You know this feeling; I guarantee it.
If you've ever watched any sport at all, and you start yelling when your fave misses what looks like an easy move, you know. For whatever reason, though, they just didn't make it, but you're sure that shot would've been an instant game-winner. Easy layup, not even the stress of a three-pointer. You know?
When Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India first introduced the H'Ness CB350 (and later, the CB350S) in India, it seemed like the entire world was excitedly talking about it. If you're keeping track, the H'Ness CB350 was announced all the way back in 2020, so it's been a minute. Granted, we've had a number of unprecedented world events that took up a whole lot of our attention between then and now, but that doesn't seem to have really stopped the progress of this bike from gaining admirers in multiple nations.
Soon enough, the H'Ness CB350 started making its way around the world under a new name: GB350. Given its styling, as well as Honda's previous air-cooled GB history, that wasn't much of a surprise. It took off in Japan, then Australia, and most recently evolved a new variant with color-matched fork shrouds, in the form of the CB350C. Or GB350C, depending on your geography.
And all this time, quite literally, people couldn't stop talking about it. It turns out that around the world, people really like the idea of a simple bike with classic styling. Who knew? (I mean, besides Royal Enfield.)
When the GB350C launched in Japan, I almost threw up my hands in disbelief that Honda was missing this completely easy shot. I mean, why on earth wasn't this bike getting a European release?
Just think of all the happy riders, new and old, in historic European cities, tootling about with their A2 licenses and having a blast! It seemed like one of the biggest no-brainers in the world, and while I'm frequently given to hyperbole, I am employing exactly zero percent of it here.
And now, on November 5, 2024, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Why? Because Honda Motorcycles Europe is officially bringing the GB350S (that's the one with the cool little windscreen and cowl up front, and the sweet fork gaiters) to Europe as a 2025 model.
It only took five years, but they're doing it! HEY GUYS!
Gallery: 2025 Honda GB350S - Europe
For those unfamiliar, its silhouette and styling are firmly on the retro/classic side of the spectrum. It's powered by a little 348cc air-cooled single, making a claimed 15.5 kilowatts (or about 20.7 horsepower) at 5,500 rpm, as well as 29 newton-meters (about 21.3 pound-feet) of torque down low in the rev range at 3,000 rpm. This mill is mated to a five-speed gearbox.
It's got disc brakes, and has 19-inch front and 17-inch rear cast aluminum wheels wrapped in Metzeler Tourance Next rubber. It also has an electric starter, a claimed curb weight of 178 kilograms (about 392-ish pounds) thanks in no small part to its steel double cradle frame, and a super approachable seat height of 800 millimeters (about 31.49 inches).
Lighting is LED, the display up front is a combination analog and LCD unit for a clean, simple, and uncluttered look, and a USB socket for charging your phone or other device is available as an option, as well as plenty of other accessories including side bags.
Three colors will be available at launch: Pearl Deep Mud Gray, Gunmetal Black Metallic, and Puco Blue (thanks, Honda!). Pricing will vary by market, but in the UK, the MSRP is £3,949, which is about US $5,147 at the time of writing.
Congratulations, Europe. I'm sure plenty of us over here in the US are more than slightly jealous that you're finally getting the GB350S, but also happy for you at the same time.
Now, will the GB350C follow in its footsteps? Only time will tell, but we'll be sure to let you know if and when it does.
