Honda will launch the new GB350 and GB350 S road sports models from Honda Dream on Thursday, April 22, and Thursday, July 15, respectively. The new models feature an air-cooled, four-stroke, OHC, single-cylinder 348cc engine with a pleasantly pulsating feel and simple yet striking styling.
The GB350 is based on the concept of "The Honda Basic Roadster" and offers the enjoyment and enriching experience of being "free" regardless of the rider's experience and skills, from easy handling in daily life to the excitement of touring where you encounter new roads and scenery. It is a road sports model with a newly designed body and power unit.
The semi-double-cradle frame balances longitudinal, lateral and torsional rigidity with the flexibility of steel. This, combined with a riding position that emphasizes the rider's sense of oneness with the motorcycle, results in an easy handling and relaxed handling feel.
The power unit is an air-cooled, single-cylinder engine with a strong, upright cylinder that delivers powerful torque and a pleasing performance. With a long stroke of 70 mm inside diameter and 90.5 mm in the stroke length, a wide ratio transmission and a massive flywheel, the new engine has been designed to give the rider the best possible driving experience. The result is a motorcycle with a clear heartbeat that feels like it's burning with every stroke, and a tenacious character. Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)*1 is an electronic control technology that supports the rider by controlling the engine torque according to road conditions.
The fuel tank, steel front, and rear fenders and side covers, and the high-quality construction of the crankcase cover and cylinder head all contribute to a traditional appearance that blends calmness and restraint.
The GB350 S is based on the GB350 and features a wider rear tire, a muffler with a deeper bank angle, short plastic front and rear fenders that contribute to weight reduction, and sharper side covers. In addition, front fork boots are standard equipment, and the handlebar and main step positions have been changed for a sportier look that evokes a more aggressive riding style.
*1 Honda Selectable Torque Control is not a system designed to eliminate slipping. It is only a system that assists the rider's accelerator operation. Therefore, as with vehicles that are not equipped with Honda Selectable Torque Control, the system does not allow for unreasonable driving.
GB350
Manufacturer's suggested retail price: 550,000 yen (including consumption tax)
Matte Jeans Blue Metallic
Candy Chrome Sphere Red
Matte Pearl Morion Black
GB350 S
Manufacturer's suggested retail price: 594,000 yen (including consumption tax)
Pearl Deep Mud Gray
Gunmetal Black Metallic
Main features of GB350 series
Frame
- The new frame design uses the latest CAE analysis and Honda's own simulations to comprehensively control the transient deformation characteristics of each part in response to each input. The result is a motorcycle with a gentle, comfortable feel.
- The front fork has a large diameter inner pipe, similar to those found on a larger motorcycle, to increase rigidity and reduce flexing caused by external forces from the road. The rear suspension uses pressurized nitrogen gas in the damper for responsive damping performance.
- Large-diameter disc brakes are used at the front and rear, and front and rear independent control ABS*2 is standard.
- The GB350 has 19" front and 18" rear wheels made of aluminum GDC (gravity die casting). The stiffness balance of the wheel details has been optimized for the supple nature of the frame. On the GB350S, the rear wheel has been reduced in diameter to 17 inches and wider radial tires are used to provide both grip and stability in response to aggressive riding.
*2 ABS is a system that assists the rider in braking; as with vehicles not equipped with ABS, the rider must slow down sufficiently before corners, etc., to avoid overexertion.
Power unit
- In addition to the balancer shaft, a balancer has been added to the main shaft to minimize unpleasant vibrations and to maximize the pleasant feeling of the engine's throbbing, resulting in an engine feel that clearly conveys the throbbing of a long-stroke engine.
- The offset cylinder reduces sliding resistance between the piston and the cylinder wall, and the asymmetrical connecting rod avoids interference between the connecting rod and the cylinder bottom wall, contributing to reduced friction and better fuel economy.
- The intake path is long enough to produce strong torque from low speeds and straight enough to reduce intake resistance, contributing to both powers from low rpm and lively cruising.
