New but not new Honda thumper

[Ian]

https://www.visordown.com/news/honda-gb350s-finally-arrives-uk-and-europe

[CrazyFrog]

Mmmm, very interesting!

[Moto63]

Pretty much back to basics, which isn’t a bad thing in my eyes 👀.
Thanks for posting Ian 👍
PS... bit of a daft question but how was the Stafford show? All went well I hope
Cheers, Michael

[themoudie]

Over 390lbs kerb weight!    Bit lardy?

Better off buying a clean AJS 16 or Matchy G3 methinks, or even one of their "lightweights", which weren't that light. Plenty spares from the AJS & Matchless OC spares scheme and a proper bark from the pipe! 

However, no electric foot, so that could be a decider, I suppose.

Even in these manky, wet, greasy days, with nae bad temperatures, the Duke 450 is getting plenty of airing, it's so much easier to clean than all the hidden nooks and crannies of the the Jap bikes and at barely 300lbs, kerb weight and putting out 33HP via a set of Michelin City Extra tyres, avoiding the drifts of slimy leaves, pothole canyons and weathered tarmac at modest speeds are a joy.

Make sure to keep using the beasties and have a malt on the return home, if the extremities dictate. 

Good health, Bill

[Moto63]

O and have a malt   

Good health, Bill

Oh. I usually do Bill. Most evenings 😉🥃
CHEERS, Michael

[Ian]

Thanks for posting Ian 👍
PS... bit of a daft question but how was the Stafford show? All went well I hope
Cheers, Michael

Hi .Michael. Stafford Show was as busy as ever. We had loads of bikes, our usual eclectic group. Always someone stopping by to chat. Graham's C70 "diorama" was well received. Gareth as usual kept us fed and watered all weekend. All in all another great Show and thanks to everyone who took part and supported us. Roll on next year

[Moto63]

. Roll on next year
[/quote]
Great stuff👍. I will hopefully be there come April 🤞

[iansoady]

Tidy looking bike but not keen on the rear end treatment. 20 bhp seems a bit on the low side, and 380 lb definitely heavier than it could be.

But for under £4K must be a contender.

[xbally]

Seems to be comparable with the competition but I don't get the extra and IMHO unnecessary weight penalty nor the relatively low power but I'm all for a characterful and torquey  delivery and the "long stroke" should help in this respect . I know these are supposedly "classic" type bikes but surely modern technology can offer a bit more than merely replicating circa 1950's designs and adding disc brakes with basic ABS and such...or am I missing something obvious? I would be interested in a test ride though............

[CrazyFrog]

I would imagine the performance would be very similar to the Enfield J series bikes. My Meteor somehow seems to punch above it's weight at real life road speeds of around 50 to 60 mph, with plenty of grunt to get past slower moving cars. It'll cruise at 65mph on the Motorway with another 10moh or so when required which just suits me, but won't impress if you're used to a Fireblade. It's a relaxing ride and also gives between 95 and 110mpg depending on how it's ridden.

[Ian]

Not everyone wants earth shattering performance, just a gentle bumbling ride. Honda have sold a load of these in several identities in many countries. Look out Royal Enfield.