications here. The bikes are powered by a 348cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled motor that churns out 20.7bhp at 5500rpm and 30Nm at 3,000rpm. It comes mated to a five-speed gearbox.