Honda GB350 Review - Is this the best small retro

[@williambell12]

If that was a 500cc size, I'd be all over it. Very thorough review mate. Cheers from NZ

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Well the good news is there is a very hot rumour Honda will be announcing/launching a GB500 later this year. :>)

[@michaelevans7260]

Loved the review. Another KZbinr that I follow “ride with Warro” who is based in Orange owns both the GB350 and Royal Enfield 350s. A couple of mods that he has made. To address the lack of power, he put on a sprocket that gave a slightly smaller gear, which made the bike more peppy. As he rides on dirt roads to some degree; he also put on some off road tires which really helped the handling of the bike on the loose stuff. It’s a great looking bike, that will most likely be my next choice. Although I’ve had my licence for decades, I’m actually riding a CB125f atm and having a blast on it. I live in Dubbo and love getting out of town on it.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Nothing wrong with the CB125f. We had a carbureted CB125e for Riding Hood to learn gear changing on but the front brake was a bit grabby. The newer F model has much better brakes and I nearly bought one of those because Riding Hood enjoyed the E model so much. She says the GB350 is more comfy to sit on and the clutch and gear change is easier which I also imagine would be the case on the newer CB125f. Great bike. And yeh those mods on the Orange man's bike sound smart. :>)

[@hodaka1000]

Good bikes CB125f

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

@@hodaka1000 Yes they are.

[@jimbroen]

After years of not riding, I bought a Grom in the spring of 2023. I put 2700 km on it before upgrading to resolve some shortcomings such as the ability to tackle potholes and not having enough juice to do short stints on roads with 100 km speed limits. On spec, the GB350 resolves all of those shortcomings and retains the things I loved about the Grom. The delightful undersquare two valve engine and the rejection of any superfluous modern features will make this bike a huge winner. I'm willing to bet a lot of folks could do a valve adjustment on this bike with basic tools in under 1/2 an hour. The GB won't be coming to Canada in the short term but should eventually appear. Honda is going to sell a bazillion of these worldwide for obvious reasons. I'll probably pick one up when they appear here in 2026 or so.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

I saw a KZbinr from the US the other day say they are coming to North America in 2024. Not sure where he got his information from. But for your sake I hope he is right. Sounds like you would love this bike. It's 11.34pm as I write this so Happy New Year from Australia in 26 minutes. :>)

[@jimbroen]

@@motorcyclingdownunder We Canadians only buy about 60,000 motorcycles a year. The manufacturers are understandably cautious about bringing models here and the US gets models that we don't. My Google searches fail to find any hints that Honda will bring the GB to Canada for the 2025 model year. We've never gotten the NT (Honda would prefer that Canadians purchase Goldwings) and they stopped importing the NC for the 2024 model year. We don't get the Supercub or the Dax. Because of our climate, motorcycles are rarely purchased as practical transportation but rather for recreational purposes. When I go highway riding on the Prairies (where I live,) the most common bike I see are the 900 lb Harley touring machines. Most of the very expensive models from Europe, the US and Japan are available but a lot of the scooters don't make it here and almost none of the 125 cc commuter bikes that seem so popular in places like India. I'm fairly confident that the GB will be a worldwide sales hit and that it will eventually appear in Canada, probably for the 2026 or 27 model year. Honda will wait until it's proven that Europeans are enthusiastic about the GB before deciding to bring it to here. Don't feel bad for me that I can't buy one of these. My current city ride is a 690 supermoto.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

@@jimbroen Out of the small bikes that aren't scooters we only get the Navi now in Australia. And the NCX750 hasn't been available for a few years when I think it would be a big seller here. Love to know who makes those decisions and why/what their criteria is.

