New 2021 Honda CB350 RS neo-retro café racer released

THE teasers weren’t exactly the most teasing, and it is pretty much as we predicted, but the new Honda CB350 RS has been officially announced. And we are still asking ourselves why it is not coming to the UK!

The rumours regarding a second bike in the CB350 line-up began pretty much as soon as the dust had settled after the launch of the original, more classically styled H’Ness last year. With the authentic styling of the first bike winning over the retro bike fans, it was always fairly obvious that Honda would send another, more modern twist on the design out into the fray.

And here it is, the new CB350 RS, and it is all pretty much as expected. The Indian press is calling it a scrambler, although, to riders in the UK, the Café Racer moniker may fit the machine better. The main differences are with the styling of the bike, but there have been a couple of mechanical tweaks also.

The new bike features a more focussed riding position, with the rider sat more forward thanks to flatter handlebars. The exhaust is also redesigned, with a slightly more upswept and sportier end-can adorning the side of the new bike.

Styling-wise, the new RS is significantly updated, with new paint and a dual colour option, black finishes on the engine, gearbox, exhaust, and other fittings. It also benefits from a stitched seat, blacked-out mudguards, and funky-looking LED rear light mounted into the sub-frame hoop.

Honda CB350 RS motorcycle reveal video

Power still comes from a 348cc single-cylinder that produces around 21bhp and 22lb-ft of torque. Drive is fed to the back wheels via a five-speed ‘box and slipper clutch.

Sadly, for fans of modern retro bikes that Honda is creating here, the CB350 RS is not being marketed outside of India. And we think that is an absolute crying shame.

2021 Honda CB350 RS specs