The old-fashioned pulsating feel and appeal beyond just its appearance. The GB350C will satisfy even veteran riders | Honda Test Ride

A new look with a classic style

Honda GB350 C…668,800 yen

The GB350C is a machine that combines the classic style of the GB350. Personally, I think this style suits the GB350, which is reminiscent of the old-fashioned single-cylinder feeling.

Up until now, the GB350 has been popular mainly among younger riders, but I feel that this style will appeal to older riders as well.

The image has been dramatically changed by adopting front fork covers, headlight covers, a separate seat, and a horizontally-oriented muffler. The style, with smooth lines continuing from the tank to the seat and rear, is beautiful. The weight has increased by 7 kg from the GB350 to 186 kg.

The car is available in two colors: Gunmetal Black and Puko Blue, just like the one used in the photo .

Engine characteristics that match the style

The engine is the same as the GB350, but in the case of the GB350C, when you start the engine after looking at the machine, the exhaust sound and feeling are just as you would expect. It feels like the classic style enhances the fun of a single-cylinder engine.

The GB350C’s engine features an air-cooled, long-stroke, upright cylinder. Its generous flywheel mass delivers the throbbing feel of a traditional single-cylinder engine, and yet it rotates smoothly and cleanly, delivering only a pleasant exhaust sound and throbbing sensation.

Even when the clutch is roughly engaged at low RPMs, there’s no sign of stalling, and opening the throttle even at low RPMs accelerates with a lively exhaust sound. This ease of handling will be a great boon for beginners, and even veterans should be able to ride with a relaxed attitude. The

speed increase is leisurely, but that’s another plus. You can enjoy this acceleration for long periods of time without worrying about speeding.

The low and mid-range speeds are so fun that you don’t often feel the need to use high RPMs, but when you do want to pick up the pace, the good thing about this engine is that it’s quite usable. At high RPMs, it tends to spin sluggishly, but thanks to the crank coaxial balancer and uniaxial balancer, there’s almost no vibration, so cruising on the highway is not a struggle. This engine has been modernized while still retaining the fun of single-cylinder engines from the good old days.

Engine characteristics that match the style

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In terms of handling, I got the impression that it was more stable than the GB 350, but since the body itself is unchanged from the GB350, this is probably influenced by the impression it gives from its exterior. Basically, the handling is neutral and highly stable, giving the rider a sense of security at all times. It’s not the type to push hard in corners, but because it has no quirks, it will naturally bank when turning at an intersection, etc., with just a little push. If you ride at a moderate pace, you can enjoy winding roads as well.

I strongly recommend that not only young riders but also veteran riders try out the GB350C. Unlike older bikes, there is no need to worry about trouble and it is extremely easy to handle, but it is also a bike that should resonate with veteran riders who have ridden single-cylinder bikes.

Position & foot reach (height 178cm / weight 75kg)

The riding position felt like the handlebar width was wider than that of the GB350, but the specs were the same as the GB350. The upper body is upright, making it easier to control the machine and reducing fatigue. The seat is shaped to encase your buttocks.

The GB350C has a narrower front seat, but the protruding side covers mean that your legs are slightly spread out. The foot placement isn’t particularly good for a bike in this class, but the body is light, so you won’t have any trouble supporting the machine.

Detailed explanation

Main specifications