[@jimbroen]

@@motorcyclingdownunder If the Internet is to be believed, Australia like Canada doesn't buy very many motorcycles. Honda sells about 15 million bikes a year. Would combined Australian and Canadian sales figures account for even one percent of that? I have to admit that our markets probably don't matter much to those who do the planning at Honda corporate head offices. My guy at the local Honda dealership tells me that they sell more Goldwings than Aftrica Twins. I would guess that they make more profit on a single Goldwing sale than what they get from selling 20 Groms. Selling very expensive motorcycles to mature gentlemen seems to be the focus of Western motorcycle markets these days. My prediction is that the Indian market will take over as the most influential in the world if it hasn't already. The only thing that Western markets seem to be good at these days is experimenting with what ridiculous feature can be sold to an ever shrinking pool of buyers.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

@@jimbroen Yeh that sounds about right.

[@LaurieVaughan]

Thanks for the review, I appreciate hearing from an Aussie, I was waiting for the 400N which they tell me is arriving whenever it gets here but you have given me something to think about.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

I think the 400N has more performance but I doubt it has the same character and charm. Good luck with your decision making and make the right choice for you. Because at the end of the day that is the most important thing. What makes you happy. :>)

[@tonystone3397]

Great review, thanks for sharing. I am getting mine as soon as they are available here in Ireland, spring 2025 deposit paid.

[@0scartheCat]

What colour did you go for ? I went for Gunmetal Metallic black, deposit paid.

[@BikingChap]

Thanks for the review, really detailed and easy to listen to. I get the warning at the end, this bike looks to be able to chug along quite happily at 60mph all day so a great way to travel and take the world in. What it won't do is squirt past that slow car and go from 60 to 80mph at the twist of the wrist. For those that can accept that i can see this being a great long term bike. Thanks again.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Thank you. And yes that is exactly what I was trying say. :>)

[@Bicycle_Fungi]

Great review. I’m sure this platform will be popular with those that like to mod (like the SR400 etc), a good blank slate. I’m sure someone will figure out how to squeeze a few extra ponies out of it. Either way, I like things OEM stock, and this one looks dialed as is.

[@BeardedBiker6611]

Great review, gb350s just coming to us in the uk, ordered mine without test riding or seeing in person, arrives in dealerships in january. Like you into retro bikes, own honda cb1100rs, wanted a smaller retro bike as well, looks stunning and its a honda

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Congratulations. WOW January that is much sooner than I realised. Great news you won't have to wait very long. And great news you have a bigger faster retro which means you will have different riding options but still be on a retro looking machine. I watched a video overnight that shows the indicators on the GB350S model are different than the GB350R in my review. Looks like you will have the narrow thin ones over there. :>)

[@BeardedBiker6611]

@@motorcyclingdownunder yeah thats right , few differences with the s model, seat, led slim indicators, wheel sizes, mud guards and silencer .In japan they have brought out a c model which looks like a 50's bike, again very nice looking, maybe one for the future. GB350s is £4000 here, think thats 8000 in your dollars

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

@@BeardedBiker6611 yeh I saw the C model is coming to Australia on the website last night and am just making a video about it. Costs $1000 more though and looks a lot like a Classic 350. :>)

[@robcoles6288]

My observations. Engine felt tight for 2000km, but now revs more freely. Heel gear change was new to me, but persevered and now use it all the time. Handy if have chunky boots, or old dodgy ankle. GF had broken ankle, and could still ride, thanks to this feature. Fuel usage only about 2L per 100km, but I do avoid traffic, and choose backroads at about 80km/h. Each segment of fuel gauge gives about 100km, and easily get 600km. Initially missed having tacho, but don't feel need for it now. Bike feels solid, stable and comfortable.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Great feedback. Thanks Rob. Am looking forward to the engine loosening up. :>)

[@jaisabai4155]

New to this channel. Who is narrating? Rob who?

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

@@jaisabai4155 Re Rob I was responding to his comment. Who is narrating? Me, myself and I. :>)

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

@@jaisabai4155 Welcome to the channel and Happy New Year. :>)

[@1990-t1j]

It certainly looks good. I love low-down power. Very thorough overview.

