Honda is about to launch a new version of its GB350 motorcycle in Japan, arousing the interest of enthusiasts around the world. Currently only available in India, Australia and Japan, this retro-style bike is generating growing demand in other markets, especially Europe.
The GB350, known as the H’Ness GB350 in India and GB350S in Japan, initially debuted on the Indian market as a classically-inspired scrambler. Its immediate success led Honda to quickly expand its availability to Australia and Japan, with each country receiving a slightly adapted version of the model.
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) was the pioneer in launching this 350cc motorcycle, which quickly captured the attention of riders looking for a vintage look combined with the reliability of the Japanese brand. Honda Japan, for its part, has planned to offer a wider range of colors for its GB350S version, a strategy that appeals to aficionados of two-wheeled aesthetics.
Recently, Honda’s Japanese subsidiary teased fans with the announcement of a new silver/grey variant, called the GB350C, which is expected to hit the Japanese market soon. This news, however, has only intensified the calls from European motorcyclists, who are expressing on social media their desire to see the GB350 available in their countries.
Despite the global enthusiasm, Honda has not yet signaled any concrete plans to introduce the GB350 in Europe. The brand seems to be taking a cautious approach, recognizing that the 300cc segment can have varying appeal depending on the market. However, growing interest suggests that a wider expansion could be the right bet for the manufacturer.
The GB350 is often compared to Royal Enfield’s Classic 350, a brand that has firmly established itself in India with its smaller displacement bikes. This similarity may explain part of the appeal of the GB350, which combines a nostalgic design with Honda’s reputation for quality.