Honda H'ness CB350 Front Sprocket Mod Review: Swapping Stock 14T to 13T
I want to share my experience after changing the front sprocket on my Honda H'ness CB350 from the stock 14T to a 13T sprocket. I purchased it from GP Racing Chennai for Rs. 1,950 (Rs. 1,500 + GST). They also offer shipping if you contact them directly.
Installation & Setup
The installation process was incredibly straightforward. I took the sprocket to my local mechanic, and the swap was completed within 15 minutes. Just keep in mind that you will need a proper chain adjustment immediately after installing it.
Performance & Ride Quality
The main goal of this mod was to address the notorious tall gearing of the CB350, and it completely transforms the bike's characteristics.
- Low-End Torque & Pickup: The improvement in torque was immediately noticeable. The pickup has improved greatly. In 2nd gear, the bike now pulls easily from 15 kmph, whereas it used to lug heavily below 20 kmph on the stock sprocket.
- City Commuting: This is where the mod shines. You no longer need to constantly shift between 1st and 2nd gear in heavy traffic. I can now comfortably clear speed humps in 2nd gear without having to downshift to 1st. It makes overtaking in the city quick and effortless.
- 5th Gear Usability: The 5th gear is finally usable and feels perfect. The bike picks up easily from 50 kmph and feels smooth above 55 kmph. Previously, it would lug and demand a downshift anytime the speed dropped below 60 kmph.
- Cruising: Cruising in 5th gear at 80 kmph is perfectly smooth. The engine experiences zero strain, and the bike hits its peak fuel efficiency at this sweet spot.
Mileage
If your city riding stays below 80 kmph, your mileage will actually improve because you are shifting significantly less. In medium city traffic, I am currently getting a solid 37 to 38 kmpl.
Negatives
- High-Speed Highway Riding: If you frequently ride above 90 kmph in 5th gear, the engine revs noticeably higher than before. This will negatively impact your fuel efficiency during long highway stretches.
Summary
Pros:
- Excellent for city riding and navigating traffic below 80 kmph.
- Makes the bike feel much smoother, punchier, and allows you to use the power band effectively.
- Completely fixes the main pain point of the bike's tall gearing.
Cons:
- Higher RPMs and dropped mileage at sustained highway speeds above 90 kmph.
Final Verdict: Overall, the characteristics of the bike have vastly improved. I highly recommend this modification to any CB350 owner, unless your primary usage involves long-distance highway touring at high speeds.