From the first time I saw the Honda GB350S, I fell in love with it. To me, this motorcycle represents everything a motorcycle should be: simple lines, minimal electronics, and a dependable, workhorse engine.
I first saw the bike and had the opportunity to test-ride it at a local dealership last summer. That was it. I was hooked! Everything about the GB350S appealed to me: the engine, its distinctive sound, the shape, and the overall styling. And there was one more major bonus: it was made in Japan. This would be my first truly Japanese motorcycle!
In a previous article, I talked about my decision to upgrade from my 125cc bike to the Honda GB350S.https://www.scrambleroutdoors.com/main-reasons-to-upgrade-my-first-125cc-motorcycle/ After some financial preparation and plenty of anticipation, I finally placed an order for a black GB350S.
From Waiting to Riding My New Honda
Demand for the GB350S was high, and the expected delivery time was around two months. Fortunately, I got lucky! My motorcycle arrived just 30 days after I placed the order.
Last Saturday, the big day finally came. I rode my old bike to the dealership, traded it in as agreed, and rode home on my brand-new Honda. I was absolutely thrilled!
After all the waiting, planning, and saving, the motorcycle I had wanted for so long was finally mine.
Honda GB350S vs. Keeway X-Light 125: A Big Step Up
Compared with my previous Keeway X-Light 125cc, the Honda GB350S offers several significant advantages.
The first thing that stands out is the build quality. The Honda feels much better put together, and the difference is something you can appreciate at first glance.
The engine is another major improvement. Acceleration is much stronger, with useful torque available from around 3,000 rpm. My old Keeway, by comparison, needed to be revved much higher, to around 9,000 rpm, to get into its power-band. Neither motorcycle is a speed demon, but the Honda’s larger engine delivers a much more relaxed and effortless riding experience.
The GB350S is also bigger and wider, which makes it feel more planted when dealing with side winds. That extra stability is welcome, especially on exposed roads where the wind can make riding a smaller motorcycle less comfortable.
Easy to Handle, Comfortable to Ride
You might think that a bigger motorcycle would be less practical in city traffic, but that hasn’t been my experience.
Despite its larger dimensions, the GB350S remains light, nimble, and easy to maneuver. It feels perfectly suited to everyday commuting, whether I’m navigating traffic or riding through town.
The tires are another improvement over those on my Keeway, and the braking performance inspires greater confidence. These are practical differences that matter every day, not just when you’re enjoying a spirited ride on an open road.
Fuel consumption is another strong point. The motorcycle has a 15-liter fuel tank, it can cover around 600 km before needing to refuel. With fuel prices as high as they are, that’s a welcome advantage. Spending less time and money at the pump makes the GB350S an excellent companion for both commuting and longer countryside trips.
Are There Any Disadvantages?
Honestly, I haven’t found many things to complain about so far.
The first thing to understand is that the Honda GB350S isn’t designed for riders who want to travel at 200 km/h. If that’s what you’re looking for, a much more powerful motorcycle, such as a Honda CB1000, would be a more appropriate choice.
The GB350S is built for a different kind of riding. Its strength lies in its relaxed character, accessible torque, and the enjoyment of taking the long way home.
Its top speed is around 135–140 km/h, based on my experience and observations. Fifth gear can take a little time to build speed, but that rarely matters during everyday riding, when I’m usually traveling below 100 km/h. On the highway, cruising at around 120 km/h is possible, although wind, road conditions, and other factors naturally affect how comfortable that feels.
For me, though, the real magic of this motorcycle isn’t found on the highway. It’s found on the back roads.
Winding country lanes, quiet villages, mountain roads, and the freedom to explore without rushing are where the GB350S really makes sense. This is a motorcycle that encourages you to slow down and enjoy the journey instead of focusing on how quickly you can reach your destination.
There is one other small drawback: insurance costs a little more than it did for my 125cc bike. My annual premium increased from €53 to €77, a difference of just €24 per year. That’s an additional expense, but one I’m more than happy to accept.
A Motorcycle That Fits My Dreams
The Honda GB350S is the motorcycle I had been waiting for. It’s straightforward, economical, easy to maintain, and relatively inexpensive to keep on the road. More importantly, it suits the way I want to live and ride.
I don’t need a machine that delivers enormous horsepower or pushes me to ride faster. I want a dependable motorcycle that lets me explore, discover new places, and enjoy the freedom that comes with being on two wheels.
There is also a bigger reason behind my choice.
One of my dreams is to find the perfect off-grid property where I can settle down and continue building the life I envision. I want to explore the countryside, discover remote locations, and travel through mountain roads and small villages in search of that special piece of land.
The GB350S will be my companion on those journeys.
Every ride could take me somewhere new. Every quiet road could lead to a village I’ve never visited or a landscape that makes me stop and take it all in. And perhaps, one day, one of those roads will lead me to the place I’ve been searching for.
That’s what makes this motorcycle special to me. It’s not simply a new bike or an upgrade from my old 125cc. It’s a tool for exploration, a symbol of a personal goal, and another step toward the life I want to build.
My first Japanese motorcycle has already given me plenty of reasons to smile, and I can’t wait to discover where it will take me next.
Sometimes, the right motorcycle isn’t the fastest or the most powerful. It’s the one that takes you closer to your dreams.
Honda GB350S SPECS SHEET:https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/Honda/honda-gb-350s-2025.html
