First Ride: The Honda GB350S shows the joy of simplicity

What is it?

There has been a resurgence in compact, small-engined and relatively inexpensive motorcycles of late. Shunning the need for overcomplicated technologies or high-capacity motors, these bikes offer the freedom that all motorcycles bring but often at a fraction of the cost. Brands like Royal Enfield and, more recently, Triumph have seen quite a bit of success in this area.

Now, Honda is joining the club. Of course, this brand has always produced some excellent low-cost models, but it’s this bike – the GB350S – which looks to blend lower running costs with a classic design that’ll strike a chord with style-conscious buyers. We’ve been testing it out.

What’s new?

Price is a big deal in this corner of the market and Honda has a solid background at being able to deliver its bikes for less. The GB350S is no different, as, at £3,999, it’s competitively priced and only £1 more than the similarly-engined Royal Enfield HNTR 350 and comes in far under Triumph’s 400 range.

The GB350S is also A2 licence-compliant, meaning that those with an A2 certification can get onto this retro-inspired bike too.

What’s it powered by?

Thumping in the middle of the GB350S is a 348cc single-cylinder engine with 21bhp and 29Nm of torque. There’s a fuss-free five-speed gearbox, too, and it’s all housed within a relatively lightweight and low-to-the-ground frame that’ll feel approachable no matter what your experience. Honda has still equipped the GB350S with 310mm front and 240mm rear disc brakes, mind you, and ABS is fitted as standard to ensure more confident braking.

You’ve got 41mm telescopic forks and twin rear shocks taking care of the suspension and they’ve been given a relatively comfort-focused setup in order to provide a more laid-back riding style. The front wheel measures 19 inches, combined with a 17-inch rear wheel.

What’s it like to ride?

Step over the GB350S, and immediately, things feel very approachable. The seat height is quite low and the bars sit at a comfortable angle, while the compact size of the bike itself means that there’s not much weight to deal with overall. The seat itself is comfortable and well-padded, too, so once you’re up to speed, there’s little discomfort to deal with.

Naturally, the single-cylinder engine feels quite at home being used around town and at slower speeds, where its peppy performance makes nipping in and out of gaps simple. First and second gears are quite short, so they’re good for a quick getaway – though you have to be smart with your changes or you’ll hit the limiter quickly. For much of the time, third and fourth gears are where you’ll be – fifth really feels like an ‘overdrive’ for travelling at speeds over 60mph. Because fifth gear is quite tall, it doesn’t give you much accelerating power, which is why we found ourselves mainly travelling in fourth.

How does it look?

The GB350S has been designed with all of the flair of a classic Honda motorcycle. In fact, save for the modern clocks and exhaust system, there’s very little to tell this apart from a bike from yesteryear. We’re big fans of the black-painted framework which gives the bike an understated appearance, while three colour options – Puco Blue, Gunmetal Black Metallic and Pearl Deep Mud Grey – mean you can tailor the look of the bike to your own personal preference.

The compact LED rear light and large, circular headlight manage to deliver modern performance while still retaining that old-school appearance, too.

What’s the spec like?

Naturally, at this price point you won’t be getting a bike which is laden with the very latest technology, but then that wouldn’t be in the spirit of the GB350S. You’ve got an analogue speedometer, while a digital gear indicator is very helpful. There are also digital readouts for the fuel consumption and range, too, so it’s not entirely old-school.

Honda also offers the GB350S with a range of accessories to tailor it towards the type of riding you’re doing. A Travel Pack, for instance, adds saddle bags and supports, as well as knuckle guards to help reduce wind blast on your hands. This pack also introduces a larger front visor, which should make longer journeys more comfortable. You can even add heated grips for winter riding and a USB charging port for keeping your devices topped up on the move.

Verdict

The Honda GB350S is a great antidote to other, more complicated motorcycles on the market. Sure, for thrill-seekers, this bike’s compact motor and modest power output might not seem appealing, but for riders after a low-cost way of getting out and adventuring on two wheels, this Honda could fit the bill.

Couple it with the old-school looks of the GB350S and you’ve got a bike which brings loads of character for less.