Photo: Classic & Classy Motorcycles Ltd · Owned by Classic & Classy Motorcycles Ltd
Honda CB350 K
75/100 Overall
72 On the road78 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Honda CB350 K vs Jawa 350 Type 634
Honda CB350 K scores 75/100 overall against Jawa 350 Type 634 on 72/100. On the road: 72–65. As classics: 78–78. Overall result: Honda CB350 K.
Photo: Jan Polák · CC BY-SA 3.0
Jawa 350 Type 634
72/100 Overall
65 On the road78 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Honda CB350 | Jawa 350 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 6 | 4 | Honda CB350 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 8 | 7 | Honda CB350 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 5 | 6 | Jawa 350 |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 9 | 7 | Honda CB350 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 9 | 8 | Honda CB350 |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 6 | 7 | Jawa 350 |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 8 | 7 | Honda CB350 |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 8 | 9 | Jawa 350 |
Choose the Honda CB350 if…
you want a lively, approachable classic Honda twin with good parts support and genuine 1970s character.
Choose the Jawa 350 if…
you want a tough, characterful Eastern European twin with simple engineering and strong period individuality.
Background
History
Honda CB350
The Honda CB350 K was produced from 1968–1973 and used a 325cc air-cooled parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for reliability, ownership appeal, styling. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Jawa 350
The Jawa 350 Type 634 was produced from 1973–1984 and used a 343cc air-cooled two-stroke parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, styling, ownership appeal. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Honda CB350
- Its production span in this library runs from 1968 to 1973.
- The recorded engine description is: 325cc air-cooled parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are reliability, ownership appeal, styling.
Jawa 350
- Its production span in this library runs from 1973 to 1984.
- The recorded engine description is: 343cc air-cooled two-stroke parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, styling, ownership appeal.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Honda CB350
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda CB350 K. Its library score for reliability is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Jawa 350
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Jawa 350 Type 634. Its library score for character is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Honda CB350
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Jawa 350
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Honda CB350
Rivals to the Jawa 350
Final result
The verdict
Honda CB350 K wins the direct on-the-road comparison. As classic motorcycles they also finish level. Honda CB350 K takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.