Living with
Possibly the cuddliest bike ever made. Ed Armitage reports on life with the simple £3999 retro
ALL ABOARD
It’s rare to see a new bike with solid, well-placed bungee points. They are very handy and securely fasten luggage (and unwilling pillions). The helmet lock is nice too – I don’t use it, but it’s the sort of thing I’d find on my dad’s old bikes, so helps with its authenticity. The bike’s dotted with small things that bring it together with convincing style.
FILL HER UP
Old-fashioned door to the petrol is as far removed from the latest keyless as it gets. And I love it. I understand why some don’t like fully removable caps – and I’ll be the first to lose it on the forecourt – but the contrast of the shine with the pale blue tank, the smooth lock action and the simple old-school feel bring me pleasure.
2190 DAYS
Normal people would call this six years; either way it’s a hell of a good warranty. I know it means stumping up for services at a Honda dealer, and you may decide it’s cheaper and easier to do it yourself on a brick-basic bike that only costs £3999. But for me, the peace of mind from such a healthy warranty is very appealing.
STANDING STRONG
The sidestand. All bikes have one, but the Honda’s is great. If I had a penny for every time I’ve got home and spent a minute fishing round trying to find the stand, I’d probably have a fiver. The GB’s sidestand is in just the right spot: slide your foot back off the peg and there she is, the lug neatly meeting your heel. It’s a small thing, but it’s right.
WHEELY GOOD
Metzeler Tourance seem an odd choice, but they sort-of give a ’70s chunky tyre look and the 350 steers sweetly. The centre of gravity is low and the bike rolls through corners easily. Comfortable riding position too – it’s not suited to the longer treks, but is spot-on for Sainsbury’s runs, bobbing to work or nipping to an evening meet.
CAN YOU SEE ME NOW?
Very little to complain about with the GB, but the mirrors are a bit annoying. They’re too close together, meaning all you can see are your shoulders – and if you angle them to remove body parts, they’re not in the right place to show what’s behind. On the flip side, filtering feels easy and it slides readily through our narrow garden gate.
WHAT’S THE TIME, MR HONDA?
Despite only being 20 years old I’m not fussed about having a techy display. All I need is speed, the time and some trip data. The digi panel is a bit small, but it’s nice having a fuel gauge as well. That 74mpg is despite over-enthused use, and thanks to a top (fifth) gear that’s like an overdrive – I find myself changing down for overtakes and big hills.
UPSIDE DOWN? NO. JUST RIGHT
Unlike every other brand I’ve ridden, Honda have their indicators and horn switched around. I know it’s not to everyone’s taste, but I like it. The winkers are in a far more natural position, and it’s still no hassle finding the horn to honk at careless city drivers. And I don’t miss the umpteen buttons for altering settings that I’d never alter.
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