After reviving Jawa, Classic Legends has reincarnated another iconic brand called Yezdi and introduced three modern-retro motorcycles under this banner. While the roadster and the adventure both belong to established segments with multiple rivals to face, the Scrambler is quite unique, especially with its pricing.
Although the Scrambler doesn't have many direct competitors, our research data indicates that you all are curious to know how it fares against the Honda CB350RS, which does have some scrambler-like ethos. In that case, we compare the Yezdi scrambler and the Honda CB350RS to tell you which is better in terms of features, specifications and pricing.
Design
Before we get to the functional details, let’s talk aesthetics. The Yezdi is a quintessential old-school scrambler with a round headlamp, a front beak, a tiny tail rack, spoke wheels, and a pair of peashooter exhausts. You can also soup it up by adding a headlamp guard and knuckle guards. Now, the Honda CB350RS looks relatively more modern with a sporty stance, a host of blacked-out components, and alloy wheels. As for the colour options, Yezdi offers more options with six paint schemes in its palette, as opposed to the CB which is available only in two colours.
Features
Do not let the retro styling of the Yezdi deceive you into thinking it’s more basic in terms of features. In fact, the Yezdi and the Honda are pretty neck-and-neck on the modernity front.
The Yezdi comes equipped with a distinctive round LCD instrument cluster that shows all the essential data. Then there’s a small handlebar-mounted module accommodating USB and Type C charging points. What’s more, the dual-channel ABS of the Yezdi can be operated in three different modes including road, off-road, and rain.
The CB350RS, meanwhile, features an analogue speedometer along with a tiny LCD which displays very little data at a time. It also misses out on a USB charger and modes for ABS. However, it compensates for that by offering an assist and slipper clutch and switchable traction control system.
Engine
Talking about the powerplant, the Scrambler is propelled by a more modern liquid-cooled and higher-revving 334cc engine. It churns out 28.7bhp of power and 28.2Nm of peak torque. With a six-speed gearbox, it also gets one cog extra. As for the CB350RS, it’s powered by a 348.36cc, air-cooled engine that produces 20.78bhp and 30Nm and comes mated to a five-speed gearbox.
Although Yezdi’s engine is more modern and shows better numbers on paper, our experience tells us that the smoothness and refinement of the Honda are commendable and difficult to match.
Hardware
The hardware package of the Yezdi Scrambler is more inclined towards taking on rough terrain with 19 and 17-inch spoke wheels at the front and rear, respectively. Whereas, the CB is more road-biased sporting alloy wheels of the same size as the Yezdi. While spoke wheels make the Yezdi more reliable for off-roading, the CB has the advantage of tubeless tyres that are easier to repair in the case of a puncture.
Other cycle parts including telescopic forks, dual springs, and disc brakes at both ends remain a commonality here. But there’s a difference in chassis as the Yezdi is based on a dual-cradle frame while the CB350 makes do with a half-duplex cradle. If you’re curious to know how these two packages compete against each other in the real world, wait for the comparison test review.
Dimensions
Hopping on both bikes should be equally easy given their identical 800mm seat height. Similarly, both would be equally manageable at low speeds since the difference in their kerb weight is just 3kg. Where the Yezdi has a big advantage over the CB350RS is in terms of ground clearance. The Scrambler’s underbelly sits 200mm above the ground which is 32mm more than the CB. So, it’s clear that the Yezdi will be able to tackle undulations in a better way.
Pricing and Verdict
The difference in the prices of these bikes isn’t drastic. The Yezdi Scrambler starts at Rs 2.05 lakh and goes up to Rs 2.11 lakh, depending on the colour option you choose. On the other hand, the Honda CB350RS is pegged at Rs 2.02 lakh.
Considering all these factors, if you want a more road-focused and sporty motorcycle with great reliability, the CB350RS is a no brainer. However, you can buy one only if you have a Honda BigWing dealership in your city, which are in limited number across India. Now, the Yezdi Scrambler is more distinctive in terms of styling and it should be a better off-roader as compared to the CB. But buying the Yezdi would be a leap of faith considering it’s a new product and the reliability isn’t proven yet.
(All prices are ex-showroom)
