CB350RS in 2026 is So Close to Perfect | Honest Review

Honda CB350RS Review Summary

The reviewer had owned the CB350RS for about four months and ridden it roughly 2,500 km. Overall, he likes the bike, particularly its smooth engine and everyday usability, but notes several practical shortcomings.

Main Strengths

• Smooth, refined engine: There is very little vibration at 100–110 km/h, making for relaxed cruising. The reviewer found it smoother and less tiring at speed than the Royal Enfield bikes he has ridden.
• Good fuel economy: The bike returns about 34–36 km/L in the city and 40–41 km/L on the highway when cruising at around 80–100 km/h, mainly in fourth and fifth gears.
• Easy clutch in traffic: The assist-and-slipper clutch feels exceptionally light and smooth, and is reportedly easy to operate with one finger. The reviewer found Royal Enfield clutches comparatively heavier.
• Styling and road presence: The lean, slightly sporty design may suit younger riders looking for something less traditionally “classic” than a Royal Enfield. The reviewer especially liked the grey option; black and red were also available but unavailable when he bought his bike.
• Comfort on longer rides: The reviewer completed a roughly 600 km ride without back pain and found the bike smooth and comfortable while cruising.

Drawbacks and Issues

• Weak headlight: The stock headlight provides poor illumination at night, making night riding feel unsafe. The reviewer had difficulty finding Honda’s optional light locally.
• Pillion comfort and security: The pillion position is acceptable for city trips but feels less secure on the highway. The reviewer fitted a backrest, which his pillion found comfortable.
• Seat height: Riders around 5‘8” and taller should generally manage the seat comfortably, according to the reviewer. Shorter riders may find it awkward at first, though some can adapt with practice. He recommends taking a test ride.
• Slow acceleration at higher speeds: The tall gearing makes it difficult to reach the bike’s top speed. The reviewer reached about 130 km/h solo and around 120–125 km/h with a pillion, when conditions allowed. The bike cruises smoothly but accelerates slowly from 120 to 130 km/h.
• Front mudguard and mud: The stock front mudguard lets mud reach the engine area. An aftermarket flap the reviewer tried cracked the original mudguard, so he replaced it with a metal one. Mud can also collect around the rear sensor area, making cleaning awkward; he fitted a small rubber flap as a precaution.
• Mirrors and horn: The mirrors show too much of the rider’s shoulders, limiting rear visibility. The reviewer was considering mirror extenders or bar-end mirrors. The bike has a single, relatively quiet horn, unlike the dual-horn setup he notes on the CB350 and CB350 Highness.
• Rusting: The reviewer noticed a small but apparently growing rust spot around the fuel-filler area. He had not seen rust elsewhere, but says other CB350 owners have reported the issue and questions why Honda has not addressed it.
• DLX Pro extras: He considered the additional instrument cluster and Bluetooth/navigation features of limited practical use for the extra roughly ₹2,000–₹2,500. He also felt the traction control was unnecessary.
• Cleaning needs care: A local wash using a high-pressure jet and rough cloth left scratches on the tank. The reviewer recommends washing with a microfiber cloth and taking care when cleaning and lubricating the chain.

Accessories and Ownership

The reviewer fitted a backrest, saddle stays for luggage, a pillion footrest, a shoe-protection piece, an engine/leg guard, handguards, grip ends, a seat cover, and a helmet lock. He felt the default Honda guard was less suitable than the separate guard he chose.

In Jabalpur, he found the Big Wing staff and service experience good, including careful cleaning and organized rides. Servicing seemed moderately priced: more than Royal Enfield in his experience but less than Triumph.

His on-road price was about ₹2.25 lakh after a tax-related price reduction. He estimated that accessories and servicing could bring the overall spend to around ₹2.3–₹2.4 lakh.

Comparisons

• Royal Enfield 350s: The CB350RS was smoother at speed and had a much lighter clutch, though the reviewer acknowledges that the Hunter and other Royal Enfield models have their own advantages.
• CB350 and CB350 Highness: The RS has a sportier, more youthful look. The reviewer notes that the other models have dual horns.
• Use case: The reviewer considers the RS a good fit for city use and moderate touring, rather than for riders seeking aggressive performance.

Verdict

The reviewer is very happy with the CB350RS and would recommend it to riders who value refinement, fuel economy, easy clutch action, and sporty styling. It is less suitable for buyers prioritizing strong high-speed acceleration, good night visibility, or comfortable pillion touring without modifications.

No numerical rating was given.

Speaker

Only one reviewer provides the views summarized here.