Honda GB350 Review
From the MY BIKE section of the Webike Community, the "Owner Review Summary" introduces various motorcycles based on the voices of owners who actually ride or have been riding it. In this issue, we bring you the real voices of owners about "GB350"!
This is what the GB350 is!
It is fair to say that current motorcycle trends have changed. Until recently, adventure motorcycles led the industry. At present, the classic models are a hit and seem to be leading the way.
Honda's Rebel hit is still fresh in our memories, but the GB350 has become so popular that people are now lining up to buy it. Originally, the GB was a model for Southeast Asia, but as soon as it went on sale in Japan, it became a huge hit, and its sales volume is still increasing, as if ADV had never existed.
The secret to its popularity is probably first of all its price. Nowadays, when all motorcycles have gone up in price, and even a 250cc motorcycle costs over 4,000 USD, a 350cc motorcycle costs a whopping 4,400 USD, including tax. That is approx. 400 USD less than the Rebel 250.
The next attraction is the styling. It is not a fashionable motorcycle, nor does it pursue high performance, but rather follows the basic form of motorcycles that have been around since ancient times. Its timeless style seems to be accepted by all generations and both men and women.
Seeing an increasing number of GB users on Webike, let's hear what they have to say. One of the advantages that stands out is the ability to drive slowly. They find it pleasant to ride slowly with the rhythmic sound of a single cylinder. The sound quality and volume of the OEM exhaust system are also said to be just right. The motorcycle also has excellent fuel economy. In city driving, the motorcycle achieves 38km/L. There seems to be room for further improvement if the motorcycle is driven more efficiently.
On the other hand, one of the disadvantages seen is that the high gear setting makes the motorcycle start sluggishly if the driver does not pay attention to the semi-clutch. The lack of a tachometer is also seen as a disadvantage. The lights are dim, which may not be a bad thing if we say that the price is right, but since the product has been such a hit, we hope that the next time the product is improved, we will be able to expect more.
Sorry to say, but a good, inexpensive motorcycle has returned to the modern age. The GB350 is not a dream machine that is hard to reach, but a life-size motorcycle that anyone can afford. It will definitely contribute to the revitalization of the motorcycle industry in the future.
A quick summary of GB350
Advantage
- When you open the throttle at startup, the sound is as loud as a big motorcycle.
- Good fuel economy performance that may reach 50km/L if driven at a constant speed.
- The handling feels closer and the upper body is more relaxed
- Less rubbing of the footpeg and exhaust system
Disadvantage
- There was no space for loading and it was difficult to install the ETC.
- Meter letters are small and hard to read for the elderly.
- LED lights, but feel dark on suburban streets at night.
Foot grounding
Approximately 50% of riders in the 166-170 cm height range reported that the foot grounding of the GB350 "lifts off the heel".
GB350 Owner's Voice
KSK
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | I own an SR400 Type 4 and rented it to compare for reference as a rental bike coupon was about to expire. |
|---|---|
| Pros/Satisfactions | 1. Good volume and sound quality of OEM exhaust system. If weight reduction is not necessary, this might be enough. 2. Brakes both front and rear work well enough and are easy to control. 3. The handling feels close and the upper body is relaxed 4. If it can be driven at a constant speed, it can exceed 50 kilometers per liter. 5. Absorbs fine bumps on the road surface nicely even at higher speeds. 6. Footpegs and exhaust system are raised up to prevent rubbing. 7. If you like the embellishment not too strong, it's good for you, although I prefer it to work just a little bit more. |
| Cons/Dissatisfactions | 1. High gear setting, so it is difficult to get up to speed at the start unless you use a half-crake to get the revolutions up. 2. There is no tachometer, and the rev limiter in 2nd gear is set at 80 km/h, so the motorcycle revs up just before you get to the next gear. 3. The motorcycle seems to be on a very high throttle and hits the stopper frequently, which amplifies the image of the motorcycle not performing. 4. The throttle seems to be at the high throttle as well, and the throttle unexpectedly moves excessively over bumps and other obstacles when the motorcycle is at a relaxed pace. It is tiring to prevent this from happening. 5. Almost no acceleration in 4th or 5th gear from 120 km/h. 6. The indicator lever is a little far back, so it is hard to put out the indicator to the left with winter gloves. 7. Stalled while idling in neutral during rental. Idle rpm too low? 8. Maybe it's the tires, but I hear a roaring sound at about 70~90 km/h and it tires me out. 9. Helmet holder is too close to the rear suspension and difficult to use. 10. Drove 200 km and refueled 8 liters, only 25 km per liter. The motorcycle did not start. 11. The stepped seat makes the position fixed and not relaxing. 12. The part of the tank where the knees hit the tank, the part widens as you go up, so the knees go down and it is hard to hold on to them. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | If it is possible to use lower throttle, lower gears, and other brands of tires, it could be better! Long touring looks better without S |
8910
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | When I was getting old and thought my old X4 couldn't handle it anymore, I found out it was going to be released. Since I had previously driven three GB250s, I decided to purchase one as soon as I heard it was going to be called GB. No comparison vehicle. |
|---|---|
| Pros/Satisfactions | Retro look. I like the feeling that I don't have to go fast. I like that I can drive slowly and leisurely. Easy seating posture. The seesaw-type pedal is interesting. The sound is good. |
| Cons/Dissatisfactions | I might regret buying it too early when GB500 or something comes out due to the strong sales. I had little space to install ETC (the dealer had a hard time installing this one) and a driver's license recorder (I had to cut and shave a lot of places for this one), etc. I had a hard time. The text in the meter is small. (It's hard for an old man to see.) Not a complaint about the motorcycle, but I was unable to purchase it at a motorcycle shop I have had a relationship with for a long time because it was sold exclusively by Dream Stores. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | Too many sales. I know it's a selfish wish, but it would be a little awkward if we passed each other on the street one after the other, so please don't buy it, everyone. lol |
Naochin
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | I saw H'ness in a motorcycle magazine at work and fell in love at first sight (lol). I called a nearby Honda Dream to make an appointment but was told that only in-person visits would be accepted, so I went straight to Honda on my way home from work and made a reservation right away! I was told it would be delivered after GW, but it was delivered just before GW and I drove 2000km in GW (lol). |
|---|---|
| Pros/Satisfactions | Classic looks, but the engine sounds great! When you open the throttle at an intersection and start off, you can start off with a sound as loud as a big motorcycle. It is a motorcycle that can be ridden in the city or on the mountain roads! |
| Cons/Dissatisfactions | The lights are dark, lol! Even though it is LED, it is a bit dark, and not so good on suburban roads at night. It's good enough for city riding. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | This is a motorcycle that I would like to ride for a long time, and I recommend it to anyone who really wants to ride a motorcycle with such a classic appearance but with the latest equipment. It is not for those who want classicism down to performance and equipment. |
