Honda GB350S: A Blend of Nostalgia and Modern Ingenuity
Motorcycling, at its core, is about more than just raw power or blistering speed. It’s about the character of the machine, the feeling of connection to the road, and the sheer joy of the journey. Honda’s new GB350S embodies this philosophy, offering a slice of nostalgia with a distinctly modern edge, all packaged into an accessible and enjoyable machine.
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Design Philosophy: Timeless Appeal
At first glance, the Honda GB350S transports you back in time. Its design language harks back to the 1970s and 80s, featuring a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a tuck-and-roll seat, and classic-style forks. These elements pay homage to the simple Japanese roadsters of yesteryear, yet Honda has masterfully avoided creating a mere museum piece. The designers have struck a delicate balance between paying tribute to the past and embracing contemporary aesthetics. This is evident in the thoughtfully integrated modern touches, such as the blacked-out engine casings and discreet LED lighting, which firmly plant the GB350S in the 21st century.
A Nod to the Past, a Step into the Future
While many modern retro-inspired bikes lean heavily into costume drama, the GB350S wears its style with effortless grace. Every line and curve feels considered, contributing to a cohesive and uncluttered visual profile. Even the instrument cluster, a large analog speedometer with a small LCD screen nestled within, manages to feel both classic and current. This thoughtful design ensures the motorcycle appeals to riders who appreciate heritage without compromising on modern functionality and reliability.
Performance and Ride: Accessible and Engaging
The Honda GB350S is not about overwhelming you with performance statistics or cutting-edge electronics. Instead, it focuses on delivering a riding experience that is both enjoyable and approachable. Powered by a 348.6cc air-cooled, four-stroke, two-valve, SOHC single-cylinder engine, the GB350S produces a modest 20.8 horsepower and 29 Nm of torque. While these figures might seem modest by today’s standards, the long-stroke nature of the engine means it delivers its torque low in the rev range. This results in a tractable and predictable power delivery, making it an absolute pleasure in real-world riding scenarios.
Engine Characteristics: Smooth and Soulful
Honda has tuned the exhaust to emit a low-pitched thrum, richer than that of many modern singles. It’s not overtly loud, but it possesses a soulful character that feels perfectly at home on a leisurely Sunday morning ride. The engine’s smooth operation, aided by dual balancer shafts and a heavy crank, minimizes vibrations, enhancing rider comfort. This allows you to focus on the ride itself, rather than being constantly unsettled by mechanical buzz.
The Ride Experience: Nimble and Intuitive
The handling of the GB350S can be best described as neutral. It doesn’t dive into corners like a sportbike, nor does it resist lean like a heavyweight cruiser. Instead, it flows. The suspension, featuring telescopic forks at the front and twin shocks at the rear, is tuned for comfort, effectively soaking up imperfections in the road. This makes it adept at handling both urban potholes and the gentle undulations of country lanes. At 178 kg (wet weight), it’s not feather-light, but its low center of gravity makes it feel manageable and confidence-inspiring for riders of all experience levels. The braking is adequate, with a 310mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc, both featuring ABS, providing steady stopping power. While aggressive riders might find the front brake slightly soft, it complements the GB350S’s relaxed persona perfectly.
Key Features and Practicality
One standout feature is the assist-and-slipper clutch. The lever action is light, making it ideal for stop-start city traffic, and downshifts are smooth with minimal rear-wheel chatter. Combined with the slick five-speed gearbox, the overall drivetrain experience feels refined and confidence-inspiring. The seat height of 800mm, wide and upright handlebars, and comfortably positioned footpegs create a relaxed riding posture, conducive to longer journeys.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
Honda claims an impressive fuel economy of around 94 miles per gallon (around 2.5 L/100km). With its 15-litre fuel tank, this translates to a potential range of over 300 miles (around 480 km) between fill-ups. This makes the GB350S an exceptionally economical choice for both daily commuting and weekend adventures. Furthermore, the manageable service intervals of every 4,000 miles or 12 months, coupled with the simplicity of the air-cooled engine, keep maintenance costs low. Insurance premiums are also typically reasonable for this class of motorcycle.
Key Takeaways
- The Honda GB350S offers a timeless, retro-inspired design with modern touches.
- Its 348.6cc engine provides smooth, tractable power delivery, ideal for relaxed riding.
- The motorcycle is user-friendly and accessible for riders of all experience levels.
- Excellent fuel efficiency and low running costs make it an economical choice.
- It excels as a city commuter and for leisurely rides, focusing on the riding experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the engine size of the Honda GB350S?
The Honda GB350S is equipped with a 348.6cc air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine.
What is the fuel efficiency of the Honda GB350S?
Honda claims a fuel efficiency of approximately 94 miles per gallon (around 2.5 L/100km).
What is the seat height of the Honda GB350S?
The seat height of the Honda GB350S is 800mm.
What type of transmission does the Honda GB350S have?
The Honda GB350S features a 5-speed manual transmission with an assist-and-slipper clutch.
Is the Honda GB350S suitable for long-distance touring?
While comfortable for commuting and leisurely rides, the GB350S is not primarily designed for high-speed, long-distance touring due to its engine power and top speed limitations.
What is the wet weight of the Honda GB350S?
The wet weight of the Honda GB350S is 178 kg.
What are the key design elements that give the Honda GB350S its retro look?
The retro design is characterized by its teardrop-shaped fuel tank, tuck-and-roll seat, classic-style forks, and analog instrumentation.
Conclusion
The Honda GB350S is proof that motorcycling doesn’t need huge horsepower figures or a long list of electronic rider aids to be enjoyable. Instead, Honda has focused on delivering a motorcycle that celebrates the simple pleasures of riding: a characterful engine, comfortable ergonomics, timeless styling and outstanding fuel economy.
It won’t trouble sports bikes on a fast road, nor is it intended to. What it does offer is an engaging, relaxed and confidence-inspiring ride that makes every journey enjoyable. Whether you’re a new rider, a returning biker or someone looking for a dependable modern classic for weekend rides and daily commuting, the GB350S ticks a remarkable number of boxes.
At its price point, there are few motorcycles that combine heritage-inspired styling, Honda reliability and such low running costs quite so effectively.
M.C.M. News Verdict
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 9/10
“Beautifully simple, wonderfully economical and packed with charm, the Honda GB350S delivers everything a modern classic should. A motorcycle that reminds us why we started riding in the first place.”
| Specification | Honda GB350S |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, single-cylinder |
| Capacity | 348cc |
| Maximum Power | 20.8bhp (15.5kW) @ 5,500rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 29Nm @ 3,000rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed |
| Clutch | Assist & Slipper Clutch |
| Fuel System | Electronic Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) |
| Frame | Steel Semi-Double Cradle |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Rear Shock Absorbers |
| Front Brake | 310mm Disc with ABS |
| Rear Brake | 240mm Disc with ABS |
| Front Tyre | 100/90-19 |
| Rear Tyre | 150/70-17 |
| Seat Height | 800mm |
| Kerb Weight | 178kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15 Litres |
| Claimed Fuel Economy | Up to 94mpg (Imperial) |
| Estimated Range | Over 250 Miles |
| Lighting | Full LED |
| Rider Aids | Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), ABS, ESS |
| Warranty | 2 Years Unlimited Mileage |
Original post on modernclassicbikes.co.uk and published by Frank Duggan. Frank is the Founder and Editor of Modern Classic Motorcycle News, an independent motorcycle publication covering modern classic motorcycles, roadsters, scramblers, cruisers, electric motorcycles and the wider motorcycle industry.
