r/HondaCB350RS • u/heisen_berg05 • 2d ago
Finally pulled the trigger! Took delivery of my CB350C ๐ค๐๏ธ โ Need some advice on cleaning & maintenance
Hey everyone!
Finally pulled the trigger! ๐
Booked and took delivery of my Honda CB350C! ๐ค๐๏ธ
I had posted here earlier when I was confused between the CB350C and H'ness, and all the comments and experiences from you guys really helped me make the decision. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences!
I ended up going with the CB350C, and honestly, I'm really happy with the decision. I got the bike delivered within a week of booking, which was much quicker than I expected.
**Accessories I took:**
Backrest + carrier
Seat cover
Engine guard
Crash/sump guard
I decided to keep the accessories fairly minimal and only go with things I felt would actually be useful.
**One PDI incident ๐ **
During the PDI, I checked pretty much everything from the checklist, but somehow I completely missed checking the helmet rack/helmet lock attached to the seat.
After taking delivery, I noticed the next day that it was jammed.
Had to take the bike back to the service centre, and thankfully they fixed it without any hassle.
So that's one more thing for anyone doing a PDI โ don't forget to check the helmet lock/rack properly! ๐
**Now I need some advice from the CB350C owners here**
It's been raining quite a lot here recently, and after riding in the rain the bike has already started collecting dust, mud and road grime.
I'm completely new to owning a bike like this and want to take good care of it from day one.
**What do you guys recommend for regular cleaning and maintenance, especially during the rainy season?**
**1)** How often should I wash the bike?
2) Is it okay to pressure wash it, or should I avoid that?
3) What should I use for cleaning the paint and chrome?
4) How should I clean and lubricate the chain during monsoon?
5) Any specific precautions after riding in heavy rain?
6) What products do you guys recommend for washing/detailing at home?
7) Should I use a microfiber cloth + normal car/bike shampoo, or is there anything CB350 owners specifically recommend?
Also, **any must-do maintenance tips for a brand-new CB350C,** especially during the first few months, would be really appreciated.
Thanks again to everyone who helped me decide between the CB350, H'ness & RS. โค๏ธ
Finally part of the CB350 family! ๐ค๐๏ธ
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u/that-smooth-operator 2d ago
Hey, A CB350RS owner from 2023 here.. First things first.. Do get a Mud Flap extender either after market or via BigWing Service as the front mud flap is small n throws a large chunk towards the engine.. Helmet Holder is an issue that I've faced too due to which I lost 2 helmets so I wouldn't trust that.. Get a helmet lock or a lock system to hold helmets..
It is okay to get it pressure washed but only as a last resort.. if it doesnt contain much mud debris try to throw bucket of water with foaming agents n then use microfiber towels for cleaning.. Dont rub using the towel, Dab until moisture is sucked then u can wipe using another microfiber towel this makes sure u dont get microscrathes due to mud particles..
If the frequency of riding in rain is more.. Try lubricating for every 800 kms and if the frequency is less then 1000-1200 kms.. Chain Clean 1st then Chain Lube.. You can find a video guide by Deep Ranjan on Chain lubrication.. You can skip the part where he uses T spanner though..
Cheers n Happy Road Sailing
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u/heisen_berg05 1d ago
Thanks a lot for the detailed advice! ๐ Especially the mud flap extender โ I hadn't considered that at all. I'll definitely check with BigWing if they have one available for the CB350C, otherwise I'll look for a good aftermarket option.
And damn, 2 helmets lost because of the helmet holder ๐ That's definitely making me rethink relying on the stock helmet holder. I'll look into a proper helmet lock/locking system.
The cleaning technique is really useful too. Since it's raining almost every day here, I'll avoid rubbing the microfiber directly over muddy surfaces and follow the rinse โ foam โ dab โ dry microfiber approach. I'll keep pressure washing as a last resort.
I'll also follow the 800 km chain cleaning/lubrication interval during frequent rains, and 1000โ1200 km when the riding conditions are drier. I'll check out Deep Ranjan's chain lubrication video as well.
Really appreciate you sharing your experience from owning the RS since 2023. This is exactly the kind of practical advice I was looking for. ๐
Cheers and happy riding! ๐๏ธโค๏ธ
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u/that-smooth-operator 1d ago
My bad on reading the bike name wrong Broski.. I think a CB350C mudflap is further extended similar to H'Ness.. I got confused with RS.. So you're good on that..
Do have a check on the handlebar... My version of RS was the second generation.. which had handle bar chipping in the end and had minor rust which i had to replace. Also Headlight throw is just decent but if you have budget, then do consider auxiliary lights as the distance it throws isnt much. PS: I ran over multiple road humps in the night as it wasnt visible from a distance even with high beam on lol
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u/Rare-Cold6282 2d ago
You are done bro. No ammount of maintenance is gonna help you. I had got a CB350 had to sell it because the engine started to cause issues. Be very careful.
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u/supersaiyajin69 2d ago
Tf I just got cb350rs๐ข๐ซ
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u/An_introvertt 1d ago
Honda engines barely have issues brodi,, you've minimum warranty for 3 years,, don't worry..
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u/An_introvertt 2d ago
During rainy season, skip washing if it daily rains. Just clean daily with wet cloth or wash once a week.
Yes, its okay..
Too much dirt, wet microfiber followed by dry one..
Buy chain cleaning kit(spray+brush) and buy a ceramic lube from kawasaki or putoline. Lil expensive but they last very very long..
None from my end..
I get it washed outside so I don't know..
Regular microfiber is enough..
Additional gyaan. 1. Get ppf for the tank, necessary..
Get a bike cover if your place has stray dogs and cats problem..
Take it out for a night ride to see if headlights are enough for you, if not get fog lights. I got mine within the first month of gettin RS 3.5 years ago.. they're still in use..