EICMA is a constant reminder that the rest of the world gets interesting bikes we’ll never ride in Canada. The Honda GB350S is probably another example of this—although there’s one good reason we might never see it here.
Honda’s GB350S is a mash-up of the basic mechanics of their made-in-India CB350 with styling and a name borrowed from the old GB500, a single-cylinder Brit bike knock-off that Honda sold around the late 1980s.
The engine is an air-cooled single-cylinder with EFI, and it’s probably the biggest drawback this bike has. It only makes about 21 hp and 20 lb-ft of torque from its 348cc, and when you see the bike’s 178 kg curb weight, that adds up to a slow-moving machine. Add in a 19-inch front wheel for slower steering, too. While motorcyclists are too often consumed with spec sheets, there’s a point where almost nobody is going to be interested in a heavy 350 that makes about the same power as a 250.
Somewhat amusingly, Honda also includes traction control on this bike, which makes little sense. The also-included ABS system is a good idea, though. Note the single disc brake front and rear.
But despite its wimpy specs, the bike looks good, and that will work in its favor big-time. It should be fairly easy to throw a leg over, too, with an 800mm seat height. The twin-shock look, the fork gaiters, the trimmed-down gauge cluster that includes an analog speedometer are all the look that retro-lovers are seeking, and Honda’s engineering means you’ll be getting good quality, even if you aren’t getting speed. And with its made-in-India origin, Honda will be able to undercut a lot of other manufacturers. Maybe we’ll see it here in Canada after all, if the bean-counters figure the plusses outweigh the minuses, and see a market for a modestly-equipped bike at an equally modest price.
If the rumoured 500 version shows up I’d be interested.
i rode a honda gb350 across central japan last year and it was a blast.
Honda just needs to release a GB750 and i’ll easily sell off my Royal Enfield GT650 for it.