- The length of the exhaust pipe inside the muffler is extended to the rear end, contributing to a torque-filled ride at low revs, while the large diameter tailpipe optimizes the balance with the muffler's capacity to create a powerful pulse.
- The assist slipper clutch reduces the clutch lever operating load and the unpleasant shock caused by sudden engine braking when downshifting.
Control / Electrical
- Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) is adopted. HSTC controls engine torque according to road surface conditions to mitigate rear-wheel slippage caused by the rider's throttle operation.
- All lamps are equipped with power-saving and long-life LEDs.
Color variation
- The GB350 is available in three colors: Matte Jeans Blue Metallic for a simple and relaxed impression, Candy Chromosphere Red for a high-quality feel, and Matte Pearl Morion Black for a sense of power.
- The GB350S is available in two colors: Pearl Deep Mud Gray for a modern look and Gunmetal Black Metallic for a strong, intrepid impression.
Main Specification
| Motorcycle name | GB350 | GB350S | |
| Motorcycle model | Honda - 2BL-NC59 | ||
| Overall length x Overall width x Overall height (mm) | 2,180 x 800 x 1,105 | 2,175 x 800 x 1,100 | |
| Shaft distance(mm) | 1,440 | ||
| Minimum ground clearance (mm) | 166 | 168 | |
| Seat height (mm) | 800 | ||
| Vehicle weight (kg) | 180 | 178 | |
| Passenger capacity (persons) | 2 | ||
| Fuel Consumption Rate*3（km/(L) | Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism notification value Constant fuel consumption value*4(km/h) |
49.5 (60) <2 passengers | 47.0 (60) |
| WMTC mode value★ (Class)*5 |
41.0 (Class 2-1) | ||
| Minimum turning radius (m) | 2.3 | ||
| Engine model and type | NC59E - Air-cooled, 4-stroke, OHC, single cylinder | ||
| Engine displacement (cm3) | 348 | ||
| Bore x stroke (mm) | 70.0×90.5 | ||
| Compression ratio | 9.5 | ||
| Maximum output (kW)[PS]/rpm) | 15[20]/5,500 | ||
| Maximum torque (N・m)[kgf-m]/rpm) | 29[3.0]/3,000 | ||
| Fuel supply system type | Electronically controlled fuel injection system (PGM-FI) | ||
| Starting system★ | Electric | ||
| Ignition System Type★ | Full transistorized battery ignition | ||
| Lubrication method ★ | Pressure Spray Type | ||
| Fuel tank capacity (L) | 15 | ||
| Clutch type★ | Wet-type multi-disc coil spring | ||
| Transmission type | Normally engaged 5-stage return | ||
| Transmission ratio | 1 Speed | 3.071 | |
| 2 Speed | 1.947 | ||
| 3 Speed | 1.407 | ||
| 4 Speed | 1.100 | ||
| 5 Speed | 0.900 | ||
| Reduction ratio (Primary *)/(Secondary) | 2.095/2.500 | ||
| Caster angle (degrees)/Trail amount (mm) | 27°30´./120 | ||
| Tire | Front | 100/90-19M/C 57H | |
| Rear | 130/70-18M/C 63H | 150/70R17M/C 69H | |
| Brake type | Front | Hydraulic disk | |
| Rear | Hydraulic disk | ||
| Suspension system | Front | Telescopic style | |
| Rear | Swingarm type | ||
| Frame | Semi-double cradle | ||
Type designation application figures according to the Road Trucking Vehicle Law (items marked with * are Honda's published specifications)
Manufacturer: Honda Motor Co.
*3 The fuel consumption rate is a value under the specified test conditions. They vary depending on various conditions such as the customer's operating environment (weather, traffic congestion, etc.), driving method, vehicle condition (equipment and specifications), and maintenance status.
*4 Local fuel consumption values are fuel consumption rates based on actual measurements at constant vehicle speed.
*5 The WMTC mode value is a calculated value based on the results of emission tests conducted in the international standard driving mode, which includes starting, accelerating, and stopping. Driving mode classes are classified according to displacement and maximum speed.
Original Source [ Honda ]