[@svenskdod]

Honda has taken out a trademark on GB500, given the popularity of this model. The difference to the "S" model is considerable on the backend, but that means some of the accessories aren't compatible. The "S" comes with boots on the shock as standard also. I have an "S" model ordered and is coming in March here in Sweden.

[@drdoolittle5724]

Great review, thank you! Having tried to Meteor 350 and finding just how low powered they are will mean sadly, no GB! We had some guys come and stay with us on the IOM and they came from your Newcastle, quite a trip!

[@heint8169]

I love it. Simplicity is King.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

So true :>)

[@old6681]

Yeah, go buy the pearl white version…maybe some customization videos along the way? Like your narration style/voice to!

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Now that's a great idea. Thank you for the comment and the suggestion. :>)

[@geekylucas]

After 7,000km on my GB350 (Sydney based) I get 2.8L/100km between fill-ups with a mix of city and motorway (80kph) riding. I find that the clock's "Trip A Avg" and "Range" estimates are very enthusiastic and pretty far off reality. Trip A Avg has me at ~2.1L/100 for example. Kudos for actually taking the trouble to research and share on the differences between models. So much of the internet says "it's the same as the CB350 H'ness" - it's not often folks talk about Australia having the "R" variant of this bike.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Thanks for this fantastic feedback and insight into fuel consumption. Looking forward to seeing how ours does over time. I imagine is will improve once it is run in. The other difference I have since noticed is the indicators will be slim on the European bike and not round like ours here. :>)

[@SkysaxonDragonslayer]

Sold my Sportster and thrown between the RE 350 Classic and the Honda GB350S… The RE looks better and rides fantastic, but I trust the Honda quality more… Greetings from Germany

[@1990-t1j]

GB350S

[@AMDP65]

I own a Honda CB400SS😅 derived Mash 400cc. Very similar to the GB350. The Mash produces around 30bhp and 30nM torque, which makes it quite a bit more lively than a 20bhp bike. I also own a BMW 1200GS and a 103ci Switchback. The 400cc is very similar to the GB. It is so much fun. Not as intense as the GS and light, nimble and quick enough for relaxed riding. Cruising between 100 and 120kph. I have owned mine since 2018 and it is my favorite bike. Ive done many 250km round trips. Fitted a 25L topbox for my stuff. I've done 12000km. Won't sell it easily 😊😊😊

[@mebeasensei]

@@AMDP65 those are the single thumpers with a twin exhaust header right? Made around the turn if the century? Yep, 30HP, similar to a Yamaha SR400, I have an SS400 tank on my Kawasaki W650.

[@0scartheCat]

it was between the GB350s & the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 that also has character, the bike is due in soon.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Both are great bikes. I had a good hard look at the Hunter as well. In terms of sound and performance they are very similar. The Hunter is lighter though. I went with the Honda because the styling reminds me slightly more of the Japanese bikes I used to ride in the early 80s. Enjoy your bike when it arrives and I hope the weather over there improves by then. :>)

[@KLRJUNE]

America won't get the 350 but the rumor is we will get a 500cc retro but I suspect it will be the 471cc twin in yet another disguise.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Yeh that's my thinking to but someone pointed out in a comment on one of my videos that Honda has deliberately over-engineered the engine so it would easily be possible to do a bigger bore version of the same bike. So that could definitely be a possibility. I've also seen a KZbin video from one channel in the USA saying they think North America will be getting the GB350 after Europe. Hope that's true so you have that option as well as the rumoured 500.

[@Fce-km5nm]

I own CB350rs in India ,the motorcycle is refined and beautiful,but it's underpowerd you can feel that especially while going in Ghat areas,and also the gearing is very long we need to constantly change the gears to gain the power apart from that I don't really find any issues ...

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

The GB350R in Australia is exactly the same. Some people change the front sprocket to give it a pit more pulling power.

[@rkr6237]

@@motorcyclingdownunderis there any downside to changing the sprocket?

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

@@rkr6237 The top gear is already like an overdrive so I can't think of any downside on this bike.

