Honda Motorcycles has revealed a higher-end version of its CB350 modern retro, dubbed CB350 RS, bringing unique cafe-racer-esque styling and a number of minor tweaks throughout.
Like the standard CB350 that was unveiled in September of last year, the new CB350 RS is primarily designed for the Indian market, meaning that an Australian debut is unlikely.
However, a spokesperson from Honda Motorcycles’ Indian wing said in a recent press conference that it plans to investigate global markets with the brand’s headquarters in Japan.
“Honda is a newcomer in this segment in India but we see a lot of potential for it, not just in cities but in rural markets as well with a lot of young people interested in the segment,” added Honda Motorcycle and Scooter CEO Atsushi Ogata.
The Honda CB350 RS is distinguished by new dual-colour paint options with black finishes on mechanical components, as well as a tuck-roll seat, unique guards and LED tail-light.
Also new is flatter handlebars to provide a sportier riding position, and more upswept exhaust tips.
As with the standard CB350, the new RS variant draws power from a 15kW (21hp) and 30Nm 348cc air-cooled, fuel-injected single.
It also comes standard with a five-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch as well as Honda Selectable Torque Control, while a fairly conventional telescopic fork sits above a single 310mm disc brake.
The bike is positioned to take on the Royal Enfield Classic 350 in its home market, the brand’s staple model that is on sale in Australia from $6490 rideaway.
For comparison, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 uses a 346cc air-cooled, carburetor-fueled single-cylinder engine producing 15kW and 28Nm, matched with a five-speed constant mesh gearbox.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
They look lovely, but the old fart in me says “it sh I uld be a twin”…… 😂😂😂
Yes. I would love this machine in Australia. It would be economical and fast enough to go on the highway comfortably….but I doubt Honda will bring it here because Honda Australia always brings the worst bikes in Honda’s range (there are too many examples to list here)
True that mate. Sadly Honda doesn’t give a shit about australia which is truly sad. The bikes we can choose from is very limited here 🙁
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees pls!!!!!!!!!!!
I was after a CCM spitfire it was supposed to be coming to Australia and that was 5 years ago, Indian FTR 750 was going to be coming to Australia 2 years ago, The Honda CB350RS I will have that and be happy in August.
Absolutely! In fact whilst they’re at it, let it be the beginning of a “heritage” line-up with parallel air/oil cooled twins to follow, perhaps a 450-500cc Roadster, Scrambler and Cruiser. Platforms and drivetrains could be almost identical, changers only need be, styling, suspension travel, handlebar/seat/peg arrangements, wheel sizes and geometry. Ta-Da… 3 different bikes that share almost the same components for everyone’s tastes in something “retro” cool yet modern. Take a leaf out of Triumph and BMW’s book and capitalise on “Honda Heritage” I can’t believe it’s 2021 and they haven’t already.
That looks like a really decent bike. It would all come down to price, it’d have to be competitive with all its rivals….
Australia has very fond memories of the CB250RS. Releasing the CB350RS here again would surely achieve an iconic status. Especially since rego fees and learner laws now favor 350cc bikes.
Absolutely yes but honda would never do that. Honda doesn’t really care about the Australian market just like most other manufacturers and hence we won’t see these beauties here ever 🙁