I say “lowly cub” in jest of course. The Honda Super Cub is responsible for the rise of one of the most powerful vehicle companies in the world! No vehicle in the world, not even the VW Beetle, can claim a better record of success than the Cub, and here we are just two months before we break out the cake and ice cream to celebrate 50 years and 60+ million units built.
The sad thing is, there are 195 countries in the world… the Cub is available in 160 of those countries. The USA is one of just 35 countries that are NOT graced with the Cub presence. Mexico’s got em. Canada and the USA USED to “meet the nicest people” on their Passport C90′s, but not since the early 80′s. It would be cool to see a limited edition Cub/Passport here. Just for old-time sakes.
But I understand… “profit margins are too tight” to bring them here and the “American infrastructure doesn’t support the use of such tiny scooters”. That’s not gonna stop me from lovin’ ‘em. Oh, but you know, if I could get one, I wouldn’t want one of the new “green” ones I’m sorry to say. To understand where I’m coming from you’ll have to read the blog of a REAL CubLuver, SuperCubBlogger in Tokyo. They way Honda made the Cub “greener” is kinda like the way Philip Morris made cigarettes “lite”. You just gotta smoke more of them.
Now tell me… do you like the cub???
How about now? Without the leg shields there (hehe). The NYT likes ‘em too and they’ve made some pretty wild journeys.
13. June 2008 at 7:50 pm
Oh man, Look at the ass-end on that Super Cub!
14. June 2008 at 12:09 am
“You meet the nicest people on a Honda”
When I had just turned 17 in 1963 my father took me to the new Honda motorcycle dealership to get me some transportation. Honda was just getting established on the east coast at that time and I had never heard of them before.
Dad said I could have any 50cc bike on the floor. I could have chosen the Cub, but the one that really got my attention was the Honda Sport 50 (CA110) because it was styled like a motorcycle. I believe that they both shared the same 50cc four cycle engine.
Anyway, I ended up with the Sport 50 and thought I was cool when I found out that I was the only one on two wheels in the high school student parking lot.
It was a blast to drive. Would you believe that bike could do 55 MPH and get well over 150 MPG in stock form? Those numbers make me long for the good old days.
14. June 2008 at 1:46 pm
Such an amazing little bike. Don’t for get it’s other cousin, the Trail 90. It is essentially the same bike and is a bit easier to find here in the US.
14. June 2008 at 5:07 pm
There is one on the local Craigslist, with the spare gas can that used to come with them. I’d have bought one if it were newer.Pretty steep, $1200.
1974? $1200? the urge has just passed.
16. June 2008 at 4:06 am
Casey! I know! Looks like she could really handle a bigger piston.
SuperSoul!
That’s a cool story man. Seems like you’d own one today… at least for sentimental reasons. Is that the case?
My first motorized vehicle was a 1980 Puch Newport (moped). Sweet freedom.
Tim! Yeah the Trail 90 is nice too. Oh, and I loved the Trail 70. Check out this “military issue” CT70 here: http://hondatrail70.com/MilitaryCT70.htm
Hi Tinker!
Yeah… I guess it depends on the condition. Is it in collectible quality? It better be pretty clean for $1200.