Honda GB350 2024 Review

Having arrived on Australian soil seemingly out of the blue without little fanfare, the 2024 Honda GB350 is actually a tried and tested motorbike by most peoples’ standards. In India it’s called the H’ness (as in Highness) CB350, and it has been giving the Royal Enfield 350s a playful nudge over there for the last few years.

The CB name alone stirs up feelings of nostalgia, and the classic styling is reminiscent of a plethora of Honda models from a bygone era. Perhaps it’s closest inspiration, as well as namesake, is the GB250, available throughout most of the 1980s. Sold only in Japan, it was a lightweight single cylinder 250cc, and the grey imports that made it to Australia have become hot property for customisation.

With an air-cooled single-cylinder engine and minimal bodywork, the Honda GB350 exudes an attitude of less is best. Chrome elements such as the mirrors, header pipe, exhaust, swingarm, forks, and Honda tank badge add a touch of class, complementing the silky matte finish of the tank, side covers and fenders. At 181kg the GB350 is a middleweight LAMS machine and should appeal to various sized riders.

Oh, to be a learner rider again…the current offerings seem endless. But even if you’re not, the Honda GB350 could tempt logically minded city commuters that are looking for a reliable bike with minimal running costs, and still want to look cool.

For $6990 plus on-roads (or about $8016 ride away) the Honda GB350 represents good value for money. It is a solid Japanese motorcycle with a built-to-last feel to it.

The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is probably its closest competitor, and the GB350 comes in at around $500 more. The difference in performance is negligible, with similar horsepower claims, and the Honda puts out 3Nm more torque, so the buyer decision will likely come down to personal taste. 

The air-cooled OHC single-cylinder 348cc engine puts out a claimed max of 20.8hp at 5,500rpm, and 30Nm at 3,000rpm, while the low compression ratio of 9.5:1 gives an indication of the easy-going nature of the GB350. Fuel injection improves efficiency, and the assist/slipper clutch makes shifting through the 5-speed gearbox a simple operation.

The GB350 rolls on a set of Dunlop Arrowmax GT601 tyres, which are a popular option for modern classic motorcycles. They are nimble at low speed, planted at highway speed, and offer plenty of all-weather grip.

The inverted telescopic forks are non-adjustable and allow 106mm travel, while the twin rear shocks have adjustable preload, with 120mm travel. The frame is a semi double cradle made from steel, and brakes consist of a single 310mm disc up front, and a single 240mm disc at the rear. While rudimentary, the package provides intuitive handling and strong stopping power for the price point.

Front and rear ABS brakes, and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), or traction control, ensure the GB350 is on its best behaviour. The HSTC is switchable via a button at the side of the display, so your Instagram followers can still cop an eyeful of your dirt burnouts. The other button toggles between trip meter, fuel economy etc, which is displayed within a small LCD screen.

The round headlamp, rear taillight and indicators are all LED, blending modern technology with a classic layout. If you have a Bluetooth headset you can sync your Android or iOS via the Honda Smartphone Voice Control System (HSVCS) which will allow you to navigate, make and receive calls, and generate and respond to text messages, hands free.

The Australian launch commenced at the Honda Australia Rider Training (HART) facility in Somerton. Our fleet of GB350s were newly assembled with only a few kilometres on the odometer, and we acquainted ourselves with them briefly by cutting a few laps of the training track, before heading off towards Port Melbourne.

Aside from a slight fuelling hesitation on take-off, the GB350 is a smooth accelerator (the splutter seems to improve as we clock up kilometres). I’d prefer it to be punchier off the line, as I found myself feeding a few extra revs before releasing the clutch to get a better jump, but on the plus side the GB350 isn’t at all snatchy and is very easy to ride slowly. In fact, the taller gearing strikes a sensible compromise here as the GB350 will cruise at 100km/h with ease. So easily in fact, there is hardly a need for 5th gear most of the time, especially if you need decent acceleration to change lanes or overtake.

I often found myself opting for 3rd gear when I needed enough oomph to manoeuvre my way through the chaotic Friday afternoon traffic on the way back. Surprisingly, 3rd gear sustained 100km/h, until I hit the rev limiter at 110km/h. The analogue speedo is easy to read and adds retro appeal, but I reckon a tacho would be a welcome addition to help keep it in the sweet spot considering the GB350 hits its peak torque at 3,000rpm.

The GB350 is ergonomically ideal for someone of my stature but the taller riders didn’t look terribly cramped. The ride position is upright and relaxed, and I had a bit of fun with the heel/toe gear shifter, even though I had to move my foot off the peg to heel shift up.

I lost count of how many times I tooted the horn instead of hitting the indicator switch. I got used to the position eventually, but I had to look down a lot, and in doing so it was impossible to ignore the ample space available on the switch block to accommodate a more favourable layout.

The suspension/chassis package feels ample for the weight and power of the GB350, absorbing most bumps graciously, and 166mm of ground clearance makes for smooth kerb hopping. The classic shaped chrome mirrors look neat, offer clear vision and are easy to adjust, holding their position well.

As we cruised the bayside parade between Port Melbourne and St Kilda I relished in the joyous, light-hearted bop of the little thumpers I was surrounded by, though I could barely hear my own as the sound exited the stylish exhaust way behind me. The sound turned plenty of heads too. Fuel economy readings were varying, but I regularly saw figures such 36km and 39km per litre, so you could reasonably expect over 500kms from a full tank.

Luggage options for the GB350 include a rear seat bag ($234.30 + $17.60 attachment), small left side saddlebag ($266.20 + $120 mounting bracket) or small right side saddlebag ($290.40 + $132 mounting bracket), and a large left side saddlebag ($313.50 + $120 mounting bracket).

For wind protection there is a meter visor ($55) and a long visor ($66), as well as a backrest option ($104.50).

You could turn the GB350 into a funky little cafe racer by adding a special stitched seat in brown or black for $165, and the single seat cowl for $55. Other accessories include side tank pads for $33, chrome side cover garnish for $55, front fork boots for $22, knuckle guards for $27.50, and wide step footpads for $33.

Peace of mind and value for money are huge considerations for new and budget conscious riders, and the GB350 will deliver both, with some added street credibility. Generous service intervals will help keep running costs down.

Bred with the inner city in mind, the GB350 ducks and weaves through traffic with the greatest of ease. It is a solid, well finished Japanese motorbike that won’t put a foot wrong. What a loveable little thumper!   

ENGINE
Type: Air-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder, two-valve
Capacity: 348cc
Bore x stroke: 70 x 90.5
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Starter: Electric
Fuel system: Fuel Injection

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 20.8 hp @ 5,500rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 30 Nm @ 3,000rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: 5-speed
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Slip and Assist

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: Steel semi double cradle frame
Front suspension: Inverted telescopic fork, non adjustable, 106mm travel
Rear suspension: Twin shocks, adjustable preload, 120mm travel
Front brakes: Single 310mm disc, ABS
Rear brakes: Single 240mm disc, ABS
Tyres (F): 100/90-19
Tyres (R): 130/70-18

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Overall length: 2,163mm
Overall width: 800mm
Overall height: 1,107mm
Ground clearance: 166mm
Seat height: 800mm
Wheelbase: 1,441mm
Fuel capacity: 15 litres
Claimed kerb weight: 181kg

OTHER STUFF
Price: $6,990 plus on roads ($8016 ride away)
Colours: Matt Jeans Blue Metallic or Matt Pearl Morion Black
Warranty: 24 months
Service Intervals:
1st - 1,000 kms
2nd - 12,000 kms
3rd - 24,0000 kms then every 12,000 kms