The Indian motorcycle market is one of the most diverse in the world, catering to everything from entry-level commuters to premium luxury bikes. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for retro-styled motorcycles that bring together the charm of classic design and the reliability of modern technology. The Honda CB350RS is a prime example of this trend—a motorcycle that not only looks the part with its café-racer-inspired design but also delivers the refinement, reliability, and performance that Honda is known for.
Launched as part of Honda’s BigWing premium lineup, the CB350RS is a sportier and more youthful version of the popular H’ness CB350. While the H’ness appeals to riders who prefer a relaxed cruiser-like retro bike, the CB350RS is targeted at younger enthusiasts who want a sportier stance, modern styling cues, and a touch of aggression, all while retaining the old-school charm.
Overview of the Honda CB350RS
The Honda CB350RS is positioned as a 350cc retro-modern motorcycle that combines the spirit of the classic Honda CB series with modern features for today’s riders. Built on the same platform as the H’ness CB350, the RS version gets sportier styling, revised ergonomics, and a few tweaks that make it more performance-oriented.
It directly competes with motorcycles like the Royal Enfield Hunter 350, Meteor 350, and Jawa 42, which dominate the neo-retro motorcycle segment.
Table of Contents
Design and Styling
The design of the Honda CB350RS is where it truly shines. Honda has carefully styled this bike to look retro yet modern at the same time.
- Front End: The round LED headlamp, encased in a blacked-out bezel, immediately gives off a vintage vibe.
- Bodywork: The sculpted fuel tank with bold graphics and sleek lines adds a touch of aggression to the retro design.
- Side Profile: The shorter rear section, tuck-and-roll style seat, and upswept exhaust lend the bike a sporty café-racer appeal.
- Tail Section: Minimalistic LED tail lamp with sleek indicators and a chopped fender completes the RS look.
- Wheels: The bike uses sporty alloy wheels with wide tyres that set it apart from its cruiser-styled sibling, the H’ness.
The Honda CB350RS is a motorcycle designed for younger riders who want a retro-inspired machine with a modern twist.
Engine and Performance
Powering the Honda CB350RS is a 348.36cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine that produces 20.8 PS of power at 5,500 RPM and 30 Nm of torque at 3,000 RPM.
- Refined Engine: Honda is renowned for its smooth and refined engines, and the CB350RS doesn’t disappoint. The engine is tuned for strong mid-range torque, which makes it perfect for city commutes as well as highway cruising.
- Exhaust Note: The deep bassy exhaust note adds to the bike’s retro charm, giving it a big-bike feel.
- Gearbox: The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox with an assist and slipper clutch for smoother gear shifts and reduced clutch effort.
- Performance: While not an out-and-out performance bike, the CB350RS offers brisk acceleration and a comfortable cruising speed of 80–100 km/h, making it an excellent all-rounder.
Ride and Handling
The Honda CB350RS offers a slightly sportier riding stance compared to the H’ness CB350.
- Riding Position: The flatter and taller handlebars, along with rear-set footpegs, give the rider a more aggressive stance.
- Seat Comfort: The seat is well-cushioned and comfortable for long rides, while the slightly raised pillion seat adds to the sportiness.
- Suspension Setup:
- Front – Telescopic fork.
- Rear – Twin hydraulic shock absorbers.
- Tyres and Wheels: The wider 150-section rear tyre adds confidence during cornering and stability on highways.
- Braking: The bike features disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel ABS, ensuring safety and control in all conditions.
The Honda CB350RS handles both city traffic and long highway stretches with ease, offering a balanced ride experience.
Features and Technology
Despite its retro-inspired design, the Honda CB350RS is loaded with modern features:
- Full LED Lighting: LED headlamp, tail lamp, and indicators.
- Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC): Honda’s traction control system that prevents wheel slip.
- Digital-Analog Instrument Console: Blends a retro analog speedometer with a digital display showing fuel level, trip meter, gear indicator, and more.
- Assist and Slipper Clutch: Makes gear shifts smoother and prevents wheel lock during aggressive downshifts.
- Side-Stand Engine Cut-Off: Enhances safety.
- USB Charging Port (optional accessory): For added convenience on long rides.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
One of the strongest selling points of the Honda CB350RS is its fuel efficiency.
- In city riding conditions, it offers around 32–35 km/l.
- On highways, with steady cruising, it can return 35–38 km/l.
Given its 15-liter fuel tank, riders can expect a decent range of around 450–500 km on a full tank, making it suitable for touring.
Variants and Pricing
The Honda CB350RS is offered in multiple variants and colors to cater to different buyers.
- Single-tone Variant: More affordable option.
- Dual-tone Variant: Sportier, premium color schemes.
As of 2025, the CB350RS is priced between ₹2.15 lakh – ₹2.20 lakh (ex-showroom, India), making it competitively positioned against its rivals.
Rivals and Competition
The Honda CB350RS competes in the popular 350cc retro-modern segment, which is dominated by Royal Enfield. Its key rivals include:
- Royal Enfield Hunter 350 – More affordable, but less refined.
- Royal Enfield Meteor 350 – More of a cruiser than a sporty roadster.
- Jawa 42 – Stylish and powerful but lacks Honda’s refinement.
- Yezdi Roadster – Aggressive design but heavier.
Among these, the Honda CB350RS stands out for its Honda reliability, refinement, and sporty yet retro appeal.
Ownership Experience and Reliability
Honda motorcycles are known for their low maintenance costs, excellent reliability, and strong service network. The BigWing outlets also ensure a premium ownership experience.
Owners often highlight:
- Smooth and refined engine.
- Comfortable long-distance riding.
- Minimal vibrations.
- Stylish design that stands out in the crowd.
The CB350RS is also backed by Honda’s strong brand image and proven durability.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Retro-modern design with sporty touches.
- Smooth and refined engine with strong mid-range torque.
- Comfortable ergonomics for both city and highway rides.
- Modern features like traction control and slipper clutch.
- Honda’s reliability and premium ownership experience.
Cons
- Slightly higher price compared to some rivals.
- Limited dealer network (only BigWing showrooms).
- Not as many customization options as Royal Enfield bikes.
Final Verdict
The Honda CB30RS is a motorcycle that successfully bridges the gap between classic design and modern performance. With its retro-inspired styling, smooth and refined 350cc engine, and a host of modern features like traction control, slipper clutch, and LED lighting, it delivers a premium experience at a competitive price point.
For riders who want a stylish, reliable, and comfortable motorcycle that can handle city commutes, highway cruising, and weekend rides, the CB350RS ticks all the right boxes. It may not have the cult following of Royal Enfield, but it makes up for it with Honda’s unbeatable refinement and reliability.
In short, the Honda CB350RS is a bike for modern riders who want retro charm without compromising on technology and practicality. It’s a motorcycle that looks stunning, rides beautifully, and delivers on all fronts.