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)

TVS Motor Company, a leading two- and three-wheeler manufacturer, has launched the updated TVS Apache RTR 160 4V at INR 139,000.

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is powered by a 159.7cc, oil-cooled, fuel-injected, 4-valve, which produces 17.55 PS at 9,250 rpm and 14.73 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm.

It comes with a segment-first 37mm Upside Down (USD) suspension and three ride modes — Sport, Urban, and Rain, which the company claims enhance control, stability, and adaptability across diverse riding conditions.

Like with most of the new models from the TVS Motor Co’s stable, the Apache RTR 160 4V now comes with TVS SmartXonnect technology, which provides Bluetooth connectivity, providing turn-by-turn navigation, call & SMS alerts, and voice assist.

In terms of design, the refreshed TVS Apache RTR 160 4V’s can be had in three colour options – Granite Grey, Matte Black, and Pearl White, which are complemented by sporty, race-inspired graphics, golden-finish USD forks, and red alloy wheels. 

Vimal Sumbly, Head of Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “We are proud to lead the way in engineering and innovation in motorcycles. With that commitment, we are excited to announce the upgrade of the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V with cutting-edge features and advanced technology. Built on a rich racing legacy, the TVS Apache Series proudly serves over 5.5 million enthusiasts, making it one of the fastest-growing premium motorcycle brands globally. We are committed to meeting the evolving needs of our customers by integrating performance, technology, and style. By constantly evolving in our set of offerings, we have set new benchmarks for performance motorcycles in India.”

KAW Veloce Motors Pvt Ltd (KVMPL) has unveiled the Brixton brand of motorcycles (600 cc and 1200 cc) and an e-scooter of the Italian brand Velocifero (VLF) called Tennis in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.

The unveiling of both the machines – the motorcycle with an ICE and the e-scooter with a battery and motor – at the Highland Club on the outskirts of the city took place amid much fanfare.

The Brixton motorcycle and VLF e-scooter – with an angular bodywork overall that is synonymous with Italian design culture and featuring a 2.1kW hub motor, and a range of 130 km – will be offered through the MotoHaus retail channel, the first outlet of which is set to be commissioned in a few days from now in Kolhapur.

Both the two-wheelers – the e-scooter is priced at INR 1,30,000 ex-showroom – are being put together (from a CKD kit) at a plant that is about 12 km from the launch venue as part of the Phase I strategy. To be offered through MotoHaus outlets in cities Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Jaipur, Vapi, Goa, Bangalore, Chennai, Cochin, Nashik, Nagpur, Surat, Ahmedabad and Vadodara besides Kolhapur, the two vehicle brands are expected to be joined by a third Italian brand and an in-house electric two-wheeler brand at a later date.

Once the Phase I strategy plays out and the Bixton and VLF offerings find a footing in the Indian market, the company will embark on the Phase II strategy that will include a design and development centre at Kolhapur. The strategy will also include a manufacturing plant that can do 25,000 units and enable the engineering of a robust supply chain in terms of localisation.

It is at the Phase II level that investments from Brixton Motorcycles (Austria) and VLF are expected to come into the venture, which is initially supported by the parent company of KAW Veloce.

TVS Motor Company-owned British premium motorcycle brand Norton Motorcycles, has announced changes to its leadership structure.

The company has announced Dr. Robert Hentschel, currently CEO, will step back from his role effective immediately. He will transition to a non-executive director role within the company.

On the other hand, Nevijo Mance will join Norton Motorcycles as Executive Director, overseeing all upstream business operations, as part of the new leadership structure.

He will be responsible for product design, development and engineering, manufacturing, procurement, quality control, and supply chain management.

In addition, Richard Arnold, who was appointed Executive Director in June 2024, will be responsible for downstream business operations, including marketing, brand management, sales, distribution, customer relationship management, aftersales service, product management, and public relations.

He will also be responsible for enhancing customer experience, expanding Norton’s market reach, and strengthening the brand’s presence across global markets.

Dr Rober had been leading the company since 2021, and has been instrumental in strengthening Norton’s foundations, guiding the company through crucial stages of its growth plan and establishing a strong operational base. He had played a key role in synergistic relationship with parent TVS Motor Company, which has been pivotal in advancing Norton’s progress and setting the stage for future success.

TVS Motor Company (TVSM), a global manufacturer of two- and three-wheelers, has announced the date and venue for the fourth edition of its TVS MotoSoul festival. The two-day festival will be held at Vagator, Goa, on 6 and 7 December 2024 with a focus on eco-friendly branding and sustainable practices.

Riding on this year’s theme of ‘Feel the Adrenaline, Feel the Inspiration, Feel the Groove’, TVS MotoSoul 4.0 is expected to draw visitors not only from India but also from other countries where the company has a presence. The two-day event promises attractive sessions like culinary experiences, wellness and personal care sessions, bike trips and tricks sessions and community and bonding sessions, as well as live music performances by top artists. The festival will provide attendees with a chance to participate in motorsports including dirt track racing, stunt shows and flat track challenges. Additionally, the attendees will be able to interact with race champions, riding experts and motorcycling legends.

Vimal Sumbly, Head of Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “TVS MotoSoul is a mark of the motorcycling spirit. It celebrates the bond between man and machine. Each edition has not only grown in scale but has also deepened this connection among enthusiasts. Our commitment goes beyond just motorcycles; we are devoted to nurturing a thriving ecosystem of riders. As we gear up for TVS MotoSoul 4.0, we are excited to redefine the journey with extraordinary experiences, all wrapped in a vibrant and colourful theme that captures the free-spirited essence of our community. We are confident that our mission to democratise these experiences will lead to one of the most exhilarating celebrations of riders and their journeys at TVS MotoSoul 4.0.”