The first CB- CB92 Super Sport, debuted in 1959; since then, the two-cylinder, 125cc classic has taken on various iterations over decades while amassing a throng of hardcore riders who still swear by the CB brand.

Does the CB350RS provide the same emotive connect between man and machine? How different is it from the H’ness CB350? What’s in store after becoming a Honda owner in India? All that and much more as you read on.

Visually, the Honda motorcycle gets a dual-tone fuel tank, blacked-out engine area and exhaust, round LED headlamps, an under-seat tail lamp, and sharp LED turn indicators.

From afar, what stands out is the redesigned cafe racer look, a pleasant sight for Royal Enfield-seeing sore eyes. One can appreciate the build quality and the overall finish on the rear set footpegs, sporty grab rails, and the switchgear buttons from up close.

Between the H’ness CB350 and CB350RS, the latter boasts an updated under-seat tail section, tuck and roll seat, front fork covers, and an engine skid plate; while these accessories do not go a long way in making the motorcycle any more practical, they add an aesthetic appeal to the rowdy look Honda aims to achieve.

The similarities do not end there as both motorcycles are equipped with the same instrument cluster, LED headlamp, and fuel tank. However, the RS’s tank colours are bright and flashy with two colour options- Radiant Red Metallic and Black with Pearl Sports Yellow. The indicators, too, have been replaced over the circular turn signals with sleek and sharp LED offerings.

Mechanically, the contemporary cruiser is powered by the same engine on the H’ness CB350, a 348.36cc, single-cylinder motor mated to a 5-speed gearbox producing a max power of 20.78 Bhp at 5500 RPM and a max torque of 30 Nm at 3,000 RPM. Additionally, it also gets a class-leading slipper clutch for seamless gear shifts.

The digital-analogue instrument cluster hosts various features such as mileage indicators, gear position indicator, and Honda Selectable Torque Controller (HSTC).

Both motorcycles also share the half-duplex cradle frame with a box-section swingarm. The CB350RS also features the same wheelbase and seat height as the H’ness CB350. However, it weighs around 3kg lighter and has marginally reduced ground clearance.

The large section front suspension adds to the imposing image while also providing great comfort on rough roads. The pressurised nitrogen-charged rear suspension provides a highly responsive rear damping performance. The riding position has been made slightly aggressive with rear-set footpegs, but the patterned seat provides better comfort and grip, both- for the rider and the pillion.

As seen on the H’ness CB350, the road tyres have been swapped for wide pattern tyres to assist riding in difficult terrains. The RS also shares brakes with the H’ness, a sure-stopping 310mm front disc and a 260mm rear disc backed by dual-channel ABS.

So, are the H’ness CB350 and the CB350RS the same? Yes and no! The H’ness, as its name suggests, is laid back, majestic, and equally powerful. On the other hand, the RS is sportier, more impulsive, and looks like a roughed-up king in exile. Even though they share most of the ride-determining components, they are very far apart in how they carry themselves, and you, on the road.

With the CB series, Honda seeks to grow engagement with riders and looks to connect with them on a deeper level. In an effort to inculcate the CB culture, the Japanese bike maker organises around 10 rides every month across India. This is expected to increase once more Honda owners sign up; with this, the company strives to create a biking community and organise rides to different parts of the country.

Honda is on course to set up 50 plus BigWing touchpoints soon with more dealerships expected to take root in the future.

Although the company has no plans for a bigger capacity motorcycle at the moment, consistent demand, well-received products, and an avid biking community may change that in the future. Interestingly, Honda may replenish their 350cc segment if the demand exists.

The CB350RS is priced at INR 1,96,000/- (ex-showroom). The rugged yet classic motorcycle is set to take on the likes of Royal Enfield Meteor, the new Jawa 42 2.1, and the Benelli Imperiale 400. (MT)

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Goa will host Motoverse 2025, an annual moto-culture festival, from November 21–23, 2025. The event is a gathering for riders, enthusiasts and industry professionals.

Motoverse 2025 will feature custom motorcycle builds and new innovations, including the Flying Flea and the Himalayan Electric test bed. The festival plans to debut new products and initiatives. A structured club championship will be introduced for the Dirt Track events. The Art of Motorcycling will conclude with a finale and the Motoreel stage will host industry figures and adventurers.

The festival will incorporate a split-stage music format. The Main Stage will feature acts like Hanumankind, The Yellow Diary and Parvaaz. The lineup includes a collaboration between Kutle Khan and Karsh Kale. The festival also announced its first international electronic music act. The Hilltop Stage will highlight a new generation of independent artists.

A new concept, Motohub, will provide a dedicated space for riders to connect. It will feature film screenings and interactive zones. The event will also offer group registration incentives for riding crews to promote community participation. Motoverse 2025 will conclude with an awards ceremony recognizing achievements within the motorcycling community.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hero MotoCorp has launched the all-new Glamour X 125, positioning it as India’s ‘most futuristic’ 125cc motorcycle at prices starting INR 89,999 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the Drum brake variant and INR 99,999 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the Disc brake variant.

