2025 GB350S
- Thread starter Arsey
- Start date
Made in India, even?
Mild update on the Honda Hness thats been kicking around in India for quite a few years. It was used as a comparison against the Speed 400 when it launched in India 12 months ago
it's been in Oz for a while and they say Japan
Honda GB350 Review | Motorcycle Test
Overall my first take on the GB350 is very positive. It is a basic but competent motorcycle at an affordable price point. But the standout feature is by far the timeless styling. I genuinely think that the GB350 is one of the nicest-looking motorcycles to hit the market in recent years. They are...
www.mcnews.com.au
Although, as posted above, a version of the bike is made by Honda Hero in India
I think it will appeal to a generation of riders like my brother who had CB200 etc as their UJMs in the 1980s now they are in their dotage.
I thought if it had a Royal Enfield badge on it I’d be fooled, maybe it looks more Hondaish in the metal.
Had a ride on one these on Monday this week. I’d taken my bike into BMW Manchester for a service and they leant me an R12 for the day. Rode over to Bill Smiths in Chester for something to do.
The GB350 was parked outside, a black one with a Honda accessory pack fitted. I thought the bike in Arseys picture above looks much better without the pack fitted.
Turns out it’s their new demonstrator with 4 miles on the clock. “If you’ve got your license with you, take it for a spin” says Alex, the salesman.
Well, turns out it’s a delight. For reference I’m 5ft 10 and 78kgs. The riding position is quite roomy, not at all cramped and pretty upright but the bike feels tiny, so light. The gearbox is as far away from the BMW box as possible, silent and smooth. Power tails off after 55, but it would hold 60 when given the opportunity. 0-55 was the sweet spot. Handling was a joy, confidence inspiring and comfortable. Brakes were all you needed for something that would barely break the speed limit. And possibly best of all (other than the price) the exhaust note, delightful, most un Honda like. It’s an Enfield, in a smart suit
They’ll sell hundreds
It’ll sell very well me thinks
The MCN review says built in Japan.
It looks to be well finished and I'm sure it'll sell well.
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Looks like it’s good 
Gutless (as are the Enfield 400's) compared to the Triumph 400
I’d take the Honda over the Triumph any day . And the Himmy 450 is much nicer to ride than the Triumph
Nah, the 21bhp Honda would be horrible (unsafe for overtakes) compared to the 40bhp Trumpet at anything over 50 mph
I’d hazard a guess that the Honda is designed to potter around the back roads at 50 mph and is not the best motorway cruiser
Looks to me like it's designed to be nowhere near a motorway or dual carriageway without becoming a mobile chicane; if your getting 80 to the gallon and happy with cheap motorcycling it should sell well at the price as Arsey says.
I’d hazard a guess that the Honda is designed to potter around the back roads at 50 mph and is not the best motorway cruiser
Yep, gutless. The Triumph will be nicer on back roads too.
Think l’ll ride the Honda before deciding the Triumph is better But I wouldn’t buy the Triumph as it’s a horrid buzzy thing and the similarly priced Himmy 450 is much more versatile , such as its ability to tour and go off-road , which the Triumph is crap at .
Enfield 400? Do you mean 411 or 450. Both very different bikes.
Actually the Huntr 350. The other half had her heart set on one as they look great but after reading the reviews decided it wasn't what she needed as too gutless. Probably great if all you do is buzz around town but if you want to head off anywhere you need to be able to keep up with the traffic. The Triumph 400 is much more suitable as an only bike. The Honda 350 is similar to the Enfield in terms of performance.
Edit: comparison ride here
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The suspension on the Triumph is awful. If I bought one I'd be looking at swapping it out plus fitting a decent chain from new as there are several reports of the standard ones lasting less than a thousand miles. That's the best part of £2k on top of the purchase price.
The Honda may not be as quick but as a bike designed to just plod along it could be a better buy.
The Honda may not be as quick but as a bike designed to just plod along it could be a better buy.
So she didn’t actually try one ? Was just led by other peoples opinions ?
Exactly .
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