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Henrik said :-
Yeah, I like it a lot also, I am happy with my GW250 for now, 24hp its enough, so maybe 21 hp could do as well. There is a little more moment on the bright side. 29nm vs 24nm. Bigger tank. Likely better fuel-ecconomy. One day I will go for a new bike anyway
26/03/2025 07:55:01 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Sorry, but....
I can't see the advantage of low power. 21 bhp from 350 cc is just lazy, it probably works well in its initial intended markets but it won't in Europe. RE saw the error of its ways with the Himalayas and I think Honda will too. This is, like Ed says, not a 125 cc bike with a 350 squeezed in.
It's a pity because it's a looker, but it'd struggle to keep up with everyday out of town traffic and for in town, why would ya. A Honda 125 scooter would be a wiser choice for city work and the new 400 Triumph would be a way better option for more universal riding duties.
Just my opinion of course.
Upt.
26/03/2025 09:05:15 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
The majority of reviews I've seen on this GB350 state that it ain't fast but it has more character and charm in it's brake lever than most bikes have in their entirety. IF - if you have no requirement for speed and you're looking for "the pleasure of riding" then maybe 21hp is sufficient.
I'll have to have a go now won't I.
26/03/2025 10:49:07 UTC
ROD¹ said :-
From the reports / and YouTube vids I have seen it seems very similar to the RE HNTR with a slower steering 19 inch front wheel.
I am happy with my Enfield HNTR for country lane riding, and it will keep up with ( but not pass ) traffic on main roads at the national speed limit.
When I say I am happy with the HNTR I have to put that in the context of it being a second bike. I would not want one as my only bike.
I think the Honda has a niche market in this country and will compete directly with the Enfield 350s.
26/03/2025 11:34:10 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
"IF - if you have no requirement for speed and you're looking for "the pleasure of riding" then maybe 21hp is sufficient".
It's not about speed, it's about what a modern 350 cc motorcycle should be able to achieve. No one should suggest Honda should be pushing the performance parameters to the limits on a 350 plodder but....21bhp!
The CB350 of the 70's would make high 30's and weigh less. Yes engines were different then and the torque would have been achieved at much higher revs, but 21!
If you want to ride one up at up to 60 mph with no luggage or wind protection and be at the mercy of every driver in a rush it's the bike for you.
Ride it Ed, but be careful. And don't hold up any John Deere's.
26/03/2025 13:38:29 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
I've just had the first short ride of the year on the little Yam "soulful V-twin". It went very nicely if lacking a bit in the punch department - but then it's only a 22bhp 250. It's confirmed my intention to put it up for sale when I've renewed the MoT in the next week or so, but am pleased that it performs so well for what it is.
A little pic for those who've forgotten about it....
So I will now concentrate my efforts on the Norton Electra, which now starts reliably on first push of the button, and the BSA-Zuki which I've tidied up a lot and changed the gearchange pattern from one down to one up like the Norton and all proper bikes.
27/03/2025 14:41:54 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
One up.....pffffffftttttt.
I had forgotten about the tuning fork 250. It looks quite resplendent with its feather'esque frame tubes.
Nice, that's nice. Not Nice.
Upt.
27/03/2025 16:46:20 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
It is rather pretty isn't it and well spotted the featherbed pastiche. But beauty never cuts it for me so the little Yam will be up on an auction site near you. £2200 ONO?
28/03/2025 13:12:13 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
I just thought I'd take a pic while they're all still present and correct.
29/03/2025 10:20:23 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
I am NOT amused.
Who said that?
Put a new battery on The B yesterday, the oem was sounding a little tired and at 8 years old I threw £50 of Yuasa at it from Tanya Batteries. I was pleasantly happy at this stage.
Ran it up to temp, up the road to check the brakes etc, lube the chain, all good. Smiley stupid face.
Left it running for 5 minutes or so.....bugger.....water from the water pump weep pipe. Only a couple of drips, but water? Coolant actually.
It dried up after and presently I will give it a good dose of looking at to keep an eye on things.
It had been parked since October and I'm wondering if this provoked the drip?
I really don't want to change or repair the water pump just now, but?
Flippin blummin motorcycles.
Upt.
30/03/2025 16:42:52 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Condensation Upt'? Can't be sure but you can hope.
30/03/2025 18:02:01 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
I'll be out on it soon/this week hopefully to get it MOT'd at Timmy Testers at Berwick-upon-the-Tweed.
That'll be 20 miles each way.
That should make or break it.
I have studied the manual and I think the clutch housing has to come off too, so not really a spring job.
We'll see.
Upt.
31/03/2025 09:07:30 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
31/03/2025 09:08:06 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Any news on Madame Soleil's buzzing?
31/03/2025 09:09:20 UTC
nab301 said :-
@ Ian , hopefully after all that effort with the Yamaha you can find a new owner to appreciate it.
@Upt , if you search coolant drips on Vstrom there are quite a few hits but they never seem to get further than that , maybe this is another reason to ride through the winter ! I don't think Ren (or rather his bikes ) have ever developed water pump issues..
The F650 I had years ago developed a pump leak , the single seal actually wore a groove in the pump shaft , the Suzuki set up appears to be a little more technical with 2 seals plus some o rings and a gasket and the possibility (I think) of oil mixing with coolant
Nigel
31/03/2025 13:45:49 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I was in a tent this weekend Upt' while Madam Soleil was wisely ensconced at home in a real house. No spanners were turned so no results as yet.
Let me see nab301... my list of water cooled motorcycles comprises of 2 CB500Xs, a Fazer 600, a CB400 Super Four, an NT400 Bros, and an NT600 Revere. Let me see... 260,000 miles roughly. So far no water pumps have been replaced. So far...
You've cursed me ain't ya.
31/03/2025 15:03:13 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
About my dripping issue, no not that one, the waterpump weep hole!
You could be right Ed, what am I saying, you're always right Ed.
Went to it in the garage today.
Dry.
Rode it about 20 miles to Berwick-upon-the-Tweed for its test.
Rode it back.
Left it running outside my buddies (I've only got one) garage for ten minutes, Rode it into the garage and parked it up.
All dry.
Does parking a motorcycle up for 6 months in the perma frost of the NE allow a little condensation to collect or even a couple of drops of coolant to pass the seal?
Dunno, but on reflection I suppose a seal which resists the passing of a little wet over 6 months would be a rare thing indeed.
01/04/2025 16:36:49 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Timmy testers place.
01/04/2025 16:38:43 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Even messier than my garage!
02/04/2025 10:20:32 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Looks a bit like my kitchen that. Proper workshop.
02/04/2025 12:49:44 UTC
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