[@pauls8456]

Couldn’t see a white one on Honda Aust webpage but they do now have a GB350C model

[@johnpro2847]

gear selector indicator ?

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Yes if has a gear indicator that its very clear and easy to see what gear you are in. There is also a good fuel guage but no tacho - but this is a bike you can easily ride by ear so doesn't really need one. :>)

[@heritagehillsecurity8778]

If you can swing it, you should definitely get the white one and ride together. I really want one. However, I'm thinking of picking up a very sweet, 12,894 miles on it 1982 Honda CM450 A for $1759. obo I'm thinking that would be a fun first bike. I don't know if Honda sold the automatic motorcycle globally I am viewing from Irvine, California. Thank you. Any thoughts on getting an old motorcycle like that? It's a great running condition. Actually, fires up and goes right out.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

WOW If I was more mechanically savvy I would love to own a classic like some of the bikes I rode in the 80s. Sounds like a great project.

[@heritagehillsecurity8778]

@motorcyclingdownunder It's actually running quite well right now and includes a windscreen and a passenger backrest that's not installed, which are original options. It's an older gentleman who injured his back and can't ride it anymore. He also includes an extra set of carb rebuild kits, which it doesn't actually need at the moment, and after market saddle bags. Anyhow,, it's not a project. It's a fully operational bike.It does have some cracks in the tires. I do like the idea of a new motorcycle with fuel injection. Although I do like a motorcycle that can start up after the nuclear apocalypse, LO.L Anyways, looking forward to more of your videos.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

@@heritagehillsecurity8778 sounds brilliant.

[@929cosmodude]

i think id go for the clc450 for the same price with double the hp and better warranty, more of a cruiser style tho

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

The CFMOTO? Haven't had the chance to ride one yet so need to rectify that.

[@929cosmodude]

@@motorcyclingdownunder you will have to take one for a test drive 👌 I'm probably going to get the bobber style one next year

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

@@929cosmodude I will definitely do that very soon. :>)

[@steveh7823]

I would wait until the RE 450 Guerrilla becomes available, the extra HP of the RE will be very welcome for a similar price.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

It looks like a great bike too. And lots of fun. But I like the 70s styling of this one which is one of the main reasons I bought it - And there is something chalming and characterful about an old school long-stroke, air-cooled engine even though they don't make much power. :>)

[@steveh7823]

@@motorcyclingdownunder yes the GB350 looks like a good bike. I can only afford to own one bike so I need one that can comfortably cruise at 120kph and deal with some dirt roads. The Bear 650 also looks interesting but might be too expensive and heavy/bulky.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

@@steveh7823 the GB350 can definitely handle dirt roads but the cruising speed may be an issue. It can do it but is affected by head winds and inclines. I have heard change the front sprocket definitely helps but not sure what that does to the top speed. I haven't test ridden one yet but I understand the Bear cruises very well at higher speeds but isn't as good on dirt as you might think being a Scrambler styled machine. My advice would be to test ride everything you are thinking about. :>)

[@jjstuartonwriting8150]

I think the Honda GB 350 is going to appeal to some but I think the Royal Enfield's line of 350's is the main competition.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Definitely. And Honda know it. They are releasing a new GB350C in Australia in 2025 that looks almost exactly like a RE Classic 350 Reborn.

[@ianpickett8420]

Roads are great where you live ..... Victoria ???

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

NSW South Coast :>)

[@alusito8633]

thank you for posting this video. It seems to be a very nice bike. However I would like to ask your opinion about the engine heat. Does it heats up easily, I mean do you notice that it can overheat easily? I ask this because its air cooled. Finally as a totally noob rider I fell a bit intimidated with its weight of 179Kg... Do you think it handles easily? Thanks.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Haven't noticed any overheating yet and I have been riding it in 30 degree celcius and above. Riding Hood is under 70kgs and she said it felt easier to handle than the CB125e she was learning on and that bike is lighter. The weight seems to be low down and doesn't appear to be a problem. :>)

[@alusito8633]

@@motorcyclingdownunder Thank you for your video and reply. Season Greetings from Portugal! 👌

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

@@alusito8633 thank you :>)

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

@@alusito8633 thank you.

