Thoughts on the Honda GB350S (2025 model) as a first motorcycle for a beginner?

Hello everyone,

I'm in the process of deciding what's going to be my first motorcycle, I've been driving cars for years, and occasionally rental scooters up to 125cc, but now I want to buy my own bike. I've been considering 125cc models such as the Honda CB125R and the Yamaha XSR125, but I got a lot of people saying that I should go a little higher power, and the Honda GB350S 2025 seems to tick all the boxes (while being a similar price than the other two 125cc models I mentioned). I'm 184cm (nearly 6'1) tall and around 82kg (around 180 pounds). What I'm looking for in the motorcycle is:

- Safe and easy to drive for a beginner.
- Reliable and not prone to mechanical failures.
- Not too expensive (ideally in the 5k€ range or cheaper), low maintenance costs and fuel efficient.
- Retro/scrambler style
- Can take a passenger (just occasionally, so doesn't need to be extra comfortable)
- Can do a bit of very light off-roading (nothing crazy, just being able to go a bit on non-paved roads or so).

As I mentioned before, the Honda GB350S 2025 seems to tick all the boxes but I would love to hear opinions of more experienced riders, and specially if you've had one (or a similar model).

Thank you!