Honda GB 350 S 2026: The ultimate test of the classic that defies time

2026 Honda GB 350 S review: full road test, real-world top speed, record fuel consumption, and comparison with the Royal Enfield Hunter 350.

2026 Honda GB 350 S Road Test: Top Speed, Pros, and Cons

Honda GB 350 S 2026: The ultimate test of the classic that defies time

2026 Honda GB 350 S review: full road test, real-world top speed, record fuel consumption, and comparison with the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. Discover it now.

The 2026 Honda GB 350 S confirms its status this year as one of the smartest and most charming options on the market. While technological evolution pushes toward extreme performance, the GB 350 S bets everything on substance, ease of use, and timeless aesthetics. But how does it truly perform in 2026 against fierce competition—most notably the Royal Enfield Hunter 350? Let’s find out in our test.

Build Quality and 2026 Pricing

The 2026 list price stands at €4,590 (ex-works), positioning it extremely competitively.

Finishing: Honda’s quality shines through in the attention to detail. Despite its simplicity, the paintwork is durable and the assembly is flawless.

Instrumentation: Simple, featuring a highly legible analog-digital mix that integrates all necessary information without overwhelming the rider.

Verdict: The price-to-quality ratio is among the best in the "classic entry-level" category.

Ergonomics and Riding Comfort

The low seat height (800 mm) and light weight (approx. 178 kg curb weight) make it a breeze to handle—perfect for female riders or those returning to the saddle after years away.

Position: Natural and relaxed. The controls are soft to the touch, typical of Honda’s "user-friendly" philosophy.

Vibrations: Thanks to the balance shaft, the single-cylinder vibrations are almost imperceptible, a clear advantage over some rougher competitors.

Passenger: Well-accommodated, with a generous seat portion and footpegs positioned to prevent excessive leg cramping.

Engine, Performance, and Top Speed

The heart of the bike is the 348cc air-cooled single-cylinder, updated for 2026 to meet the latest Euro 5+ regulations.

Top Speed: The maximum speed reached in our test was an indicated 115 km/h. The ideal cruising speed is 90-100 km/h, where the engine hums effortlessly.

Character: It’s not a racing engine, but the low-to-mid-range torque is surprising. It snaps away from traffic lights in the city and climbs mountain passes steadily, though overtaking requires careful planning and enough road space.

Comparison with Hunter 350: Compared to the Royal Enfield Hunter 350, the Honda feels smoother and more mechanically refined, whereas the Hunter offers a "rawer" character and a more pronounced exhaust note.

Chassis: Suspension and Braking

The suspension is tuned primarily for comfort.

Bumps Test: The fork and dual rear shock absorbers excellently soak up cobblestones and city potholes. Conversely, during sporty riding, they tend to dive, reminding you that the GB 350 S prefers smooth, flowing lines.

Braking: The dual-channel ABS system is modular and safe. It doesn't require much force on the lever to bring the bike to a stop in proper distances.

Record Fuel Consumption

The true "miracle" of the Honda GB 350 S is its fuel economy. In 2026, with ever-fluctuating fuel costs, averaging 38-40 km per liter is a massive advantage. With careful riding, we approached 42 km/l, making it one of the most economical motorcycles on the planet to maintain.
Detected Flaws and Issues

Wind Protection: Virtually non-existent (as expected for a classic naked bike). Above 100 km/h, wind pressure becomes quite noticeable.

Limited Power: If you are looking for high-speed thrills on the highway, this is not the bike for you.

Gearbox: Only 5 speeds; a 6th "overdrive" gear would have helped further reduce RPMs during extra-urban transfers.

Summary Table: Honda GB 350 S vs. Royal Enfield Hunter 350
Feature Honda GB 350 S (2026) Royal Enfield Hunter 350
Power ~21 HP ~20 HP
Weight 178 kg 181 kg
Top Speed 115 km/h 114 km/h
Average Consumption 38-40 km/l 34-36 km/l
Finish High (Japanese) Good (Vintage Style)
Price €4,590 ~€4,300
Final Verdict: Why buy it in 2026?

The 2026 Honda GB 350 S is the bike of "serenity." It is perfect for those who want to rediscover the pleasure of the scenery, for those seeking a 100% reliable machine that starts on the first click, and for those who want to spend very little on gas and maintenance. It is not a bike for racing, but it is a bike that will take you to the ends of the earth, one kilometer at a time, with a smile under your helmet.

Pros:

Incredible fuel economy.

Absolute ease of riding.

Honda reliability.

Cons:

Modest performance during overtaking.

Total absence of wind protection.