[@robcoles6288]

I've been riding in 30 degree Celsius. No heat problem, but I use kill switch when stopped for long in traffic. My GF is about 60kg (don't dare to ask), and she handles the 180kg fine. Low centre of gravity. The weight feels an advantage on rough roads, to smooth the ride.

[@vladdmytruk2955]

it is manufactured in India, I think, not in Japan.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

My understanding is the Honda H'ness 350 is assembled in India but the GB350s available in Asia are built in Japan.

[@vladdmytruk2955]

@motorcyclingdownunder Oh wow, I searched this and truly so, there is a Japanese production of this bike, that's nice.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

@@vladdmytruk2955 Lots of confusion about this but the model available in Australia (the GB350R) is made in Japan.

[@timboharty7325]

So much better looking than the dull paint schemed 350 rs that’s coming to Europe

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

I think both models are available in Japan. It's a pity they are not giving you that option in Europe. Just saw this morning they are releasing a GB350C as the second model in Australia for 2025. It has pea-shooter exhausts and looks a lot like an RE Classic 350. I think I like the like look the GB350R that I have the most though. Just as you appear to. Maybe it will come to the Europe soon as well. Can't wait to see what the rumoured GB500 is going to look like. :>)

[@jonathandeeley6276]

Looks a nice bike however, if they are going to fit a black exhaust to UK models it won't last 5 minutes. Till now, Honda (Black) exhausts look like they've been sprayed out of a Halfords rattle can. The only other criticism is the front mudguard which will offer zero protection to both the engine casings and exhaust header pipe finish and will soon look shabby when covered in crud and stone chippings.🤔👍

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

I love the chrome exhaust on the R model here. It is one of the things that attracted me to this bike. And yes a front mudguard/fender extender is definitely an accessory I'll be looking at. :>)

[@johnsonya3401]

I rode one of these as a loan bike recently and found the 6th gear was almost unusable at urban speeds. There was a big gap between 5th and 6th. The only time you'd be using 6th is when the bike is running at around 90 - 100 km/h. Did you find this was the case as well?

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

The model I bought has only five gears which is not very usable around town and isn't any quicker than 4th on the open road because it doesn't hold a high speed very well. Changing the front sprocket would definitely make it more usable.

[@funguseater40]

Amazing it is cheaper than a monkey bike. UK has been waiting for this bike for years. There are rumours of a GB500 (single?)...that would be interesting! Cheers 👍

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

I just saw that there will be a price increase for 2025 that will make it more expensive than RE which have just dropped the price on some of their bikes in Australia. Looks like they are also introducing a C model with pea-shooter exhausts. Looks more like an RE Classic. And yeh I've heard the whispers about the GB500 as well. Not sure if it will be a single or the 471cc motor from the other Honda 500s. I guess we should find out soon. Very rare for a manufacturer to make an engine specifically for one bike like they did with the 350. :>)

[@BikingChap]

@@motorcyclingdownunder as you say, I'm sure any GB500 will be the 471cc twin.

[@barriewilliams4526]

Shame that Honda only managed to squeeze 20 hp out of it, which is on par with Royal Enfield's 350, a common complaint being the lack of grunt. I would have thought that Honda would have appreciated that, and upped the anti...... Having said that, it's a great looking bike, looks like a motorbike should👍

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Yeh 5 more hp would make a huge difference. But still looks good and has great character. :>)

[@BikingChap]

It's about on par with an SR400 and that's not bad going when you think how hard it must be to make an air cooled bike hit the emission restrictions now.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

@@BikingChap definitely :>)

[@petrtr7602]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXyzg61-bp6bp9E 29 hp, and the Triumph Speed ​​Twin 900 is absolutely brilliant. The large displacement is discouraging, but it has a low center of gravity and is absolutely great to handle. And there is really enough power. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bn3SnIquebCmjtE

[@Geshmaal]

It is funny that they made a bike that's almost identical to the Royal Enfield 350 on paper. You'd think Honda might go for a 400 or 450 with a bit more power to provide a more premium alternative that they could charge a bit more for. I sort of wonder if there's something about the Indian market that makes a 350cc 20bhp bike "optimal" somehow and we can't see that elsewhere.

