🚨HONDA to take on ROYAL ENFIELD in the middleweight modern classic class with a new GB500S model?

[@SteveInskip]

Enfield has to be congratulated for making the other manufacturers sit up and take notice of what people want rather that what they are offered. I believe that Honda already had a manufacturing cooperation in India many years ago with Hero for low cost small bikes. Honda very rarely do anything frivolously or spontaneously so if they are doing this, they see potential.

[@thomaslthomas1506]

We need a car manufacturer to do this!

[@CaptHollister]

Honda may not do anything frivolously, but they have never shied away from experimenting to test if a market exists. Think of the PC800, the DN-01, the CTX1300, the original GB500, the Valkyrie, the Rune, etc... some, like the Valkyrie were very successful and created a new category, others were too early.

[@jakel2837]

​@thomaslthomas1506 Unfortunately modern safety regulations don't allow for the sharper lines of older cars. The only reason modern classic bikes can exist is the lack of pedestrian safety regulation for motorcycle design.

[@thomaslthomas1506]

@@jakel2837 actually I was referring to feature bloat more than styling. Modern cars are actually more dangerous to pedestrians. trucks in particular due to site line issues.

[@gunsdonovan9183]

@@jakel2837 I totally disagree with your views on classic motorcycles being more dangerous to pedestrians,, you need to provide sources and evidence that back that POV up, or is that your personal opinion.

[@peterwilson8797]

If they do a 550 four with a long, flat comfy seat, pannier rails for throw over bags, a rack for my tent and no fancy electronics. I'm in.

[@michaelmahon8896]

Ah,,, memories CB 550k, camping holidays in France,, wonderful bikes

[@josvandencamp8441]

I've owned a Honda CB 350 F for 37 years and this bike was already great to ride, also on long distances.

[@markmolloy1497]

Yes - the other brands seem to think we want 'tech'. We don't. I'm looking for a bike that will be fun to drive, gives no problems, will last 40 years with just basic maintenance. I don't want any 'rider aids' or tech. I want tech on my laptop and phone, which I realise will only last about 3 years. Tech either breaks or is incompatible within 3-4 years. I don't want massive TFT screens, I don't want 'connectivity', I don't want some app that 'integrates' with my bike (plot spoiler, they never actually work). Case in point - Royal Enfield make wonderful bikes. The only thing people don't like about Royal Enfields is that stupid digital thing that integrates with your smart phone. All we want is a charging point for our mobiles.

[@gearjammer3688]

Buy an aged Kawasaki 550 Zepher. Easy to ride and easy to fix.

[@CactusJack-j1k]

@@gearjammer3688 Except for adjusting the valves. Also be sure to get one with the CV carbs. they ran a lot better!

[@sissydreams7494]

I’ll buy the GB500, IF it is under 400 lbs, is at least 45 hp, has tubeless tires, and a huge gas tank (with a 250 mile range). That’s my grail bike.

[@timboharty7325]

I’ve got an xbr500 that fits the bill , or you could look at the Japanese domestic market GB500

[@greatbigeye2506]

Won’t top 30hp if it’s an air cooled single.

[@timboharty7325]

@ plenty do , my 1985 xbr500 air cooled single is 44bhp

[@greatbigeye2506]

@@timboharty7325 That’s awesome but if Honda just bores out the 350 to 500 it will only add a little bit of power, also modern bikes are starved for air and fuel because of emissions and noise regulations. You need a liquid cooled engine to get close to that kind of power these days.

[@bunnoatnichibei]

Aging boomers like me are trying to scale down in weight to avoid going to trikes. We remember our first bikes and early riding days and want to go back to being young. I can understand it.

[@brianrobertson639]

Hi Stuart from Australia. I have had a Gb350 here since release in December 2023. My initial choice for the Honda over the Royal Enfield was distance to dealer. 350 ks ver 6 k’s. Take that into account for service as well, this was the deciding factor. Plus it being a Honda and having had experience with a 1980’s Bullet 500. Overall experience + (10,000 ks) has been reasonable. Piston, barrel and rings replaced at 6,500 ks. Cross hatching from honing was wearing in the middle front of the barrel. I not that even although the bike has a Japanese VIN number not sure how much comes from Japan (tank for sure ). All replacement parts and accessories are made in India. For yourself and others taking for a test ride. The bike is OVERGEARED in 5th. Reminds you of riding a 1960’s Suzuki Hustler, constantly changing down. The bike completely changed when counter shaft sprocket was replaced with 13 tooth from XR600 2000 range, 4 hole to accommodate offset retainer plate. 300rpm more at 100 kph now 4,000 rpm. I’m in my late 70’s having held a registered bike since I was 17 and a multitude of bikes. 90% of my riding is with pillion (she who must be obeyed got it for me as a Christmas present). 95% riding is on country roads 100kph, 5th can be held easy when I go out west. However when climbing the ranges to our north 1,700 ft over 5 ks 4th on the start then 3rd on the last section. Is she a keeper, at this stage YES. Cheers Brian

[@jlrutube1312]

That's interesting that you mentioned the Suzuki Hustler. In 1980 when I was about 22 a guy sold me his 1971 Hustler and it had about 1200 miles on it and was always garage kept and it looked just like it rolled off of the showroom floor. I really loved that bike. The only thing I didn't like about it was it was a six speed and the little 250 engine didn't really have the power to pull the top gear if you were going up hill at all or if you were going against any wind or if you had your wife with you. I would often have to shift down to 5th or even 4th and run the motor hard to get up a hill at a decent speed. I actually liked the gearing but thought that the engine needed to be a 350cc. I am surprised anyone even remembers the little Hustler. By the way I am from Oklahoma and am 66 now.

