From the Webike Community's My Bike, the "Owner Review Summary" introduces various motorcycles based on the voices of owners who actually ride or have ridden them. This time, here's what the owners have to say about Honda「GB350S」.
To be honest, the Honda "GB350S" is this kind of bike!
When we think of big singles, the first thing that comes to mind is Yamaha's SR400 with an air-cooled single-cylinder engine, but production ended with the final edition in 2021. The Honda GB350 series appeared to replace the SR400. The characteristic feature of this model is its big single, air-cooled single-cylinder engine, which has a long stroke (bore and stroke: 70.0 x 90.5 mm), which is rare for Honda in recent years. The engine has a long stroke (bore and stroke: 70.0 x 90.5 mm), which is rare among Honda engines in recent years.
Based on the GB350, the GB350S is a variation model with enhanced driving sports performance. Although the body looks almost the same, there are many unexpected differences. The width has been widened by 20 mm for sportier driving, the wheel size has been changed from 18 inches to 17 inches (but the tire outer diameter is almost the same), and the internal structure has also been changed from bias tires to radial tires.
In addition, the handlebar grip position is offset forward and slightly farther than on the GB350, and the footpeg is rear set. The step is also back-stepped. The rider's posture is slightly more forward, creating a sporty position.
The differences in the exterior are listed below: side cover shape, headlight shape, LED indicator, muffler shape and installation angle, seat, tail cowl, side stand shape, and so on.
You will be surprised at how many parts have different specifications.
However, the engine specifications are the same in both vehicles, and the vibration produced by the engine, the pulse of the exhaust, and the torque generated by the rear wheels kicking the ground are all used to create a "pleasant feeling of the engine's pulse.
How do Webike users feel about GB350S?
GB350S
Average price of the new model: (approx.) 4039 USD
Used model price: (approx.) 4073 USD
Number of reviews: 2
Data as of September 25, 2023
Average owner satisfaction is 4.33 out of 5 (98 ratings).
It should be noted that all of the ratings, with the exception of load ability, received a high score of more than 4.4 points. Additionally, the average score for the six items is 4.33, slightly higher than the GB350's 4.13.
While the number of evaluators is small (98), the model appears to be well-balanced overall and highly satisfactory.
GB350S, Quick Summary
Advantage
- Unique heartbeat and exhaust sound due to the long stroke
- You can ride a domestic air-cooled single-cylinder neo-retro bike.
- Fuel economy is not bad, and the tank capacity is large.
- Easy to handle
Disadvantage
- Unimaginably inefficient from the engine displacement
- If you want to do long-distance touring using high speed, you can't deny that it is underpowered.
- If you are looking for speed and performance, you would be happier to buy a modern 250cc bike.
- The foot grounding is not good.
GB350S Owner's Voice
Here are some of the most impressive voices among the many reviews.
Keina (2023 Model)
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | Sick of bikes that were rushed by high-revving engines, he switched to a GB350S with a quiet, low-revving torque engine. |
|---|---|
| Advantages/Satisfactory points | The unique heartbeat and exhaust sound of a long stroke. The engine is tenacious even at low rpm, which would normally cause the engine to stall. It rides on ordinary roads with no complaints at all. Surprisingly, it can be ridden on highways at speeds of 100 km/h or less without any worries. The vehicle's lightweight and off-road steering angle make it easy to maneuver, and it can easily make a U-turn in a single pass, making it perfect for just driving down any road that strikes your fancy. |
| Disadvantages/Dissatisfactory points | It is so inefficient that it is hard to imagine from its displacement. It is impossible to ride uphill unless you gear down. If you are looking for speed and performance, you will be happier buying a modern 250cc bike. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | Because it is a popular bike. If you buy a bike just because it looks stylish, you will definitely regret it. If you don't buy one after spending half a day test-riding it and understanding the advantages of GB, you will definitely change your mind within a year. It is perfect for those who want to enjoy the scenery while being surrounded by the unique vibration, exhaust sound, and torque. |
Atsuro (2023 Model)
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | I was looking for a neo-retro bike for my first mid-size bike and fell in love at first sight. Especially, I can't get enough of the doughy tank and the nearly flat line from the tank to the seat on the www. I liked the look of the stock type better, but the riding posture of the S was more suitable for me, and after thinking about it, I decided on the S. As a comparison, There were no new SR400s for sale, and the basic design was older than the GB, but the used market price was rising steadily, so it was hard to get a hold of one. There is no Royal Enfield dealer near me, and I have a personal bias against foreign cars, including custom-made ones, so I decided not to go for it. I am envious of the 17-inch front and rear models, though. |
|---|---|
| Advantages/Satisfactory points | The best thing about this bike is that it is a domestic, air-cooled, single-cylinder, neo-retro bike that is currently available. The S-type is not very fast compared to the standard bike, and the riding posture and other details are a little different, but the ride quality is mild for a single-cylinder bike. It is also very cost-effective considering the price of a new bike, its fuel efficiency is not bad, and it has a large tank capacity, so I think it is a great companion for traveling. |
| Disadvantages/Dissatisfactory points | I am 180cm tall, and the width of the seat and the overhang of the side covers make the footing not too firm. Also, although I knew this from the test drive, the revs are low, probably because of the emphasis on torque, and I will consider replacing it when I want to enjoy long-distance driving (mainly on highways). Lastly, I was a little disappointed that the steering wheel was changed from chrome to gunmetal, although this is only for the new model of 2011. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | As for the ride, I think it is perfect for first-time mid-size or return riders. Many people like the look of the bike, and I think it would be fun to customize it to your own color over time. However, it does not have a good suspension, and if you want to do frequent long-distance touring at high speeds, you cannot deny that it is underpowered, so we strongly recommend that you take it for a thorough test ride. |
Check out GB350S's competitors
In the absence of Yamaha's SR400, the GB350S's rival would be the GB350 from the same series.
Although it is difficult to tell the difference at a glance, the difference in character between the two vehicles lies in their sportiness.
The "S" in GB350S naturally means "sport," and the riding position is set slightly more forward-leaning than that of the unbranded model, with a deeper bank angle created by the muffler installation position and step position. The "S" stands for "sport," of course. The front tires are still 19-inch wheels, but the rear tires are 20 mm wider radial tires to make it easier to take corners on the "S" model.
In other words, if you want to drive leisurely and leisurely, go for the unbranded GB350.
If you want to enjoy the sensation of driving a little more, choose the GB350S. Incidentally, the price difference is (approx.) 3760 USD for GB350 and (approx.) 4055 USD for GB350S as of September 2023. The "S" model is (approx.) 294 USD more expensive.
Now, if you are interested in the reviews of our rivals, check here!
※ Average owner satisfaction and number of reviews as of September 25, 2023.
HONDA GB350
Average Owner Satisfaction: 4.13 (212 people rated)
Average price of new model: (approx.) 3976 USD
Average price of used model: (approx.) 3983 USD
Number of reviews: 11
