The 2025 Honda GB350S Isn’t Coming to the US, but a GB500 Might

The new GB350S follows in the same footsteps, but with a modern air-cooled 348cc SOHC engine. Honda claims a peak output of 20.8 hp at 5,500 rpm and 21.4 lb-ft. at a mere 3,000 rpm. The engine has a very long stroke of 90 mm against a 70 mm bore, plus a heavy flywheel mass, giving it what Honda calls a “pleasurable heartbeat” while minimizing vibrations. The engine is matched with a five-speed transmission optimized for torque delivery in urban settings.

Though the engine looks old-school, it does feature modern amenities such as electronic fuel injection, a wet multiplate assist/slipper clutch, plus traction control.

The GB350S uses a tubular steel semi-double cradle frame chosen for its balance of longitudinal, lateral, and torsional rigidity. The steering geometry, along with the low center of gravity and wide handlebars are designed for moving around tight city spaces.

Up front, the GB350S is equipped with a 41mm telescopic fork with black rubber gaiters and 4.2 inches of travel. The rigid box-section steel swingarm is matched with twin nitrogen gas-charged shocks with 4.7 inches of give.

A single twin-piston Nissin caliper and 310 mm disc come equipped on the 19-inch front wheel, while the 17-inch rear wheel uses a single-piston caliper and 240 mm disc. ABS is standard.

The Honda GB350S certainly looks the part of a retro British bike, with the round LED headlight, fuel tank silhouette, side panels, and tuck-roll seat seat design. It’s a shame it won’t be coming Stateside, where it would compete against the likes of Royal Enfield’s 350 models.

A GB500, however, might be a different story. Honda filed trademark applications for the name with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the European Union Intellectual Property Office last week, giving hopes of a larger model to come in the next year or so.

A new GB500 is unlikely to be air-cooled, instead going with the 471cc liquid-cooled engine powering Honda’s other 500 models. With current CB models moving away from the Neo Sports Café styling in favor of a more modern look, that creates space for a bike like the GB500 to attract customers looking for the retro look.

Of course, a trademark application, even one filed with the USPTO, is no guarantee that a production version will be introduced to the U.S., but it probably makes more sense for this market than the 350.

For now, American consumers will wait on the sidelines as the GB350S hits showrooms overseas.