Honda Korea has completed its lineup of 350cc-class bikes. After launching the GB350C in October last year, it has now introduced the GB350 and GB350S to the Korea market.
The Honda 350cc models, which serve as an entry point to large motorcycles, offer a variety of choices with products that emphasize different personalities.
Basically, GB350 is described as a "naked motorcycle." "Naked," meaning there is no cowl covering the front or the sides of the engine, emphasizes the bike's inherent appeal. Since the term "classic" also precedes it, the bike's intrinsic fun is effectively doubled.
Honda Korea also emphasized this point. At the new model launch event he hosted on the 17th, Lee Ji-hong, president of Honda Korea, said, "There are models that emphasize a classic design and models that emphasize a modern sensibility, but commonly they are models that let you feel a pleasant beat. Because they allow exciting outdoor riding with easy handling, the GB350 is a good choice for those looking to move from small to large motorcycles."
On the 17th, Honda Korea held a launch event for the GB350 and GB350S at a large café in Yongsan, Seoul.
The "GB series" is Honda's representative middle-class classic naked motorcycle, and official sales begin on the 19th.
The Honda GB series was developed under the concept of "Honda Basic Roadster," which offers enjoyable riding from daily use to travel, and under the slogan "Feel a Good Beat."
Combining distinctive retro styling with advanced technology, it serves as an item that allows riders to express their individuality and delivers the fundamental joy of riding to both beginners and veteran riders. In particular, its easy-to-handle lightweight body structure and engine that delivers high output and torque even at low RPM make it an optimal choice for riders looking to step up from motorcycles under 125cc to a middle-class motorcycle.
The GB series, consisting of the GB350C, GB350 and GB350S, each boast different personalities.
The C in last year's GB350C emphasized "classic," and the S in the GB350S stands for sporty. Of course, classic is an essential element in the GB series.
The styling of the GB350 and GB350S combines classic design with modern technology to create a distinctive presence. Key elements such as a slim pipe frame, a voluminous fuel tank and a vertical-style engine are harmoniously arranged to achieve a balanced silhouette. In particular, by applying a design that leaves space around the engine, the GB series visually expresses its restrained beat and completes attractive styling that emphasizes the sculptural beauty and authenticity of a classic naked roadster.
Based on stable body proportions, the GB350 adds various chrome details to dedicated steps, fenders and side covers to emphasize the roadster's calm classic sensibility and luxurious atmosphere.
By contrast, the GB350S applies dedicated specifications such as a short fender, a 17-inch wide rear tire, a matte black muffler, a lower and more distant handlebar position, a longer seat and side covers to provide a differentiated sporty feel from the GB350 and deliver a wild and aggressive riding sensation.
Both models are equipped with a 348cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces peak power of 21.1ps/5,500rpm and maximum torque of 3.0kg.m/3,000rpm, delivering superior driving performance compared with peers. They provide abundant torque even at low speeds, allowing a natural riding rhythm as if conversing with the engine, and the pleasant beat and deep low-end sound unique to single-cylinder engines enhance long-distance touring comfort as well as riding enjoyment. With a full 15-liter fuel tank, they can travel up to 700km.
For the rear wheel, the GB350 uses an 18-inch wheel to improve balance, while the GB350S is equipped with a 17-inch wheel to deliver a sporty riding feel.
The GB series features rider-centered design such as a lightweight body, a low center of gravity and seat height, and an assist & slipper clutch to provide stable handling and high ease of use. In addition, it is equipped with advanced safety features such as 2-channel ABS, Honda selectable torque control (HSTC) and emergency stop signal (ESS), enabling stable riding across various road surfaces and driving conditions.
All lighting uses LED lights, and a classic round meter harmoniously combines an analog speedometer with an LCD display. A total of 18 genuine accessories, including knuckle guards, a rear carrier, wide steps and saddlebags, are also available, letting owners enjoy creating their own GB.
Lee Ji-hong, president of Honda Korea, described the GB350 as "a balanced roadster that combines classic sensibility with excellent riding balance, and the GB350S as a sporty modern roadster with a sporty feel and a modern appearance," and added, "We are pleased to present the completed GB series that customers have waited a long time for, and we hope more customers can enjoy their own distinctive riding lives with the GB series."
The prices of the GB350 and GB350S are 6.18 million won and 6.28 million won, respectively (including VAT, reflecting the reduced individual consumption tax).
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