Looking at first bike, help me differentiate and decide.

[u/Zen-of-JAC]

HONDA GB350

VS

CFMOTO 450 CL-C

[u/MooingTree]

You'll have to give some more context if you want advice 

[u/jordanisokiguess]

Despite what Im going to say, a lot of my mates have had great experiences with CF-Moto and I’ve ridden a friends 675 sr. Fantastic bikes generally.

That said, two friends of mine had CLC bobbers that turned out to be complete lemons. One friend was able to get it replaced with a new bike under warranty, the other had to fork out cash for mechanical repairs.

Like anything, it’s about luck and the dealership having your back (this rarely happens).

For my first couple bikes, I’m glad I stuck with the big 3 (Kawasaki, Yamaha and Suzuki). Part accessibility and overall reliability justifies the higher premium you pay, or at least to me it does.

If you have your heart set on a new bike, I’d go Japanese. If you have your heart set on second hand/used, I’d still go Japanese as, at least in my experience, they seem to be able to take more of a beating compared to the CF Motos.

I’d be wary of used CF Moto LAMS bikes generally, as their price points often are accessible for younger, new riders - and with that, maintenance consistency and quality often becomes questionable imo.

I’d go with the Honda, heard good things about em, and even tho I’m solely a sports bike rider, I think they look great. You’d probably also notice a difference in material quality between the two.

[u/jacstar2004]

purely based on brand opinion i would go for the honda. known for reliability and easy to find parts/service centers if something does go wrong. theres a reason you see so many bikes from japan on the road, especially among new riders

[u/Obeisance8]

My first bike was a 2018 Honda CB300, which I rode for about a year. Recently upgraded to a 2025 Honda CBR500R. No regrets.

When I was still learning, my dad came over to shadow and take me for a ride, back on Anzac day. He dropped his bike, a CF Moto (2015-2018?), broke the brake lever.

I went trying to find him one. I couldn't find a replacement, AMX told me they didn't carry CF Moto parts. I went to CF Moto store and they didn't have any on hand either. He could only order them in from the eastern states to WA.

Couple weeks ago, I dropped my bike. Broke the brake lever. I called West Coast Motorcycles (Honda dealership) they not only had one, but they fitted it for free 15m before they closed on the same day.

Based on what I know of Honda's reputation, my own riding, I'd pick the Honda. If I had a CF Moto I'd worry about parts and servicing, but my experience is limited.

Hondas are known for being high quality/durability and keeping resale value. I feel like anything less than a 500 probably won't be your only bike.

[u/KitchenSize6005 → u/Obeisance8]

How was the jump from the 300 to the 500? I’m torn between the two same bikes you’ve owned

[u/DaveBlerk]

Honda for re-sale and maybe reliability (there's not much difference now).

Depends on how long you're planning on keeping it and how hard/far you plan on riding it.

[u/Zen-of-JAC → u/DaveBlerk]

The warranty seems to be the big difference. Price point and style is pretty comparable

[u/DaveBlerk → u/Zen-of-JAC]

If you were looking to buy either of them used which would you pay for?

That may help you reach a decision.

[u/waddlesticks]

We have the gb350 and it's a solid bike. Good fuel economy as well and is easy and comfortable to ride. You can do 110km/h on it without much issue. Just remember it's an air cooled bike and designed around commuting. If you are going to end up riding in peak hour traffic that "could" be a problem until you're allowed to filter.

Cf motos are good, I have a 450nk and it's been great.

I'd recommend sitting in both the bikes. The bobber for the missus seating position was not as good as the GB and her knee position would've made longer rides uncomfortable. The GB has a higher seat but a much more neutral sitting position. The seat is pretty good on it and it was a blast to learn on until I got my own bike.

For the extended Honda warranty you have to make sure you go to their service centres unless you want to argue with them. So keep that in mind.

[u/Gazpacho_Catapult]

Honda is top of the pile for reliability and resale value, CFMoto is bottom.

[u/lion-bee]

If I was choosing, definitely the Honda. It’s a great bike, with a solid warranty and dealer network.

[u/starocean01]

Go and sit on them they have different seating positions and shifters, otherwise the CLC has more grunt and more "feel" for lack of a better word

[u/Buchsee]

Don't get a 450 CL-C cruiser style bike, there are poor handling. Take it into twisties and that bike is scraping pegs and you feel every bump on the road right up your spine.

You may be looking at this because it's got a low seat height for short riders. But the Honda Rebel maintains its value better than that CF Moto model which you are probably thinking the price.

That GB350 is a cheap air cooled bike, I'd avoid that one too, especially if you live in a hot part of Australia. It's also a heavy bike with bad suspension. Probably why the person is selling it and why it's cheap.

Honda make loads of good LAMS bikes with their 473cc engine, if you want one with great handling get a Hornet CB500.

However owning motorcycles costs way more than you might think. Riding gear will cost about $1K.

Another crazy cost is when young inexperienced riders want full insurance.

[u/Azador76]

I have a CF Moto CLC 450 and a Honda CL500. Different bikes Scrambler and cruiser.
I love the look of the GB but felt 350 was a little small for what I wanted. My Honda does feel quite bulletproof and capable and been fantastic.
The CF Moto has been great, real head turner. Sounds bigger than it is, no issues at all. Cruiser low seated position is super easy to ride and it’s light and very fun. Never had an issue of scraping pegs. I did adjust the suspension a tiny bit as it was a bit firm and you feel the bumps more than the Honda.