Text: OA Isdahl
Photo: MC Oslo
Anyone with a hint of beard growth or motorcycle interest will remember the CB models from the seventies
The A2 class is growing and Honda has now launched the new GB 350 S and SR. And they’ve done so at the perfect time. Although the model has a modest power rating with its 348 cubic meters, 21 hp and 29 Nm, it is by no means small. The driving pleasure is likely to surpass the power figures many many times over. The model is well-proportioned, cool, classically beautiful and so definitely in the “head twister” category. And unless you’re a powder junkie, you won’t need much more than this to experience the sheer joy of driving, the feel-good factor and the production of endorphins generated by broad smiles on every ride.
The little newcomer has buckets of charm and character and the sound of the air-cooled engine is nothing short of charming, I’ve only heard one recording but it sounded very good. The GB 350 S is slim, has a wet weight of 178 kg and is set up with a 19-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear. The seating position and the wide handlebars make it easy to balance the charm troll while driving.
The finish is consistently high and even the seat attracts my attention the red stitches and the fine material of the seat cover, gorgeous. The machining of all parts is fine and gives a solid impression of this special classic that certainly wins my heart. The GB 350 S has a 5-speed gearbox and with the quality Honda consistently delivers, we can expect a high level of mechanical precision that creates both harmony and good flow in driving.
Of course, a classic and analog instrument enhances the experience of that classic beauty that is just plain cool. Here at home, it will primarily compete with Royal Enfield’s Meteor 350, Hunter 350 and 350 Classic. The Kawasaki W250 is significantly smaller in both power and size but operates in the same class.
The model can be delivered with a small and elegant fly-screen and you can choose between the optional style pack or travel pack. The GB 350 S is nicely priced and costs around 69,900 here in Norway.
Personally, I think this is a very successful project and I’m really looking forward to spending a lot of time with the GB 350 S. As far as we know, the SE edition is not yet coming to Norway and initially comes in the colors Puco Blue, Gunnetal Black Metallic and Pearl Deep Mud Grey.
We’re going to test it thoroughly on short and long trips and will make ourselves both visible and accessible during the test that takes place in the latter half of May. I think this is going to be one of the highlights of the year and is guaranteed to lift sales in the A2 class even higher, guaranteed.
