The Honda GB350 is one of the coolest little bikes in the company’s global lineup. A resurrection in spirit of the CB350, the GB is a compact, simple motorcycle that harkens back to the styling and engineering of the late ’60s and ’70s.
While the GB350 is available in Japan, Australia, and the UK, India gets a version that’s even more special: the CB350C. This custom variant is designed to look even older, taking vintage style to the next level.
In India, the GB350 revives the iconic CB350 name, referencing the classic Honda two-cylinder. The Custom variant, as denoted by the “C” suffix common in Honda bikes, ditches the one-piece seat and compact fenders in favor of a more retro aesthetic. The forks feature paint-matched covers, the fenders extend down the sides of the tires, and the bike sports a truly vintage-looking peashooter exhaust. Accent pinstriping completes the look, making the CB350C appear as if it was truly ripped from history—well, until you spot the modern disk brakes and ABS ring.
Beneath its classic exterior, the CB350C inherits its engineering from the GB350, giving the bike genuine classic cred. Instead of a modern frame design where the engine acts as a stressed member (an integral structural element), the Honda 350s use a traditional double-cradle setup. This means two loops of metal form an opening where the engine sits, rather than the frame simply bolting on at the top and back.
While stressed member frames often perform better on twisty roads, traditional frames help vintage-modern bikes like the Yamaha XSR series achieve a more authentic retro look. The GB350’s air-cooled engine reinforces this old-school vibe, eliminating the need to hide a radiator.
Enthusiasts familiar with the Indian motorcycle market will notice that an air-cooled 350cc double-cradle bike with extended fenders sounds remarkably familiar. It’s the same recipe as the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 — a mainstay of Indian roads and Enfield’s lineup for decades.
It seems Honda is aiming to capture some of Enfield’s vintage-styled pie, and the CB350C is a perfect way to do just that. Now, if only we could get the GB350 here in the States.
https://www.jalopnik.com/2003460/onda-retro-style-cb350c-motorcycle/