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The ever-indomitable Ben Purvis has, once again, found evidence from a motorcycle manufacturer of a potential upcoming bike.
The incubating machine in question spins off of Honda’s existent CB/GB350, and is considered by Purvis to be a potential rival for Royal Enfield’s fresh new Himalayan 450.
What Honda’s patent filings show
In the paperwork, Ben Purvis (CycleWorld) points out Honda‘s use of a GB/CB350 chassis to work out a more modern design – one that makes way for adventure-oriented componentry like bolt-on racks.
Here’s an excerpt from Purvis’s content:
– Ben Purvis, “Honda Developing GB350-Based Himalayan Rival” (CycleWorld) |
The paperwork doesn’t stop there; apparently, a few of the images also show a protected headlight complete with a mounting point for “side panels that double as storage boxes.”
What we can expect for this incubating “Adventure 350?”
Should Honda decide to bring this machine into the world on a more official basis, we can anticipate similar specs to Honda’s present GB350, which touts a 348cc air-cooled single, fuel-injected engine, with a five-speed system and priority given to the durability of the machine.
As Purvis adds, an air-cooled power platform makes good sense for a smaller adventure machine, given that “there’s no radiator to puncture, leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere.”
The flip side is that an engine of this caliber isn’t too interesting, generating 20hp @ 5,500rpm and 21lb-ft. of peak yank @ 3,000rpm.
What do you think of the potential for Honda’s “Adventure 350?”