Honda’s GB350 S is a Glorious Bike Perfect for A2 Licence holders.

The Honda GB350 S is the award-winning A2 licence machine, praised by journalists and owners alike. Jeremy Webb sweltered in the Great British Heat Wave, riding the bike around the south coast with his face grinning and beaming. It was the bike that produced the smiles, not the baking sun.

Honda has launched the GB350 S, an uncomplicated motorcycle designed to appeal to a range of riders, from newcomers to seasoned bikers. The bike has a 21bhp air-cooled engine, enough to get you comfortably past 70 mph. Riding this machine is enjoyable, especially on winding country roads, where its nimbleness and agility can put a great beam on your face. The bike is a blend of simplicity and excitement, making the Honda GB350 S poised to become a favourite among those seeking a lightweight, enjoyable ride.

The Honda GB350 S has a steel semi-cradle chassis, 41mm forks, and twin rear shocks, which give it good stability. The bike provides a comfortable ride, and the handling gives you a lot of confidence. The machine’s dimensions contribute to its agility and handling with a 17-inch rear wheel paired with a slightly larger 19-inch front wheel. Metzeler Tourance Next tyres, which are dual-purpose, have great grip. I only rode in dry conditions, but I have every confidence they will perform well on wet roads.

The Honda GB350 S, with its impressive grip and agile steering, allowed me to take on country roads and all twists and turns with ease. The bike's design and setup provide an engaging riding experience and instil confidence in the rider.

The Honda GB350 S features a smooth braking system with a 310mm disc brake and twin-piston callipers at the front. The rear delivers good slowing power without harshness.

I was impressed by the Honda GB350 S, which offers comfort and a spacious seating arrangement, making every journey enjoyable. You'll find it just as impressive as I did, especially considering its remarkable build quality for a bike priced under £4,000.

The Honda GB350 S lacks many features, but it does have Traction Control and ABS. You get a round, mixed digital-analogue display that suits the machine's classic design. It provides all the essential information you need.

Three colour options are available: a sophisticated grey, an eye-catching blue, or a timeless black. Each colour adds its own flair, enhancing the motorcycle's overall appeal.

The Honda GB350S offers ample space for riders to find their ideal seating position, enhancing the riding experience. A saddle height of 800mm from the ground allows for plenty of space for even the tallest of riders. If you do have shorter legs, you may struggle to place two feet down evenly. The bike's upright seating position allows for relaxed riding, reducing strain on the wrists and back, and allowing extended riding.

Honda states 94mpg from the 15 litre tank on the GB350 S, but with mixed riding, most riders will see 65mpg, providing a range of around 215 miles. That gives you over two hours of riding between refills, and we all need a break around then.

The Honda GB350 S features a 348cc engine and a five-speed transmission with a slip-and-assist clutch, ensuring smooth gear changes.

The Honda GB350 S enters the market at £3900, positioning itself sharply against its rivals, the Royal Enfield HNTR and the Triumph Speed 400. The HNTR is priced similarly, making it a direct competitor, while the Triumph Speed 400 is priced at £5,200. Honda has made an appealing offering with the GB350 S, providing riders with a stylish and well-engineered machine that is likely to attract significant attention.

The Honda GB350 S is a great buy for a wide range of buyers, appealing not only to A2 riders but also to older bikers looking for a second machine or to replace heavier Adventure or Touring bikes.

The Honda GB350 S is an enjoyable bike to ride and inspires confidence. It has enough performance to make any journey fun, which is why we ride. The classic design looks fabulous, and I loved its back-to-basics approach. I found the Honda GB350 S to be a great bike and believe you will too.

£3900