[@brianrobertson639]

@ I remember the Hustler very well, aside from a road bike, we had a wizard on tuning in the Willoughby Motorcycle Club called Stan Coleman. He could make the engines sing on the race track. Always a tussle between the RD250 and the Hustler. On the road in those days I had a Triumph 500 Speed twin with the bathtub rear end and my mate the Hustler. Off the line the Hustler was quicker but get to over 50 mph I held him, over that or a hill I would leave him. I often see them still come up for sale. But I remember the gearbox sometimes with 5 neutrals:-). The other problem was the two central main bearing oil seals. They would let go and she would suck gearbox oil in, anyone behind would disappear in a cloud of smoke. Maybe the 70’s models had it fixed, Steve had the first 67/8 model. We are just starting summer here, up in the 30’s already. Great to know someone else remembers the Hustler. Oh how I would have loved the GB350 back then. Take care ride safe and enjoy every minute life has to offer. Cheers Brian

[@aaaces01]

@@jlrutube1312You chose the wife over the hill every time? Hahaha

[@michaeljohnson-li5nn]

Stu, the motorcycle combination featured in the beginning of this video has bought back some memories. My mother passed away when I was very young and because of this I was sent to live with my Aunt and Uncle. My uncle had a Norton motorcycle combo with a two seater sidecar almost identical to the one shown on the video. My uncle worked at the local colliery where you could book a day off at very short notice, the colloquial term used was a ‘rest day’. It was summer and the weather was beautiful so my uncle decided to book a rest day and take my Auntie and me off to Skegness for the day. The old Norton took a bit of persuading to start but we were soon on our way with my Auntie in the front seat of sidecar and me in the back. I initially wanted to ride pillion but my Aunt was having non of it. The whole sidecar shook from the vibrations of the Nortons engine and it was incredibly hot as all the glass made it like a greenhouse. It was impossible to communicate with anyone as the shell of the sidecar vibrated like hell and combined with the engine noise it was one hell of a cacophony of different sounds. I can vividly remember sitting in the sidecar, baking hot and partially deaf from all the racket and breathing in assorted petrol and hot oil fumes emanating from the engine and absolutely loving every minute of it. I was 10 years old at the time and it felt like the adventure of a lifetime!

[@stuartfillingham]

my dad had a bullet combination with the same car.

[@Christophers-Assorted-Stuff]

My Uncle had a Honda with a sidecar back in 1962 when I was 10. My mum, younger sister and I had taken the bust to visit uncle Ted and Aunty Eunice. As the day went on, it started to rain. We had to get home and uncle Ted offered to take us on his combo. Mum was pillion and my sister and I were in the sidecar. It was just as you described, loud engine noise, fumes, rattly, uncomfortable and scary. It was also cold and dark with car headlight glaring in the rain on the window. We didn't like it and couldn't wait to get out. I never wanted to go in it again. Now I quite fancy one that I could use for camping!

[@jameskeefe4797]

More reasons to be cheerful!😊 More choice for the consumer! A well maintained and ridden Honda can last a lifetime.

[@Andy_ATB]

About time others caught on to what RE are doing. There's a huge market for light/ middleweight machines......

[@Jack_Warner]

Whenever I see a side car like that, I think of Olive from On The Buses sitting in it, with Arthur on the bike.

[@brianrobertson639]

@@Jack_Warner love that sidecar. My cousin when he came out to Australia in the 60’s had a chair like that, double seats a small table at the front and a sun roof with a big chrome crash bar at the front paired up to a 650 BSA. LOVED riding in it 👍😍

[@SteveInskip]

When I was young, there were some families who couldn’t afford a car and went round on motorbikes and sidecars. Also some of those Messerschmitt bubble cars existed.

[@ogasi1798]

i would have killed for a sidecar like that when i was growing up, i used to ride in an open fronted sidecar as a child and didn't have a sealed unit until i was about 8 - F. me i remember some very very cold journeys hahahaa

[@actarusfleed6607]

I would love to have a bike with a side car but with the option of it having auxiliary wheels that were to deploy, giving it balance should the spouse piss me off thus, I would disengage the side car at a medium speed when approaching a curve. As a result, I go one way and she goes the opposite. I'm not that mean am I? I think it's fair.

[@charlesbarnett2724]

😂👍❤️

[@grantlassing7055]

I owned a Honda GB500 TT finished in Burgundy for many years really enjoyed it and wished I had never sold it . Here in NZ we also had a much more common GB400 in silver with a dual seat ( I believe both models were unsold Japanese Domestic models ) I acquired a dual seat which I swapped over as required , while tidying the garage recently I found the single seat so now all I need is a GB500 TT to put under it !

[@paulbrimble8204]

Don't forget the GB250 which was also available in NZ. An interesting DOHC single.

[@johnlenart597]

At a recent Thanksgiving get together, once again my sister's kids and grandkids only talked about food and hand held tech. Lol. Talking motos is like talking to a farm animal. Personally, I love the looks of the older and newer classics. Can't get enough of them. My addiction is just the opposite from theirs. U-tube moto videos are my only salvation in winter months. Love your videos. Keep them coming.!! 👍👍

[@grahambarber2766]

I drooled over a black/red Yamaha SR500 with mag wheels in a shop window in the '80's and would love to see them back in production.

[@dougsmith7580]

I had one and to this day regret selling it.

[@allseeingotto2912]

They made them in Japan well into the 2000,s , in 400 cc

[@Winterstick549]

They sold the SR400 in the USA for a few years, but it didn't sell

[@allseeingotto2912]

@@Winterstick549 Yes they bought them here in the UK in the 2000s in small numbers, but they didn’t sell well , probably too expensive.

[@dougsmith7580]

@ ….. ya, it’s only lately that bigger singles have gotten popular. In the early 80s Yamaha brought out a SR600 that was beautiful and it didn’t sell either. Unfortunately, I had two small kids, an extremely high mortgage rate and no disposable income. Such is life.

