Honda CB350 real world fuel economy tested, explained

The Honda CB350, launched in November last year, is the third model based on its 350cc platform, which also underpins the H’ness CB350 and the CB350RS. Its design was meant to closely mimic that of the Royal Enfield Classic 350, although it is very similar to the H’ness CB350 and CB350RS models mechanically. We’ve had the CB350 for an extended duration. Here’s how it performed in our test.

Honda CB350 real world efficiency

As usual, we started by filling the CB350 to the brim and riding it for about 60km on the highway, cruising at around 80kph (the speed limit on the stretch where we conduct these tests) in 5th gear. When we refuelled at the end of our route, the tank needed 1.36 litres to be full. In our test, the CB350 managed a surprisingly high efficiency figure of 44.09kpl.

Next, we headed to Mumbai’s jam-packed streets of Mumbai, where we conducted our city mileage test. As in the previous test, we rode the CB350 for 50km through different traffic conditions and filled the tank to the top at the end of it. The CB350 managed an outstanding efficiency figure of 40.47kpl.

Honda CB350 fuel efficiency analysis

Thanks mainly to its linear power delivery and light clutch, the CB350 was an efficient commuter through the city. The tall gear ratios further enhance its efficiency, making highway cruising effortless. We were so surprised by the CB350’s fuel efficiency that we repeated our test to verify our numbers. Of all the motorcycles we’ve tested in this segment, the CB350 scored the highest city and highway efficiency scores.

Autocar India's fuel efficiency testing

Our fuel-efficiency testing routine starts by filling the tank to its brim and ensuring the bike’s tyre pressures match the manufacturer’s recommendations. The bike is then ridden on predetermined city and highway routes, maintaining specific average speeds that closely mimic real-world conditions. The weight is kept constant by balancing rider weights and ballast to ensure consistent data across different motorcycles and riders. At the end of the run, the fuel tank topped up again, allowing us to measure the consumption against the trip metre reading.

Also see: Hero Mavrick 440 real world fuel economy tested, explained