Introduction
It took a while for this report to be completed. When it first arrived, I was unable to utilize it because of hectic shoot schedules that necessitated using vehicles in the MotorOctane long-term garage, and ultimately, I ended up in the hospital. Yes, a mosquito killed me in a world where everyone was suffering from COVID-19, a respiratory illness. I was very irritated. Upon returning from the 350-ride Royal Enfield Classic event, I headed straight to the hospital. After that, I continued to feel weak for a few days, so I started driving myself to work. After a week, I could no longer stand to see the black CB350 RS with the classic pearl yellow paint job sitting in my building’s parking space and being constantly cleaned.
The Healing Begins
After five days in the hospital, I decided to store my jacket, gloves, helmet, and CB350 RS keys in my car, which was parked next to the bike. Gas for the bike was already on it. I choose to simply check the tire air pressure and clean the chain. I advised my brother to simply unlock the car from his room the following morning after getting ready for work so that I could fetch my equipment and keys. I turned on the bike by swinging my leg over it. The sound of the bike’s exhaust on cold starts is very charming.
As I pulled on my jacket and gloves to prepare for the morning cold brought on by the rain from the night before, the CB350 RS began to warm up. I saw my mother staring down from her bed as I looked up, so I just gave her a wave before putting the bike in gear and heading out. Even though it was a calm and leisurely ride, I was relieved to be back on two wheels after nearly thirty days of being sick. I am therefore grateful to the CB350 RS for handling that. Let’s go back to business now.
Making commuting great again
The primary task I handle with the CB350 RS at the MotorOctane facility is commuting. And up till now, it has been doing admirably, I must say. Let me summarise my commute for the readers by saying that it involves all types of riding conditions year-round and that living in Mumbai and going to Navi Mumbai means experiencing every season save for snowfall.
Thus, a daily 80-kilometer round-trip to work and home on the CB350 RS has been exhilarating, whether it involves sitting in traffic, riding through a monsoon thunderstorm drenched in rain, or logging highway miles. The bike’s mid-range surge allows it to easily cut through traffic on the highway, and its sufficient acceleration in the city keeps things interesting. There are no vibrations transmitted at all by the handlebars, footpegs, or seat. The handling is good; it’s predictable and clickable.
Ergonomics, features, and looks
The Hness CB350 is devoid of amenities like Bluetooth connectivity and a USB charging connector. People stare at the CB350 RS. When the Hness was first released, I recall expressing in a post that I loved the engine, transmission, and chassis but that I wanted the custom scene to give it a more vintage appearance. This included adding rear set foot pegs, a new handlebar, and possibly halogen headlights. Thus, Honda’s design of the RS is truly beneficial to all. I constantly get people stopping to talk to me about the bike, admiring it, and giving me compliments at traffic signals. When you get off the bike after a long day, you look back and realize how awesome it is, and it makes you feel unique.
I’m looking forward to riding the CB350 RS. It is also quite rideable. You can travel 510 kilometers on a full tank, which is sufficient for city riding when driven by a journalist who never lets up on the throttle. When riding in touring mode on the interstate and the bike is not in traffic, I anticipate even better mileage. Finally, regarding city use, I should mention that while the stock suspension manages potholes very well, I imagine Honda is saving the long-travel suspension and spoke wheels for a Himalayan race bike with this powerplant. So, be careful when hitting potholes.
Small niggles
Let’s start with ergonomics, where I think everything is perfect except for one item. The horn’s switch gear location is not optimal. Although I’ve now gotten used to it, I don’t think many people appreciate that the turn indicators are now on the horn button. The rider of the CB250 RS also travels alone. I have ridden alongside a pillion twice. The smallest person I could get to sit comfortably, a lady acquaintance, added that it was a little uncomfortable as there were no grab grips. Finally, the headlight is nice, although, like most LED headlamps on the market, it has a mediocre low beam spread and a strong high beam spread.
Finally
After three and a half weeks of consistent use, the CB350 RS is scheduled for a service shortly and hasn’t given me any major problems yet. I’ll try to provide you with a report on the service and my impressions of touring or using the trails in the upcoming report. It’s back to commuting till then.
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