The Honda CB350RS is designed as a stylish, road-focused motorcycle, but I recently took it off the tarmac to see how it would handle in rougher terrain. The results were better than I expected.
Handling and Stability
At 181 kg, the CB350RS is on the heavier side, but its low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution make it manageable once in motion. On gravel and dirt, it maintained good stability, and the wide handlebars offered solid control even when the surface was loose.
Turning Off Traction Control
With traction control switched on, the bike restricted wheel spin, which limited performance on loose surfaces. Once I turned it off, the throttle felt more responsive, and the bike handled inclines and slippery sections with ease. This made a noticeable difference in maintaining momentum through challenging patches.
Performance Off-Road
Engine Torque: The 348cc single-cylinder engine delivered smooth low-end torque, making it easier to navigate uneven surfaces without frequent gear changes.
Tyres: The semi-knobby tyres provided adequate grip for light trails, although deep mud or sand still required careful throttle input.
Suspension: While tuned for road use, the suspension absorbed smaller bumps well but felt firm on larger potholes and ruts.
Key Moments
Navigating a gravel hill climb while standing on the pegs gave me better control and stability.
Crossing a shallow, rocky stream was smooth thanks to steady power delivery and good balance.
Light mud riding was possible with controlled throttle and body positioning.
Conclusion
The Honda CB350RS is not built as an off-road motorcycle, but it can handle light trail riding and unpaved roads with confidence. Turning off traction control unlocks its full potential in such conditions, allowing the engine’s torque and the bike’s balance to shine. While its weight and suspension setup mean it’s not suited for aggressive off-roading, it’s more than capable for occasional adventure rides.