[@Reuben_dap]

Hello how tall are you if its okay to ask thank you

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

181cms

[@johnpro2847]

the low top speed is an issue for 100km to 110km/h cruising ..thrashing the engine too much

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

I find 80kmh is the sweet spot :>)

[@jacobwinn2765]

Mustn’t have kids I reckon, to be able to afford 6 bikes! I can’t even afford 1!

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

I didn't own any for many years while they were growing up but now the youngest is in their mid 20s I can ... So am making the most of it while I can. :>)

[@mebeasensei]

I would like to see a flat pea-shooter pipe.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

They have a new GB350C variant coming to Australia in 2025 and it has a pea-shooter exhaust.

[@BattleToads]

This or a Classic 350? That is the question...

[@ivolearn]

I was recently sitting on the bullet and ob this machine. Prefer the Position on the bullet.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

It's a very good question I have been pondering for 12 months. I wanted a Classic but Riding Hood preferred the Hunter which is why I started looking at this. I still may invest in a Classic 350 for me though. :>)

[@tonynichols2361]

Nice review. I am very interested in this bike but unfortunately the punative registration costs in the ACT make it problematic. The bike falls on the wrong side of the simplistic under/over 300cc registration categories - in the ACT the GB350 costs the same for registration (incl CTP and the expanded no fault system in the ACT) as any of your larger bikes, incl the HD. More than 10% of the value of the bike in annual rego is not really a goer. The heel / toe shifter shows the Honda's Indian origins. If you ride in sandals, you can just push down on your toe to shift down (as usual), but to shift up you push down on your heel. The heel shift on your bike appears way too high to be practicable however. Another youtuber swapped out the Honda shift for the equivalent from the Royal Enfield Meteor and he seems happy with the result. Looking forward to more videos.

[@SuperDaveyoutube]

Traction control, with 20 h.p.? Total waste of £££s!!

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Yeh it is a definitely overkill :>)

[@shanelamps6242]

I swear you must be an old tv presenter.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Yes I am old ... lol ... Thanks for the comment. :>)

[@drgeoffangel5422]

So modern motor bikes don't get a separate rev counter , or kick starter any more! All to save money! You want a proper bike by a vintage bike!

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

I miss both those things on bikes these days. They would certainly make the GB even more authentic. And yes I need to add a vintage bike to the garage. :>)

[@robcoles6288]

I missed the tacho at first. But, I usually know what gear I'm using (there's only 5), and the max road speed in each gear, so it's not complicated.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

@@robcoles6288 yeh and easy to know where you're at and need to be because of the feel and sound of this bike.

[@petrtr7602]

All the latest retro motorcycles are similar. For example, the new Jawa 42 FJ - similar in appearance, but because it has a water-cooled engine it has 29 horsepower so it can easily outrun both the GB 350 and the RE 350. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXyzg61-bp6bp9E

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Not one I am familiar with so will check this video out.

[@ulrich7819]

Too expensive !

[@ianpickett8420]

An average jo blow on a very ordinary average jo blow Honda . Low powered , poor handling , over weight , poor brakes but the price is all that matters ,,,,,,,,, Rubbish !!!

[@logangodofcandy]

So, buy an Enfield?

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

... lol ... The last bike I bought before this was over $30,000. Price really doesn't come into the equation on my purchasing decisions. I just liked the look of this one and thought it would be a good bike for Riding Hood to continue to learn gears on. The brakes are much better than the CB125e she was previously learning on. And when I rode it home I thought it was great low powered fun. Each to his own I guess. :>)