Honda CB350RS 1st Long Term Report – Everyday commuting FUN
This report has been in the works for a while. When it first arrived, I was unable to utilize it because of my busy shooting schedule, which forced me to use automobiles in the MotorOctane long-term garage until I eventually ended up in the hospital. Yes, a mosquito killed me in a world where COVID-19 is a serious pulmonary condition. I was quite irritated. I rushed immediately to the hospital after returning from the Royal Enfield Classic 350 bike event. I was still weak for a few days after that, so I started driving to work. After a week, I could no longer stand to watch the pearl yellow vintage paint job on the black CB350 RS sitting in my building's parking space and being cleaned every day. Something had to be done.
The Healing Begins
On the fifth day after leaving the hospital, I made the decision to leave my helmet, gloves, jacket, and CB350 RS keys in the car that was parked next to the motorcycle. Fuel had already been added to the bike. I made the simple decision to clean the chain and check the tire pressure. I instructed my brother to just unlock the car from his room the following morning after getting ready for work so that I could fetch my gear and keys. I switched the bike on and slung my leg over it. Oh, how I like the sound of this bike's cold-start exhaust. I tightened my gloves and jacket to combat the morning chill brought on by the previous night's rain while the CB350 RS warmed up. I just waved to my mum as she peered down from her bed before kicking the bike into motion and riding out. After being unwell for over a month, my first ride back was quiet and sluggish, but I was so relieved to be back on two wheels. I'm grateful to the CB350 RS for taking care of that. Back to business now.
Making commuting great again
The sole purpose of my CB350 RS in the MotorOctane garage is transportation. And I must add that up until this point, it has performed brilliantly. To give the readers a quick overview of my commute, I'll simply state that it involves all types of riding conditions year-round, and since living in Mumbai and going to Navi Mumbai means one experiences all seasons except for snowfall. A daily 80-kilometer journey to work and home on the CB350 RS has been entertaining, whether it is waiting in traffic, riding through a monsoon downpour while drenched in rain, or racking up highway miles. The bike's acceleration in the city keeps things exciting, and its midrange surge on the interstate allows it to easily cut through traffic. There is absolutely no vibration transmission from the handlebars, footpegs, or seat. I enjoy the handling because it is reliable and clickable.
features and looks, Ergonomics
The Harness CB350 does not have any features like a Bluetooth connection or a USB charging port. The CB350 RS draws attention. When the Hness was first introduced, I recalled posting in a post that while I loved the engine, transmission, and chassis, what I really wanted was the custom scene to give it a more vintage look, such as rear-set foot pegs, a different handlebar, and perhaps a halogen headlight. Therefore, what Honda accomplished with the RS actually works for everyone. I frequently get people ogling, admiring, and asking me about the bike at traffic lights. When you get off the bike at the end of a long day, it makes you feel special and you do take one final glance at how great it looks. I definitely look forward to riding the CB350 RS. You may ride it a lot as well. A journalist who never lets up on the gas pedal can travel 510 kilometers on a full tank, which is plenty for city riding. In touring mode, when the bike is free of traffic, I anticipate even better highway mileage. The basic suspension performs a good job of handling potholes in cities, but you shouldn't go about slamming potholes because this powerplant doesn't come with long-travel suspension or spoke wheels. I assume Honda is saving those features for a Himalayan racing bike with this powertrain. Honda, am I right?). Regarding traction control, pushing the bike hard when riding on wet and sandy highway margins has given me some excitement without completely causing the bike to spin out from under me.
Small niggles
Starting with ergonomics, I think everything is perfect there with the exception of one item. The location of the horn switch gear is not optimal. Although I've become accustomed to it, I don't think most people like the decision to replace the horn button with the turn indicators. The CB250 RS rider also rides by themselves. I've had a passenger ride with me on two occasions. The smallest person I could persuade to sit comfortably, a lady acquaintance, added that one feels a little nervous without grasp grips. The headlight is decent, however, like other LED headlights on the market, it has a poor spread on the low beam while having a good spread on the high beam. But as the light is bright enough, I leave it on a low beam and use the high beam to pass only.
Finally
The CB350 RS is now getting serviced after a total of three and a half weeks of reliable usage and has yet to present me with any major issues. I'll attempt to provide you a report about the service and an impression of touring or trail use in the next report. It's back to commuting till then.