Honda GB350S , a few questions.

[bozzie]

Hi

I've been to look at a new Honda GB350S,  I must say I'm quite taken with it, as it ticks all my boxes, although I don't think much of the colour choices.

Now I've read many reviews,  and although it's mostly a thumbs up , a few reviewers have mentioned that the engine can feel a little  strangled,  but although this wouldn't put me off , but I've heard there is a free flow DNA  air filter available for the Enfield 350s which helps them run a bit sweeter, does anyone know if something similar is available for the Honda 350 ?

Hopefully if anyone owns one of these bikes  or has any general info regarding this bike it would be very helpful.

Thanks 

Boz

 

[Simon Davey]

14 hours ago, bozzie said:

Hi

I've been to look at a new Honda GB350S,  I must say I'm quite taken with it, as it ticks all my boxes, although I don't think much of the colour choices.

Now I've read many reviews,  and although it's mostly a thumbs up , a few reviewers have mentioned that the engine can feel a little  strangled,  but although this wouldn't put me off , but I've heard there is a free flow DNA  air filter available for the Enfield 350s which helps them run a bit sweeter, does anyone know if something similar is available for the Honda 350 ?

Hopefully if anyone owns one of these bikes  or has any general info regarding this bike it would be very helpful.

Thanks 

Boz

 

 

Hi Boz, I've seen a couple of YouTube reviews of the GB350, and they're very positive. 

These machines are all run by sensors and power management, I'm not sure that changing a filter will really achieve much. 

I could be completely wrong though.

[Capt Sisko]

You've also got to remember 21 bhp (claimed) isn't a massive amount once you're on the open road. It's fine for towns and urban enviroments, but once out of town you're going to find it lacking when it comes to overtaking & dual carriageway runs. If that's not a concern fine, but go in eyes open about the performance. To reiterate what SD said, with modern engines you can't just take a file to the exhaust port, stick some expansions chambers & K&Ns on and rejet the carbs (showing my age here) to unleash extra power. Plus even if you could as a new bike it'd invalidate your warranty.

Edited March 5 by Capt Sisko

[Mississippi Bullfrog]

Free fliw air filters are myths. You won't release any more horses on the intake. 

[RideWithStyles]

This is a slow reving, low hp, new rider friendly, fuel economy and heavy restriction emissions bike designed from the off…

With an air filter for your engine, at most will be a hp if ur extremely lucky and I say that with being generous to the point of laughing…the only gains is to allow more shite (air contamination) into the intake.

air filters aint a myth as such but certainly have a lot of old time hard set marketing bs attached to them as to what could be achieved with that design.

depending on what you have to start with (engine design and type and filter design and type) will effect what you can get out but generally the gains are very minimal in general.

plus your insurance may have an issue with it too adding to cost, compounding the problem.

 

if you want more, get a bike with more hp from the off or bigger engine bike.

The only really benefit for less snatching on-off-on throttle would be to remap it,  gains would be made a Hp or two questionable but the cost of remap would put you nearer to a more powerful bike to start with…

 

so realistically it’s not even worth doing it on the basis cleaning the filter.

 

 

 

Edited March 4 by RideWithStyles

[bozzie]

OK guys, thanks for your replies, all good points, and they answer my questions, I'm still considering the bike , as  I'm passed laying over the tank and going for it, so a more relaxed style of riding is the order of the day , my only concern was the occasional trip on a dual carriage way or motorway , but plodding along at 50 - 60 is OK with me , so still a contender,  still browsing  motorcycle dealers and youtube which I'm quite enjoying at the moment , getting a lid and jacket this weekend.

Thanks again 

[Hairsy]

The air filter conversation is interesting.

 

Theoretically you can get a more efficient air filter but the only way to get more air through an air filter is for it to have bigger holes for the air or a bigger surface area (i.e. more holes).

 

Most OEM paper air filters are pretty good at maximising surface area by having concertina folds in them.

 

If you get a performance air filter and it actually delivers a benefit but it doesn't have a bigger surface area then you're sucking air through bigger holes - and filtering less.

 

The reality is that most performance air filters make more noise and so people think they're going faster.

 

And the way they deliver that 'bigger / meatier' noise? Bigger holes.

[Steeve]

Hi,

 

I have a GB350S and I have put 1600 miles on it so far.  The engine loosened up after about 800 miles.  So if your test ride is on a lower mileage bike - expect it to get better after 800 miles.  21 horse power doesn't sound like much, but it comes at 5500rpm.  I fitted a tacho, and so far I haven't exceeded 4000rpm by much.  So I haven't ever used all 21 horses.  3000rpm in 5th is about 50mph.  4100rpm in 5th is 70mph.

 

On the dual carriageway I can cruise comfortably between 65 and 70 mph.  70mph is available on the flat without going to full throttle.  I have never been to full throttle on my GB350S.  The bike tells me I am doing 100mpg.  That combined with the 15 litre tank, means refills are about 300 miles apart - all bikes should be like that.  Once the fuel gauge starts flashing, I get about 13 litres in.

 

I did the 600 mile service myself, 2 litres of standard Honda 10w30 JASO MA oil, and an oil filter for a CB125.  It was easy.  Don't forget the O-ring or sump crush washer.

 

The bike is lovely to ride, but you ride in the traffic not over it.  Filtering is clearly easy on such a small, light bike.  Handling is good.  I love it.

[Old and Withered]

On 30/04/2025 at 15:10, Steeve said:

 

 

Edited yesterday at 02:00 by Old and Withered

[Old and Withered]

I've got one too and my real name's also Steve  What he said basically. 

 

I am absolutely loving mine. There is something about it that just makes it a delight to ride. It has a certain charm. A charm which would probably be lost if you started putting free flow filters and the Yoshi pipe etc .

 

I read all the time comments on reviews really wish it was a 500 or wish it had an extra 10 bhp but it just wouldn't be the same. The way the power delivers is a lovely relaxing way to ride. Sure it's not fast but what's the way the power comes in, riding position etc. doesn't encourage speed. Its positives way outnumber the negatives and there is a plethora of bikes that give you that extra speed and a bit more hustle. There is only really the Enfield Hunter that compare to this and personally don't think the 2 bikes compare in quality. Its a lot of bike for the price of a 125.

Edited yesterday at 00:03 by Old and Withered

[Old and Withered]

One caveat I will add to this bike is that I use this for my commuter and just popping out bike and occasional for the hell of it rides (when it's not raining) and it makes the journey really pleasant but I am not sure I would buy one if I didn't have other bikes. I think there are better all rounders out there. Not new for under 4k but used there are plenty of options.