[@vincesacca5025]

I think you're spot on. Manufactures are following the trend of Royal Enfield and engine displacements of 650cc and smaller. Royal Enfield is selling hundreds of thousands of motorcycles worldwide. I had brand new Honda motorcycles all my life from their CB175, CB350, CB750 and the Gold Wing. They were flawless in every way. They left me with memories and pleasures I will always remember. The new Honda GB350 with their reputation of quality will probably sell well. Watching your shows, I just purchased a RE classic 350. It should arrive in 3 weeks. I will be looking forward to your review of the new Honda. Hello from California, USA. Goodbye for now my friend.

[@Physicsnotebook0]

I'm cb 350 owner india..i purchased 4 years ago.35k kilometres now...cb 350 is good refined engine,lightclutch,smooth gear box...better than Re j series engine

[@rednihb]

Royal Enfield has the advantage of a strong home market which gets it the majority of the sales. Honda will not get that

[@rodneybjornstad9016]

I learned to ride on that CB 175 It seemed HUGE to me then. Last summer I picked up a 1981 Honda 200 Good memories

[@Machinehead90]

I think a Honda 500 long stroke single would really put the cat amongst the pigeons! Honda never officially imported the GB500 into the uk, we got the XBR500 instead. With regards to seventies styled retro bikes aren’t Kawasaki doing this with their Z650/900rs models?

[@gunsdonovan9183]

Had an XBR500, I absolutely loved it, and I wished I hadn't sold it. The GB500S if it appears will join my stable.

[@ostevoostevo1592]

Hi Stuart! or "ey oop". I lived in Yorkshire as a kid . Burley-in Wharfdale. My dad worked for AE ( Associated Engineering ) in Bradford. in the very early 60s.Great video as always. I'm now the proud owner of a Honda CB 350 Highness and am loving it. I've done about 120 km so far...still running the engine in. I live in Taiwan and Honda Taiwan don't yet officially sell it here . But a local motorbike dealership imports them from India and mine arrived a week or two ago. I prefer the Highness in looks to the GB 350. Nicer exhaust with IMO a better , deeper throb. Thump, thump, thump...Separate saddles for rider and pillion, round indicators I prefer the colour too. Deep red or maroon it's still got the 'saree guard' which my wife appreciates!. Fortunately the colour I prefer is the cheapest option. It only cost 3,000 pounds , brand new which is amazing value I really like Royal Enfield , the Classic 350 in particular.However they aren'y yet on sale here , so I went for the Honda. Yes, it reminds me too of the CBs on sale in 69, 70..... I loved the Honda CB 750 Four and CB 500 Four. when I was a young teenager and this new CB 350 has the same lines, same basic shape although the engine is much smaller. I very much enjoy your videos Stuart and hope you keep up the great work you're doing. Please ignore the rude creeps that you talked about recently.

[@247SH]

Great video, thank you. I took my motorcycle test on a Honda CJ250. I borrowed this motorcycle for my test as my bike was in for repairs. I later owned a CB360. Not the greatest of motorcycles, but you took me down memory lane. I must have been in my late teens. I’m 63. I now own a Kawasaki Versys 650 MK2.

[@basilwatson1]

I had a cb360 ,,how was that clutch!

[@JLOSTAFF1]

If Honda made the 400/4 again they would sell loads in my humble opinion!

[@kevinmurtagh3434]

I wouldn’t want one, rode the CB one 400/4, such a disappointing machine

[@Dreddingbath]

Would surely be expensive and doubtful if they could make it meet emissions standards.

[@charlesbarnett2724]

Absolutely

[@Gary-Seven-and-Isis-in-1968]

That is indeed a beautiful idea. Sadly, I think it would be impossible to get it to be as good as an original. Just too many sensors would have to be added, it'll be crippled by modern emissions BS.

[@gunsdonovan9183]

@JLOSTAFF1 Oh man, I'm with you in that thought. Such a little honeypot of a bike, loved cruising the country roads on my bros 400/4 never ever found one that was really nice, so I never got my own. One of life's little regrets..

[@davidalau]

I appreciate that more experienced riders love “classic” styled bikes, they had a nice part in motorcycling history seeing great leaps in affordability and style. Bike stylings have indeed languished and a new way forward needs to happen. I also know that a younger generation of inspired youth will want their own style and features. The manufacturers who do that, will be the ones who make the sales; it won’t be the ones who make retro styled bikes that only appeal to aging riders. That said, it’s wonderful and we all benefit from having a wide array to select from.

[@MrTpain1945]

I have a GB500TT nearly 40 years old still runs perfect

[@anthonyintrieri3329]

My 89' gb 500 tt just hit 26k, bought it with 17k and paid what they sold for new. Spending a couple grand to freshen her up so I can safely go another 26k. Is it worth it? Hell yeah 😎 p.s. does anybody know where I can find the seat cowl ( super dark green metallic, almost looks black.) can't find one anywhere 😮

[@MrTpain1945]

Have you tried the Facebook group for XBR500 & GB500TT maybe someone can help

[@dr.chrismort8448]

Can’t blame Honda for wanting a slice of the pie as you say Stuart. They’ve got a solid history of making superb machines. I still prefer the look of the Royal Enfield engine and their reputation for solid machines grows daily. The speed camera infrastructure in the UK or cash cow dressed up as safety camera mindset means adapting to slower speed riding which I have no problem with. I think it makes for more enjoyable riding. I found this situation to be similar when riding and driving in France where although there’s less camera equipment when you get off the auto routes, when you come to a town they are nearly always 50 kph signed or not. A French cop with a handheld radar gun will cost you dearly. Long live the classic and lower capacity single and twin machines. Good narrative as always Stuart. Have a good weekend

[@paulfitzpatrick9231]

Excellent once again Stuart! The GB500? I had one back in the day and loved it! If Honda bring another 500 single out over here,I think it would be brilliant given the build quality and reliability you get with Honda.I cant wait to see it!

[@mcewan7960]

I do agree. I'm getting impatient ever since I heard about this yesterday. A single would probably give it character. Yet, I would prefer a twin 500 rather than a single. Maybe a tweaked engine from the CL500? Whatever they'll make, I'm sure Honda will nail it. Also, for once, these prices are "reasonable". I'm excited.

[@TheRoamingDelhiite]

Sir my grandfather owned a Sunbeam S7 which was sold in India, may be in the 60s or the 70s..he served in the Indian Army..I could quickly relate to it after watching the bike in this video..thank you for sharing ❤ I own a Honda Highness CB 350 here in India..honestly it is great bike to ride. 👍🏻

[@AlexNorman-g9s]

Hi Stuart, as a young man I owned a z650 and my brother had a CB750. So I am just the generation you are talking about. I have a Bullet 350 now, but if the Honda had been available, I would have got one. I've thought for a while that a cb550 may come along, so a 500 sounds good. Like many, I want a practical, comfortable all rounder, at about 50bhp. Let's see what the mighty Honda can come up with.

[@geraldscott4302]

Why are all new motorcycles so ugly? Flat black on top of flat black on top of even more flat black. These things are disgusting to look at for me. Motorcycles used to be works of art, with bright shiny paint, bright aluminum, and chrome. Just compare this thing to the beautiful 1989-1990 Honda GB500.

[@SteveInskip]

Cars are the same mate. Look in the car parks, every colour as long as it’s bland.

[@colinmartin2921]

Cost.

[@matthewloewenthal5114]

and they rusted like F**k. Also the 80’s euro style bikes were horrible to look at.

[@lordofthemound3890]

Same thing applies to bicycles these days. Ugly, disposable crap.

[@theodavies8754]

Chroming. OEM got stuck with what virtually amounts to a ban. Aftermarket don't have to comply with the same regulations. I have a 1999 HD FXDL. The plating is nothing like the quality of previous generations.

[@mikethebikemt07tracer]

I had a Honda 400N superdream for 26 years and when I sold it it was in good cosmetic and mechanical condition. They were built to last. On another note I test rode a Hunter 350 yesterday and put down my deposit this morning on a brand new 2024 bike at a 25% discount on the retail price. Can't wait for next week to come.

[@badfairy9554]

I have one. It is my dream bike. Two of my friends had one when I was a teenager.It took ten years for me to get one. Love it.

[@andreaduncan1042]

Tend to agree with you. Classic sells on nostalgia, as time goes by classic will become more modern, the Japanese phenomenon happened a long time ago now, long enough ago to become heritage.

[@stuartfillingham]

you actually put that better than i did in the video!

[@robertnelson9621]

I own this bike and it is a pain to ride. You need to keep changing gears constantly and the suspension is soft. Specs alone don't sell bikes.

[@chrisandrew852]

You're so right!... nostalgia just isn't what it used to be. :)

[@andreaduncan1042]

@@stuartfillingham thank you!

[@chrisandrew852]

I think you're right Stuart - My first bike in 1975 was the four cylinder Honda 550 super sport and I've yearned for that bike ever since. Not only did it look good but it was smooth as silk in all regards. In those days the fact that it started first time every time with the touch of a button was something to behold... not to mention that not a single drip of oil was ever seen on the garage floor. Honda had done their sums right and it was evident. These days at 70 years old I ride 650 Meteor and love that too, but, you know - like a first love, the memory is still there.

[@martinmountford3281]

Aren't we forgetting the Kawasaki W 650 and 800

[@mcewan7960]

W800 is still around and changes color every year on catalog. 2025 the W230 is coming to europe too. I think they should add a W500 or 650 to make the trilogy complete. So there will be 3 different weight categories. W230 is 145 kg wet; W500/650 would be ~180kg wet; W800 is 220 kg wet. I'm hesitating between the light weight of the 230 and the "power" of the 800. A 500 with lighter weight than the 800 but still more power than the 230 with a twin 500 would be my sweet spot. Its seems Honda follows that route with a 350 and now a 500. Now I'm more inclined to wait for 2026/2027 to buy a new ride. :/

[@twowheelsoneleg5672]

Pick of the bunch for me but I do have a think for Kawasaki

[@leswatson8563]

Must confess that my absolute Kawasaki favourite of all time was the 750 Ltd. That bike called to both my wife and myself. But as we had just bought a 4th cruiser, there was no space in our garage for anything else! Another of life's little regrets as we rode one much later and we both agreed, if only 🤦😊....

[@twowheelsoneleg5672]

@@leswatson8563 I had a LTD 1000 for a while and now have a old Z1B, Gpz750A and a modern Z900RS, Indian, Husqvarna. Just about the right mix of classic/retro and modern. Loving these wee bikes and think a RE is in my near future. Ride safe

[@Machinehead90]

I think the w650/800 are more sixties based 🤔

[@richardugo1247]

I rode around on a brand new GB 400 back in the 80s. Even 2 up it was very flickable and had a punchy motor. Just the thing for getting through city traffic just point and shoot. I am now 66 years young and am soooo glad that bikes are returning to a sense of design I can appreciate !

[@willg4944]

Aye up Stuart, another informative and interesting video from you. Being an antique motorcyclist myself, I have been basking in the resurgence of the current classic motorcycle trends of today.

[@delbertstringbreaker7686]

I would like to see a shaft driven 500 to 750 twin with hydraulic tappets, a comfortable dual seat with enough fairing to cut wind-blast but not so much as to look like the Cutty Sark under way and with 10,000 mile service intervals. A massaging back rest would be the icing on the cake but then you can't have everything!

[@geraldtakala1721]

Belt drive is better

[@geraldtakala1721]

Belt drive

[@doughoffman9463]

Spot on about the hydraulic tappets. My 2002 CB750 had them (DOHC 4 valves per cyl). 'Tune ups' were simply change the engine oil and the external spin-on oil filter. No fiddling with tappets was heaven...

[@vleessjuu]

Honda needs to revive the GL650 Silverwing with optional DCT. I'd be well up for that.

[@b.kune.4073]

100% agree. Currently looking at a NC750, very nice sound, long stroke engine. But its not looking classic, however the S version looks ok to me. But I believe a 500 single would be more fun!

[@stevewalker2047]

Good morning Stu. Another good video. Thanks for the info. I think Honda have been very wise to hold back and watch. The Honda’s of the early 70’s were, to me nice looking bikes. I think they could do well with the GB500.

[@markbrashier5882]

Well Stuart, after several years of watching and enjoying your channel. I'm now going to make a comment. The Honda GB 500TT was a cracking little bike. I rode one and throughly enjoyed the bike and was loads of fun. But like you was totally mesmerised by the multicylinders at the time. Watch out RE, honda as you say, was years ahead of the game with that little 500. It's going to be interesting times. May I say, THANK YOU, for your channel and your take on motorcycling. Thoroughly enjoyable.👍👍👍👍

[@stuartfillingham]

Thanks for that!

[@robertarcher8576]

Please Honda try to get the weight down for us oldies!

[@nhhammer8782]

And the seat height

[@johnstone7697]

My Triumph Speed 400 weighs about 375lb. wet. About the same as a 1960's 650 Bonneville. Like cars, motorcycles have become bloated.

[@kenhoward3512]

I'm very glad to hear that Honda may have plans for a GB500 for the U.S., but only if Honda uses an air-cooled single. I know that means lower-compression and lower-horsepower, and that turns off many potential buyers who are (overly-) influenced by spec sheet numbers, but it would make a lot of us, who love the simplicity and sound, if done right (with adequate vibration-attenuation), happy.

[@54macdog]

That GB500 was a fantastic bike. I'd love to its return.

[@dougsmith7580]

FINALLY a 500cc single cylinder motorcycle ! Honda has gone where Royal Enfield could not or would not go. Instead of yet another heavy, underpowered 350cc bike we get a 500 which will actually come to North America. If this bike shows up at the Motorcycle and power sports show this February I will buy it on the spot.

[@BobTaylorCruising]

Wasn't there a Classic 500 some time ago?

[@dougsmith7580]

Not a fan of the classic look.

[@spearmintvole9522]

My RE 535 Continental GT would disagree

[@travis-bickle-84]

Great content, as ever. From a loyal subscriber who watches every video to the end (except the accessories installation vids) but has no interest in owning the genre of motorcycles you typically feature (M1000XR owner), I like to keep abreast on news and opinion of all genres of motorcycles. It's nice to hear you banging on about something other than RE, BSA and Triumph for a change LOL. Just goes to show you that your content is objective and unbiased. Keep up the good work, really enjoying your content.

[@PeterWW-W]

Good morning Stuart, yes it is asthonishing they bring the nice small bikes. 6 or 7 years ago a friend of mine spoke to a Honda Manager about these nice small bikes they sell in Asia etc. That guy answered, as long we can sell the big ones in Germany or Europe, you will not find them there. Now the time seams to change. Of course they do not bring such a big profit to the dealers and manufactorers, but do we have the same amount of money in our pocket? I am very happy, that I could ride the big ones for a lot of years without soeed limit here, but I do not need that anymore. So the small ones (two 350 REs) are fast enough for me nowadays. Have a nice weekend and go into the garage and talk to your bikes, that helps all.😊

[@brunothepug8807]

Rebel from the States here. Long time subscriber to your channel. Honda must bring the 500 version to the States for success. While the North East is a bit more like rural England and you can get everywhere on side and country roads, that the is not the case in the Western States, particularly California, Nevada and Arizona. You must get on the interstate from time to time and the 350's just don't cut it when traffic flow is close to 80 mph. A 500 can handle these short stints safely. Why is there a pent up demand for these bikes? Because us baby boomers are aging out and those of us left riding are quickly downsizing for a weight class our old knees can safely hold up and our backs can tolerate pushing about the garage. I'm 64 and I have two bikes I tried to work with. A Suzuki Boulevard S40 and a rare in the US, Suzuki GW250 Inazuma. The S40 lacks refinement but does have belt drive. The Inazuma has enough top end speed but the seat height, rocket high rpm and rider triangle is more favorable to a 25 year old's spine than mine. Only RE has been taping this pool of riders. We want manageable weight, a comfortable triangle and classic looks. Honda and the other Japanese brands have the dealer network to pull it off. RE is still too thin on dealer network if you want to get out into the great expanse of the Western mountains and deserts. If Honda brings it, I will be first in line at my local dealer to give a deposit. Honda are you listening? Indian and HD went premium years ago and now are paying the piper with a much more fiscally sensitive buyer group on pensions. I remember the Nighthawk 750 4 cylinder. It wasn't a pretty bike, it had UJM ergonomics and despite it pedestrian looks it sold like crazy. The manufacturers left these sellers behind because they pushed bigger, faster and more complicated machines with a bigger price tag and profit margin. Now their dealerships are fat with rows of high priced sportbikes that kids can't buy anymore. Especially at current insurance rates!

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

The small cc engines are coming back and that is great news. I am curious about the real look of this GB. :) Nice video bro. Enjoyed.

[@paulcooke2648]

I'm definitely up the Honda GB500 🤞👍

[@NoelRoots-t1u]

@@paulcooke2648 well I keep hearing rumours of a new 500 RE but i seriously feel it is just rumour which is a pity but i have managed to squeeze way more performance from my 350 than people expect but i kinda took as written in stone that a 500 would follow the balanced 350 when it hit the streets but after a 2 year wait i couldn’t keep waiting any longer and bought the three and a half and i do love the thing i have to confess that

[@robertwilkinson2232]

You have a point stu I started riding mid 70s only ever bought Japanese bullet proof bikes never owned any thing else

[@craigbutler3378]

If Kawasaki had done the Z650 as an in line 4 air cooled as I had back in the day instead of the twin they released, there will probably be one sat in my garage now.

[@goldilocks913]

Same here!

[@christopherpekel6096]

There's no way an air cooled 4 could ever meet emissions. So it's impossible

[@goldilocks913]

@ sadly l think you’re right ☹️

[@spartan5921]

I think you must have missed the Kawasaki W650 and the Yamaha SR500 (Late1970s' early 80') as modern Classic originals. The W series Kawasaki has had a resurgence and the W175 is a beautiful bike to look at and from all intentions and reports from the Indonesian and Malaysian market. Not even available in Australia land of the "Can't let them Ride that" rule. Honda also made the GB400 in an effort to find a niche sale point, Yamaha took the venerable 250 V-Twin and made an SRV250 sport version, very nice small bike V-Twin. Even if you can only look at them for the aesthetic appeal, they do warrant a mention.

[@burtvhulberthyhbn7583]

Still happy with my 2019 Enfield Interceptor. 44,400 miles and oddly enough only my speedometer cable has broken.

[@TurboPonies]

You must be an odd biker owner type. It's better to appreciate and have compliments for one's possessions than the alternative.

[@johnrickards1908]

Honda GB500TT with the handlebar fairing and the Gilera Saturno 500 are two of the most beautiful bikes ever built (in my humble opinion). What wouldn't I give to have one, or both of these gems in my garage? Maybe £20 odd grand would do it😂.

[@davidmacgregor5193]

Hello Stuart, Don't forget about the Yamaha SR500 from 1978 to 1999, to my mind this machine using the XT500 trail bike motor and dressed up like a street bike was the first modern classic motorcycle. I remember when it was introduced in 1978, Which Bike magazine did a comparison test between the then new Yamaha SR500 against a 1960's Velocette Venom 500. That comparison showed Which Bike readers the market that the SR500 was aimed at capturing, a classic looking machine that was reliable enough to use every day without leaking oil all over the riders legs and no stripdown every other weekend to keep it running properly.

[@auntieprimrose4138]

I'm sure Yamaha got there first with the SR500, which like the Honda used the engine from the 500 trial bike in a road going frame.

[@willyrackham2957]

Interesting vlog .....a 500 cc Honda single would be just the job obviously with a balancer system .....i see Royal Enfield are launching in January the Scram 443 cc force and trail both look good 6 speed box based on the old 411 cc motor bored out 3 mm not a lot more b h p but it could be cheap and what many people have been asking for ...we will see😅

[@murrayhyde4902]

I have the 411. The 440 seems to be the same with a few weeks and improvements. It's sure to be cheap. I love the 411. The 440 should be just as good. Fun bike for the road and firetrails in oz. Muz from oz.

[@SoloBlack313]

I have a 2004 St 1300, 2001 Honda Shadow 750, in a 2003 Suzuki GSXR 600, I am 63 years old and I'll never stop riding those bikes. I love the triumph thruxton r s, whippets 95 horsepower rating , but here in America the thruxton r s 2016 is still going to $14,000 , not going to do that! I love love love love love the Royal Enfield Continental 650, about 43 horsepower, and that's not enough for this American!..lol but I love the price here in America I can pick up a Royal Enfield Continental GT 2023 for 4 and a half thousand dollars not bad. So if Honda comes up with that model you're talking about, I hope the price is around $6,000 to $7,000 starting, in about 60 horsepower. Another awesome video! Thanks for sharing.

[@tonydenial1485]

I noted Stu's comments from another video re; mental/physical health and riding so I want to impart my experiences of this year. Earlier in Spring I bought a Yamaha XSR900 and specced it with an aftermarket Nitron shock, a full Akra exhaust system, and a half fairing with bubble screen, after setting up all the sussies it rode beautifully and was very quick, I also had a Honda Forza350 for shopping runs into the village, during one these runs I got T-boned by a young guy looking at his phone which broke my ankle... damaged my shoulder, and with the cold weather arriving it plagues me still, now I am 71 and live in Spain and was in hospital for 5 days having screws and plates fitted to my ankle which is now working fine, my point is while in hospital I decided to give up 2 wheels, the scoot was sold immediately, and the Yamaha followed soon after to a friend who cared for my dogs while I was in hospital, during these last few months since April I've found myself getting a bit apathetic and some days don't bother going out or do anything, when I was riding I would train..watch what I ate..all to be able to fit into my gear and ride, so after seeing this video I think the answer is not to give up... but to downsize and re-evalueate my expectations, the Yam was far too quick for me to enjoy in a relaxed manner and my mind kept running through various scenarios where I wouldn't be coming home to my dogs, so I think the Honda 500 or RE equivalent has some relevance to my life before I devolve into depression and senility !!!

[@pastorbobncc365]

I've always loved the GB500 single have a blessed week my friend

[@KRAM-zb2vc]

Brilliant video as always Stuart and I can't wait to get a look at this new Honda 😃👍🏻

[@carltonwittland1300]

Hi Stuart. Back in 1987 I can remember a work colleague riding a Honda XBR 500 single which at the time I thought was a very practical good looking bike with a lovely sounding exhaust. I believe it was a slow seller in the U.K as we youngsters back then wanted multi large cc bikes. My bike at the time was a Honda CBX550 and even that wasn't big enough!! Looking around the NEC Birmingham bike show there were a lot of lovely bikes but some just too big for our crowded roads and too expensive. I welcome what Royal Enfield and now Honda are doing. Making sensible affordable bikes that all people can afford to buy new. Even Triumph is now seeing the big picture. Thanks again for the excellent content 👍

[@sergemoreillon1236]

Thank you Stuart! My hope is that the GB500 mono will push RE to make a classic 500... But I doubt it because of the new Classic 650... The Scram 440 is a subject for one of your next video I suppose 😃

[@soviethog7874]

hello stuart, the bike you see in the video is called CB350 here in india. And it been on the market for a while. To be fair its not the best seller here. But do have a cult followers. We also gets this same bike in different names using the same engine. Its the same bike with a bit of styling change. its somewhat of a shame that honda did a carbon copy of the RE classic 350.

[@petemcclelland9067]

Honda also made the ft500 imported to nz, sadly too expensive for me at the time. It was a flat trackeresque type bike ahead of its time

[@marksullivan8200]

Don't forget the formidable Yamaha Rd 350 & Rd 400 that terrified even experienced riders in the 80s with their cafe racers 2 stroke monsters of yesteryear

[@chrisweeks6973]

Back in '84 I had a '79-model Yamaha SR500 single here in Oz. If Honda (or Yamaha) were to bring out a modern version of that classically-styled bike, I'd definitely be interested, especially if the weight was close to the 158kg dry of the original. At 79, heavy bikes (say 230kg+) are getting a bit too much for me.

[@farmoboy83]

Have you tried the kawa z650rs? Under 190kg with fuel and the same engine as the ninja 650.

[@funkygrib1]

Loved the SR500 unfortunatly never owned 1 at that age i was on the bhp merry go round, reminded me of a flat tracker 1/2 mile bike

[@chrisweeks6973]

@@farmoboy83 No, I haven't; the boss wants me to keep my Guzzi Breva 750 and I'm only allowed one bike now. Reasonable, as she's seen four different bikes in our yard in the past three years! 🤣

[@chrisweeks6973]

@@funkygrib1 Yes, they were nice. It was preceded by a new Kawasaki Z750L1, which was a completely different beast.

[@funkygrib1]

@chrisweeks6973 omg, I had a 750S about 2005 it was a budget rerelease 1/4 fairing less bhp more torque, it was a great all rounder, good at nowt but fine at everything and cheap.

[@UnconsciousCompetence]

As someone who's first contact with a motorcycle was as a mildly terrified 13 year old pillion on a Honda CB 750, I am extremely interested in the birth of a modern classic UJM movement. As someone who grow up to be a middle-aged Honda fanboy, I would probably buy one.

[@davidwood974]

Hope Honda brings this to the US, I’d take one! Perfect to pair with my ADV bike.

[@wildnfrantic1015]

I saw this at Motorcycle Live, and for me, Honda are onto a winner with this machine - I believe it's even made in Japan

[@jasonhoward9029]

I so love the 350 look, the tank is exactly like the old Dream 250 had... I will have one as soon as I can get one here in Germany... Ideal second bike..

[@The1977andi]

I sat on the gb350 at motorcycle live, very uncomfortable compared with the hunter 350, seat was to high( or should I say too wide which made it feel higher) and it was quite a lean forward riding position, I did like the look of the bike though.

[@simtalkayak]

Ok, so my two cents on this range, is that they should stick to air-cooled engines and I would be perfectly happy with a twin for the 500+- model. I think the focus should be on the relaxed nature of the Air-cooled engines as opposed to outright performance.. and it would be nice of them to engineer a little "imperfection"/character into them. If H has in fact targeted some of RE's pie, it would make sense for them to go after similar attributes, like a similar character, relaxed, comfortable, and NOT perfect. So Honda will, ironically, have to go in the complete opposite direction that they've been marching towards. (Modern, perfect, bikes)

[@juliandone15]

I thought the XBR500 was a very pretty bike.... so I bought one. I had it for 10 years and then sold it to my brother-in-law. The GB400/500 was available as a gray import from Japan. It was a similar engine to the XR500 and Dominator 650. Mash now use this motor in their XT500 copy, the X-ride 650

[@adampatterson707]

I graduated from a 1978 DT100 to a 1976 CB360 when I turned 16 in 1981. There were so many parallel twins to choose from back then. I remember thinking how me and my riding buddies though that we had the world by it's horns. We finally had bikes that could easily blow past 60 and leave most any car in our dust when the light turned green. I've never owned a liquid cooled bike. Not saying i never will but the music from a air cooled bike just talks to my soul.

[@1990-t1j]

Interesting video, Stuart. I like this bike. A GB500 would be fantastic. I remember the old GB500 single. A forthcoming bike that interests me is the Royal Enfield Scram 440. 443cc. You probably won't get it in GB/EU. Nick

[@tonyegan4651]

I recall the Kawasaki z400 twin from 1975. Could have bought one new then ( I was 23 at the time) $800 AU. Could be an inspiration for them in the retro modern game? Tony Brisbane 🇦🇺

[@scottastell9415]

Yes, I think Honda will create a sales winner. Better if motor was a twin like CB350 of 1968, the red one, I once owned in 1972.

[@ailanthuscapo]

Back in the 80’s I enjoyed the Honda CX500 (V2 similar to Moto Guzzi). That was a wonderful machine!

[@jefflambert8603]

Lovely Looking Bike I had an XBR 500 Single years ago now is the Perfect Time to Launch the GB 350 in the UK

[@anthonylulham3473]

I have a Fantic Cabellero 500 (449CC the Italians like some rounding up) and its a wonderful size bike. light and easy to throw around, strong enough to comfortably take a pillion, a Throaty pop from its exhaust and able to pop wheelies with ease. If you're doing a lot of long riding with a pillion or heavy saddle bags id go to a 600CC but for a mucking about bike to get from A to B or A back to A on country roads, a 500CC is perfect. 1100CC is just so so massive and theres nowhere you can actually unleash all that power.

[@lshort8842]

I think next year will be a better sales year for motorcycles. We are in a new financial era, and confidence is returning to the marketplace.

[@stevet599]

The "Tea Stop" (forgot the name) in your video is a great place to see ALL types of bikes coming and going. Actually saw that Sunbeam on one of trips home from Canada to see Mum!

