Three Years in Japan, One Year in Europe: What the GB 350 S Is

Honda has sold the GB350 in Japan since 2021—with waiting lists, cult-like enthusiasm, and officially more than 100,000 units sold in Asia by 2024. At EICMA 2024, Honda presented both versions in Europe for the first time: the GB350, with a more upright riding position and stronger classic emphasis, and the GB 350 S, with a café-racer orientation, lower handlebar, sportier riding position, and single-sided-swingarm-style appearance.

Sales began in Germany in early 2025. The 2026 GB 350 S is technically unchanged from the European launch model.

What does the GB 350 S represent in Europe? An air-cooled 348 cc single-cylinder engine with 21 hp and 29 Nm, 178 kg, for €4,080 before destination charges.

No touchscreen, no Bluetooth, no TFT. Analog speedometer, supplementary LCD, LED lighting.

This is motorcycling reduced to the act of riding—no digital distractions, no riding modes, no ABS mode management.

Just rider and motorcycle.

Engine: 348 cc Air-Cooled Single, 29 Nm at 3,000 rpm

Air-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder engine. 348 cc. Bore 70 mm, stroke 90.5 mm: a long-stroke layout designed for torque and low engine speeds.

Maximum torque is 29 Nm at just 3,000 rpm. Maximum output is 21.1 hp / 15.5 kW at 5,500 rpm.

Those are modest numbers—but that is intentional.

Honda does not describe the engine as a performance unit, but as an experience engine: the thump of the single, the vibration of the air-cooled block, the deep intake sound.

Japanese motorcycle magazines describe the riding experience as “yukkuri hashiru”—riding slowly, but enjoying it.

With 29 Nm available at 3,000 rpm, almost the full torque output is available at 50 km/h in city riding. You ride relaxed, without constantly shifting, without pushing.

That is the character.

PGM-FI fuel injection. Assist and Slipper Clutch. Five-speed transmission. Fuel consumption: 2.5 L/100 km.

178 kg, 800 mm, €4,080: The Three Buying Arguments

Fully fueled weight is 178 kg. That is generally lighter than comparable retro motorcycles in this performance class.

Royal Enfield Classic 350: 192 kg. Triumph Speed 400: 176 kg. Honda CB500F: 191 kg.

Seat height is 800 mm, providing sufficient ground contact for riders from approximately 1.65 meters tall.

At €4,080 before destination charges, the GB 350 S is the least expensive Honda motorcycle with fuel injection, ABS, and LED equipment on the German market.

Including destination charges: €4,709.

Café-Racer Styling: What Separates the S From the GB350

The GB350 has an upright riding position with a high handlebar and places greater emphasis on classic styling.

The GB 350 S has a lower, sportier handlebar, a flatter riding position, and a café-racer silhouette.

Technically, the two are identical: engine, suspension, brakes, electronics.

The S is the sportier-looking version for riders who appreciate café-racer aesthetics; the GB350 is the more traditional version for riders who prefer an upright touring position.

In Japan, both versions have developed their own fan communities.

Suspension: 106 mm Travel, 19/17-Inch Wheels, 310 mm Front Brake

Up front is a 41 mm telescopic fork with 106 mm of travel. At the rear are twin shocks.

The front wheel is a 19-inch cast-aluminum unit with a 100/90-19 tire. At the rear is a 17-inch cast-aluminum wheel with a 150/70 R17 tire.

The 19-inch front wheel gives the GB 350 S its classic retro proportions and improves straight-line stability.

It makes steering slightly heavier during rapid direction changes than a 17-inch front wheel—but on a relaxed retro motorcycle, that is not a disadvantage. It is part of the character.

Up front is a single 310 mm disc with a twin-piston caliper. At the rear is a 240 mm disc with a single-piston caliper.

Ground clearance is 168 mm—adequate for road use, but not intended for off-road riding.

Emergency Stop Signal comes standard.

86 dB(A) Stationary Noise: Tyrol-Compliant

Stationary noise is 86 dB(A)—9 dB(A) below Tyrol’s 95 dB(A) limit.

That is one of the lowest figures in this category and remarkable for an air-cooled single-cylinder motorcycle.

No Tyrol riding bans, no restrictions on Alpine passes.

Fuel consumption is 2.5 L/100 km, with CO₂ emissions of 57 g/km.

Those are figures otherwise associated with utility scooters.

Instruments: Analog Speedometer, LCD, No TFT

There is an analog speedometer with a supplementary LCD showing the clock, gear position, and fuel consumption. No TFT display, no Bluetooth, no smartphone connectivity. USB is not standard and is available as an option. The LED headlight and LED taillight come standard. This is minimal equipment—and that is the philosophy.

If you expect a TFT display and Bluetooth, look elsewhere. If you want a motorcycle without digital distractions, you are in the right place.

€4,080 Before Destination Charges: Price Positioning

MSRP is €4,080 before destination charges and €4,709 including destination charges. That is inexpensive.

