The Honda GB350 Racer by Moriwaki Engineering is a true "blue" race machine based on a rather humble retro motorcycle.

We are very used to high-capacity motorcycles that breach the 1000cc mark with ease, that we forget how enjoyable the "little" things can be. Popular aftermarket parts maker Moriwaki Engineering based in Japan is here to remind us that fun and adrenaline rush can come in small packages too. And in this case, the package is created from a Honda GB350.

Many are not very familiar with this machine, but it is a rebranded version of the India-specific Honda H'Ness CB350, a retro-vibing motorcycle made to rival the likes of the Royal Enfield Classic 350, and the recently launched Yezdi Roadster. Japan also gets a GB350 S, which adds a bit more "sportiness" to the humble motorcycle. The engine specs remain mostly unchanged, but the guys at Moriwaki have swapped out all possible "normal" parts with cooler race-spec bits. And it looks gorgeous too.

The Honda GB350 Racer by Moriwaki Engineering is a true "blue" race machine based on a rather humble retro motorcycle.

The Honda GB350 is a retro-modern air-cooled urban motorcycle that is made in India. It is a rebranded version of the Honda CB350 that is sold in India. Apart from the names, both the Japanese-spec and Indian-spec machines are the same. There is a sportier version called the GB350 S which is again a rebranded version of the CB350 RS of India.

And Moriwaki Engineering has used the S version as their donor motorcycle here. It uses a 348cc long-stroke single-cylinder that packs 20.7 hp and 22 lb-ft of torque. The specs are humble but Moriwaki has managed to make a fierce machine out of it. The Honda GB350 S retails at 594,000 yen in Japan (~$4,590).

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The engine internals remain untouched to comply with the regulations of the racing event it is planning to take part in. The only mods for the engine include a cool Moriwaki engine cover, a K&P oil filter, NGK MotoDX spark plugs, and Shell Advance oil to help the heart run smooth and cool. Moriwaki has added more muscle to beef things up on the braking, suspension, and wheels department too.

The front suspension seems to be unchanged visually, but we suspect it packs progressive springs and more viscous fluid to take on sharp braking and hard cornering. The rear shock has been replaced with a Nitron R1. The chain used is DID 520VX3 coupled to ISA sprockets for more aggressive riding. The front and rear wheel bearings are now made of low resistance STM and the axle shafts are replaced with KOOD Chromoly.

The front-wheel has been downsized from 19 to 17 inches and is wrapped with super-grippy Pirelli Super Corsa V3 tires. The brake calipers are stock, but the disc has been replaced with a floating unit which gets toughened hose for the brake fluid. The aggressive character is complete with a cool-looking Monaca muffler that is coupled to a custom bend pipe. The muffler used here is a prototype unit that manages the hot exhaust under the engine with a bank angle.

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The impressive part here is that Moriwaki has retained the classic look of the stock motorcycle. The tank, headlight, and taillight are unchanged for a neo-retro look. The seat has been swapped for a more focused single-seater layout that bolts into place. The handler bar is now a clip-on setup with grips by Domino. It also gets carbon-fiber lever guards by Full-Six.

The belly cowl is also custom and adds a sharp look to this neo-racer. The race bike gets a fading paint job of black to blue and has yellow inserts right through the center (also fading). The whole package looks dope. The exciting part of all these bits is that Moriwaki Engineering will be sliding many of these parts onto their portfolio for public sale, including the prototype exhaust system.

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The Moriwaki-engineered GB350 racebike was created to particulate in the one-make GB350 race that was held in the first week of May 2022. This creation was named Project Tetsuuma ("Iron Horse" in Japanese) and was ridden by Misuzu Kanko. She aced the track and finished first in the one-make challenge, earning this CB350 S racer its first win.

Via: Young-machine.com, Visordown.com

Tijo is an engineer, mechanic, gamer, and an avid content creator. He is a grease-monkey who loves tinkering with automobiles every now and then, when not busy penning down his passion for them. He has always had a soft spot for JDM and is keen on diving deep in for anything that involves wheels and engines.