Motorcycle specifications HondaGB 350 S 2026 Weather classic

By (finally) bringing its GB 350 S to the European market, Honda is offering a true Classic motorcycle in its range. The brand has rarely had great success with this kind of retro machine - the CB 1100 EX / RS didn't catch on, despite their real qualities and great finish; the CB 750 Seven Fifty had a long career, but no real relief. In short, Honda didn't do as well as Triumph with its Bonneville.

But it's very different with the GB 350. The bike has been around for several years in India, where it has been a great success ever since it first appeared as the CB 350 H'ness. We had to wait until 2025 to see it arrive, with its Japanese name and the adorable face of a sweet old bike.

Except that this wasn't a dilapidated granny built on old plans that Honda had refreshed. The GB 350 S was a complete novelty when it came out, and is again for us. It takes its inspiration from the GB 400 / 500 of the '80s, the kind of café-racers that paid homage to the English single-cylinder sports bikes of the belle époque. With its perfectly vintage design, its sense of simplicity, its playful and obvious approach to motorcycling pleasure, the Honda is instantly appealing. The fork gussets and red stitching on the seat add that extra touch of charm.

It's a beautiful engine, it's a beautiful story....

The engine also plays a big part in this effect. A true old-school single, set up almost vertically, with machined cooling fins. It's not exuberant, majestic or shy: it's just beautiful, naturally beautiful. Ideally, the lambda sensor a few centimetres from the cylinder head should be removed to enhance visual interest.
We'd like to get our noses close enough to smell the fuel and tickle the carburetor. But no, this 348 cm3 is an engine with modern solutions (PGM-FI injection, internal oil spray optimization valve, HSTC torque control, anti-dribble assisted clutch) and others that are much more "old school" (1 ACT, 2 valves, long-stroke architecture, air cooling, low compression ratio). Add to this a heavy flywheel and you get an engine that wants to pulse its character rather than push its power.

Which is relatively limited. With this kind of powertrain, watts are never very violent. The block delivers 21 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. As the BG 350 S weighs 178 kg ready to ride, it's like having the potato of an improved 125. However, the greater torque - 3.1 mkg at 3,000 rpm - should provide a fuller response. This bike's styling and engine show that it's a cool ride with a healthy dose of elegance and weathered discretion. On the other hand, there's no need to think about overtaking in a hurry. This is the exact opposite of a 390 Duke or MT-03.

The chassis is based on the same principle of simplicity. With a steel frame with central beam and single cradle, a 41 mm fork, two rear shock absorbers, no suspension adjustment, braking provided by a 310 mm front disc with 2-piston caliper and a 240 mm rear disc with single piston, a fearsome 43° steering angle and not too wide tires (110 and 150), the rider is sitting on the most obvious and simplified definition of a roadster. Like a baguette at the baker's, amidst croissants, sport bread, nut bread, gluten-free bread, chorizo bread, etc., the rider is sitting on the most obvious and simplest definition of a roadster.

So much so that you'd expect to find a good old-fashioned speedometer with a trembling needle. But it's better than that. The needle is there, but cohabits with a digital display for the gear engaged, the fuel gauge and some other information. The GB 350 S is also seduced by a circular headlight (vintage) with multiple stages of LEDs (not vintage), LED indicators with ESS "emergency brake signal" function and automatic stop, and of course the obligatory ABS.

Honda favors it

we like this machine. The French market isn't really fond of this kind of bike with this displacement, but we welcome this kind of jovial incursion, as with the Meguro S1.
Honda has decided to give the GB 350 S a real chance, with a low price of 4,599 euros, the price of a 125. In the same bracket, we find a Royal-Enfield 350 Meteor (as if by chance) or a Benelli 400 Imperiale.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos