Honda GB 350 S 2026 — Specifications

Bringing (finally) its GB 350 S to the European market, Honda offers a true Classic motorcycle in its lineup. The brand has rarely had great success with this type of retro machines – the CB 1100 EX/RS did not find enthusiasm despite their real qualities and a fair amount of finish; the CB 750 Seven Fifty had a long career but without real impact. Briefly, Honda has not drawn its ace like Triumph with its Bonneville.

But it’s very different with the GB 350. The bike has been on the Indian market for several years and has been a success since it appeared under the identity CB 350 H’ness. It took until 2025 to see it arrive, with its Japanese name and adorable face of an old, kind motorcycle.

Except it’s not a dilapidated grandma built on old plans that Honda has refreshed. The GB 350 S was a total novelty upon its release, and it remains so for us. It draws inspiration from the GB 400 / 500 of the 80s, a type of café-racers paying homage to the English sporty singles of the belle époque. With its perfectly vintage design, this feeling of simplicity, this obvious and playful approach to the pleasure of motorcycling, the Honda instantly appeals. The fork gaiters and red stitching on the seat add that little extra touch of charm.

The engine also contributes a lot to this effect. A true old-school single, mounted almost vertically and honoring its machined cooling fins. It is neither exuberant, nor majestic, nor timid: it is simply beautiful, naturally beautiful. The ideal would be to remove the lambda sensor located a few centimeters from the cylinder head to perfect the visual interest. One would want to bring their nose closer to smell the gasoline and tickle the carburetor. But no, this 348 cm3 engine is one with modern solutions (PGM-FI injection, oil projection optimization internal valve, HSTC torque control, assist and slipper clutch) and others much more "old school” (1 ACT, 2 valves, long-stroke architecture, air cooling, low compression ratio). Add to that 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 type of mechanics, the watts are never very violent. The block delivers 21 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. As the GB 350 S weighs 178 kg ready to ride, it’s like having the power of a 125 improved. But the more important torque, 3.1 mkg at 3,000 rpm, should provide a more responsive feel. This motorcycle shows, both in its style and in its engine, that it wants a cool ride with a good dose of elegance and patinaed discretion. However, do not think about quickly overtaking. We are in the exact opposite of a 390 Duke or an MT-03.

The chassis is based on the same principle of simplicity. With a central truss and simple cradle steel frame, 41 mm forks, two rear shock absorbers, no suspension adjustment, braking ensured by a 310 mm front disc and its 2-piston caliper, as well as its 240 mm rear pot with one piston, a remarkable 43° steering angle and tires that are not too wide (110 and 150), the rider sits on the most obvious and most simplified definition of a roadster. Like a loaf of bread from the baker, among croissants, sporty bread, with nuts, gluten-free, with chorizo, etc.

To the point that one would expect to find a good old speedometer with a trembling needle. It will be better than that. The needle is there, but coexists with a digital screen for the engaged gear, the fuel gauge and some information. The GB 350 S is also seduced by a circular (vintage) headlight with multiple LED stages (not vintage), LED turn signals with ESS emergency brake signal function and automatic shutoff, and of course the mandatory ABS.

We like this machine. The hexagonal market is not really fond of this type of bike with this displacement, but we applaud this type of jovial incursion, as with the Meguro S1. Honda has decided to really give the GB 350 S a chance with a floor price of 4599 euros, the price of a 125. In the same range, one finds a Royal-Enfield 350 Meteor (as if by chance) or a Benelli 400 Imperiale.

M.B - Photos manufacturer