Retro fans rejoice! Honda target Royal Enfield with new sub-£4000 old-school GB350S naked single

The idea of Honda developing a new model in an attempt to compete with the popularity of Royal Enfield would’ve been laughable 10 years ago, however the Japanese firm are now set to bring their 348cc air-cooled GB350S retro to the UK for 2025.

The GB350 name already exists in other markets, such as Australia, with the same engine found in a wider CB350 model family in places like India.

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When it arrives in Britain, it will go toe-to-toe with Enfield’s J-series 350 single family, which currently consists of the Bullet 350, HNTR 350, Classic 350, and Meteor 350. All four have proven to be big sellers, thanks to their low-price tags and relative impressive build quality.

Set to cost £3949 and appear in the UK at Motorcycle Live, the GB S is powered by a chugging long-stroke 348cc single-cylinder engine, producing just 20.8bhp at 5500rpm. Torque also sits at a gentle 21.4lb.ft and is achieved at 3000 revs – used to carry around a kerb weight of 178kg.

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This performance should make it best placed for gentle cruising up to 60mph, whilst lightly sipping from its 15-litre fuel tank.

This motor is housed in a tubular steel semi-double cradle frame and paired with a five-speed gearbox, plus specially designed exhaust – said to provide a more noticeable single-cylinder thud. The single downpipe is double skinned, with a single skin expansion chamber used to enhance the sound.

Elsewhere, a modest seat height of 800mm and narrow engine structure should also make it manageable at any speeds for even the greenest of riders.  

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With the power and torque geared towards the low to mid-range, Honda themselves say this is the ideal first big bike on an A2 licence, with disc brakes, ABS and even traction control in place to help keep things upright.

Conventionally mounted 41mm telescopic forks and twin shocks provide the suspension, feeding down to a 19in/17in front and rear wheel combination.

The riding position itself is also fairly neutral, with pulled back handlebars and a low centre of gravity for gentle, predictable handling. This is likely to be complemented by the inclusion of Metzeler Tourance Next rubber, fitted as standard.

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Also included as standard is full LED lighting, an analogue speedo with digital gear indicator, and flashing hazard lights under harsh braking.

Optional extras then also include a Travel Pack consisting of nylon saddle bags and supports, hand guards, and a front screen.

Watch: Living with Royal Enfield’s Classic 350