[@cynthiakoehne7004]

do not forget the Yamaha 400 throwback we have here in the U.S. my neighbor loves his!

[@jeroenbeltman515]

Can't wait to welcome that GB500S. I had a few Honda's in the past, all 550 fours. Great machine, lovely sound, agile, powerful. Let's not forget HANDSOME, uff

[@matusknives]

It just hit me, the some 30 odd years into the future, some south american bike company will be making a fortune by introducing bikes reminiscent of today's Yamaha MT-09, Kawasaki Z H2 and Suzuki Katana, just electric. ANd people will discuss, whether the fake water cooler is done right. Lol!!! Now back to topic. GB500S sounds great - it will fit well into the existing scene of classic naked bikes. I am really looking forward to learn more about it.

[@CraigEvans-hg1db]

I bought a new RE Classic 350 last year and I love it but since I heard that honda were gonna release this in UK I've watched all the videos and I love it

[@DexterDexter123]

stick a flatter seat and tail tidy in that and it’d look perfect. 850 up would be pref for me though.

[@paulshenton6527]

Had a 400 four import i built. Used it for years. Now if they did a 500 four i would be there like a shot to get one.

[@borderlands6606]

As a fan of utilitarian motorcycles, this is a welcome innovation. However, much of the clamour for retro classics has been for the shiny, 1960s-looking stuff, with alloy wheeled variants and bikes like the Hunter 350 and Shotgun 650 selling less well, at least in the UK. Whether the might of Honda will convinced the die hard "Japanese-or-nowt" brigade to reassess their stylistic and displacement prejudices, is another question.

[@geekylucas]

Hi from Australia. I’ve been on a GB350 for the last 12 months and I’m quite happy with it. We don’t have the GB350S though (yet). Both models are available in Japan I believe.

[@dashamac]

*please be a 500 air/oil cooled twin, please be a 500 air/oil cooled twin... Thank you, Stuart.

[@thierrymatter3124]

I watch this vidéo from France . And the comments are not your comments. Instead I have French comments from a robot or a computer. I prefer when it is your voice and your comments. Have a good day. Thierry a French suscriber.

[@stuartfillingham]

Ah i think this is a new feature. I believe you can turn it off.

[@timboharty7325]

@@stuartfillinghamI live in Austria , I’m still getting Stu in good old English !

[@stephanerivard4518]

It's not available in Canada at least in Québec for sure, maybe in the future and that go as well for the 500, with that look maybe I would have get one instead of the Interceptor, well maybe not. I love my Int 650 too much. Keep the good work!

[@brettwicks7339]

GB500 , i think it would be a good seller , hopefully it becomes available here in Australia if it is manufactured .

[@needsmokes2410]

100% going to be getting myself a GB350S as a second bike to my Xadv750. Can't wait to ride it all over Devon & Cornwall.

[@tonyharms7430]

I had a Kawasaki 750 twin (the Bonneville copy you mention) and I remember heading south from Brockenhurst to catch the IOW ferry and waiting at the level crossing beside a Honda 550 (500?) ridden by an old bloke (lot younger than I am now I expect). I remember how much I liked the look of the bike ("Classic styling - that means its ripped off from Royal Enfield" as a contemporary magazine put it). When I got to Lymington he pulled up beside me and remarked how he'd been surprised at how I'd gone off like a bat out of hell. The bends were indeed too much for me and he was right up to me when we stopped. Good days - at least in reminiscence.

[@greatbigeye2506]

American here, I was only in diapers in the ‘70s and would love to have a GB500 single as a second smaller bike as long as it has cast wheels, minimal chrome, and a super light clutch pull like Honda’s modern 300 and 500 bikes.

[@robbikebob]

I nearly bought an XBR 500 in the 90s but the dealership couldn't get it running. I think the GB with spoked wheels wasn't officially offered in the uk. I think I'd still have bought my enfield 350 as I think the Honda will have "character" engineered out of it. But I'd seriously consider a 500 version.... think, until recently at least, the old XBR single has been powering many a Chinese 400/500 retro, built under licence...

[@markkumanninen6524]

I liked the old GB500 a lot, and researching it I read somewere that it was designed along the lines of Velocette Thruxton, another old fave of mine. I'm more into dual sports, but as a second ride this type of new/old would fit my garage nicely.

[@timparker9235]

if they get this right then I'm interested - twin exhausts and faux cooling fins please Honda! saw the 350 at the NEC and couldn't believe the price tag - everyone I spoke to agreed that these bikes SHOULD fly off the shelves at < £4K

[@Phiyedough]

I did own a Honda XBR500 and always liked the look of the GB500TT. Actually my XBR appeared in Real Classic magazine so that must have been a model that appealed to classic bike enthusiasts. It had a kickstart as well as electric start and did have the right thumper sound.

[@juliandone15]

I never used the electric start on my XBR500. It never seemed to have the power to turn the engine over

[@TheCoopdway]

Thanks for this one! Had a friend here in the US that had a GB500 and found out too late that it was gone….a major disappointment.

[@aashutoshbhagat2677]

A 500 or 525cc single cylinder air+oil cooled engine producing around 30,32hp and 42nm torque would be great but it should have a 6 speed gearbox otherwise there is no point of a big engine 😅. See right now the CB350 Highness Or GB350 as you all call it has a problem of gearing on highways. The 5th gear acts like a 6th gear on highways and people expected it to have power for overtakes which is not the case .

[@pjp6134]

May I correct you Stuart. Yamaha were the first to do a modern retro with the SR500 in 1978. I remember a two wheels test where it was compared to a Velocette 500. That bike became a collectors item. I'm keen to see a GB500 come back. I owned a 400 and a 500. The 500 looked exactly like the maroon one you showed with the clubman style single seat. Cheers from a Kiwi nzder.