The company said the launch of Glamour X follows the success of the Xtreme 125R, which now features several first-in-segment innovations, including the world’s first Low Battery Kick Startability, powered by the new AERA (Advanced Electronic Ride Assist) Tech. The bike also introduces a Ride-by-Wire system for precise throttle control, Cruise Control for relaxed long-distance riding, and three distinct ride modes – Eco, Road and Power. Additionally, a Panic Brake Alert system enhances safety by warning trailing vehicles during emergency stops.

From a design perspective, the Glamour X 125 has a muscular stance with sharp lines and a signature 'H' full LED lighting package. The advanced Multi-Colour LCD instrument cluster includes Bluetooth connectivity, Turn-by-Turn Navigation and a gear position advisory.

Powering the motorcycle is the new Sprint-EBT engine, which produces 11.4 BHP at 8250 RPM. This engine is designed for a combination of performance, refinement, and fuel efficiency, featuring a silent cam chain and a balancer shaft to minimise noise and vibration. The bike also offers a comfortable riding position with a wide handlebar, enhanced pillion comfort, and a USB charging port.

Ashutosh Varma, Chief Business Officer, Hero MotoCorp’s India Business Unit, said, “The 125cc segment continues to be a growth engine for the motorcycle industry, attracting both the aspirational first-time buyers and value-conscious upgraders. While the Xtreme 125R leads in performance and the Super Splendor in fuel efficiency; the new Glamour X introduces innovative technology, first-in-segment features, and a bold new striking design. This strategy expands the brand’s reach across various sub-segments; boosting volumes and market share while further strengthening the company’s leadership.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Pune-headquartered automotive major Bajaj Auto marked India's 79th Independence Day with 'The Great Indian Ride', an event that brought together Chetak riders for a cultural parade in Bengaluru on 16 August 2025. The ride was a celebration of patriotism and heritage, uniting generations of riders.

More than just a scooter rally, the company stated that 'The Great Indian Ride' was a tribute to the values that have shaped both India's progress and the Chetak's legacy of innovation. A diverse group of riders, including Chetak owners, brand friends and influencers, rode through historic routes like MG Road and Netaji Road, making stops at national landmarks such as Freedom Park. The riders were dressed in traditional Indian attire with tri-colour motifs, bringing the city to life.

The ride concluded with a memorable finale. All the Chetaks were parked to form the number '79', and the national flag was hoisted, creating a striking visual from a bird's eye view. The event established the Chetak as a cultural movement rooted in Indian values, rather than just a product. It was designed to be visually iconic and emotionally resonant, redefining the role of scooters in Indian mobility by associating them with pride and national identity.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

India Yamaha Motor, one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers in the country, has updated its 125cc Fi Hybrid scooter range with new features and colour options.

The company’s hybrid scooter lineup now features the ‘Enhanced Power Assist’ function, which delivers high torque, stronger acceleration and performance. Powered by a high-performance battery, the function allows users to squeeze more power from the scooter, which will be useful when starting from standstill, carrying loads or climbing inclines. The scooters continue to be equipped with the Smart Motor Generator (SMG) technology, Silent Start and Stop & Start System (SSS) tech.

Furthermore, the Fascino S scooter now features a Colour TFT Instrument Cluster equipped with Turn-by-Turn (TBT) Navigation, using smartphone connectivity through the Y-Connect app. It is also integrated with Google Maps to support Turn-by-Turn (TBT) navigation.

In terms of colour options, the Fascino S 125 Fi Hybrid, is now available in Matte Grey colour option, while the disc-brake variant gets Metallic Light Green and drum-brake variant gets Metallic White options. Alongside, the RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid Street Rally is offered in a Matte Grey Metallic hue, and the RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid disc variant features a Silver White Cocktail shade.

Itaru Otani, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group, said, “Yamaha’s 125cc Hybrid scooter range has consistently delighted customers with its dynamic styling, superior comfort, and fuel-efficient performance. The introduction of the new ‘Enhanced Power Assist’ function marks another step forward in enhancing everyday riding convenience and instilling greater confidence among commuters.”

“Further elevating the appeal, the launch of new colour variants brings a refreshing vibrancy to the entire scooter lineup. These updates are a direct reflection of the insightful feedback received from customers through our various engagement platforms. We are confident that these thoughtful upgrades will resonate strongly with our customers and continue to strengthen Yamaha’s presence in the 125cc scooter segment,” he said.

The scooters continue to be powered by Yamaha’s air-cooled, fuel-injected (FI) and 125cc Blue Core Hybrid engine. The Fascino S and RayZR Street Rally variants additionally offer the Answer Back feature and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL). 

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!