Royal Enfield Meteor 350: approximately €4,400. Royal Enfield Classic 350: approximately €4,700. Triumph Speed 400: approximately €5,200. Each plus additional charges.

Within its direct competitive group, the GB 350 S is the least expensive motorcycle offering Honda quality and Honda warranty coverage.

For beginners, returning riders, riders looking for a second motorcycle, and anyone who wants the riding itself rather than a motorcycle as a technology platform, it offers the most convincing price in this test series.

Verdict

The 2026 Honda GB 350 S is the most conceptually consistent motorcycle in this entire test series: no TFT, no Bluetooth, no riding-mode management, no cruise control.

Air-cooled single, 21 hp, 29 Nm at 3,000 rpm, 178 kg, 800 mm, 86 dB(A), 2.5 L/100 km, Assist and Slipper Clutch, LED, ABS, café-racer silhouette—for €4,080 before destination charges.

For riders looking for a motorcycle to ride rather than a technology device, the neo-classic GB 350 S is the counterpoint to most other motorcycles.

 

Quick Check

+ €4,080 MSRP before destination charges, €4,709 including destination charges: inexpensive. Honda quality, Honda dealer network, Honda warranty.

+ 86 dB(A) stationary noise: 9 dB(A) below Tyrol’s limit; lowest figure among the combustion-engine motorcycles in this test series. 2.5 L/100 km / 57 g/km CO₂: low fuel consumption.

+ 178 kg fully fueled: lighter than Royal Enfield Classic 350 at 192 kg and Honda CB500F at 191 kg. 800 mm seat height: practical for most riders. Assist and Slipper Clutch standard.

+ LED headlight + taillight. 29 Nm at 3,000 rpm: full thrust in the everyday rev range. A2-compatible, 15.5 kW.

– 21 hp / 15.5 kW: not a performance engine; sustained highway riding at top speed is tiring. No TFT, no Bluetooth, no USB standard, no cruise control—consistent minimalism, but not for everyone. 106 mm front suspension travel: demanding on badly broken roads; no off-road capability.

– 168 mm ground clearance: road use only.

– Five-speed transmission: adequate, but with fewer highway reserves than a six-speed.

 

Technical Specifications: Honda GB 350 S (2026)

Make / Model: Honda GB 350 S (2026; continuing model since European launch in 2025; no MY2026 update; retro café racer; A2); manufacturer: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan

Engine: Air-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder; 348 cc; 70 mm bore / 90.5 mm stroke; 9.5:1 compression ratio; PGM-FI fuel injection; 21.1 hp / 15.5 kW at 5,500 rpm; 29 Nm at 3,000 rpm; electric starter; engine oil capacity 2.5 liters

Final Drive: Assist and Slipper Clutch; five-speed transmission; chain drive

License: A2, 15.5 kW

Fuel Consumption / Emissions: 2.5 L/100 km, WMTC Honda figures; combined CO₂ emissions 57 g/km

Stationary Noise: 86 dB(A)—Tyrol-compliant, below the 95 dB(A) limit

Weight / Seat Height: 178 kg fully fueled; 800 mm seat height; 168 mm ground clearance

Dimensions: L × W × H: 2,175 × 790 × 1,100 mm; 1,440 mm wheelbase; 27-degree steering-head angle; 120 mm trail

Front Suspension: 41 mm telescopic fork; 106 mm travel

Rear Suspension: Twin shocks

Brakes: Single 310 mm front disc with twin-piston caliper; 240 mm rear disc with single-piston caliper; two-channel ABS; Emergency Stop Signal standard

Wheels / Tires: Cast-aluminum wheels; 19-inch / 100/90-19 front; 17-inch / 150/70 R17 rear

Instruments / Electronics: Analog speedometer + LCD showing clock, gear position, and fuel consumption; LED headlight; LED taillight; Emergency Stop Signal. No TFT, no Bluetooth, no USB standard, optional USB available

GB 350 S vs. GB350: Identical engine, suspension, brakes, and electronics. GB 350 S: lower handlebar, café-racer riding position, flatter silhouette. GB350: upright handlebar, classic riding position, greater long-distance comfort. Prices nearly identical; compare at dealer.

Warranty: Honda standard 2 years in Germany; extendable to 6 years

Market Introduction: EICMA 2024, first European presentation; German sales launch in early 2025; sold in Japan since 2021, with more than 100,000 units sold in Asia

Competition: Royal Enfield Classic 350: approx. €4,700, 20.2 hp, 192 kg, 800 mm. Royal Enfield Meteor 350: approx. €4,400, 20.2 hp, 191 kg. Triumph Speed 400: approx. €5,200, 39.5 hp, 176 kg, 790 mm. GB 350 S: least expensive Honda, most proven platform.

Price in Germany: MSRP €4,080 before destination charges; €4,709 including destination charges