We’ve mentioned a couple of times how many Super Cubs have been rolling off the assembly lines, first 50 million, then recently they passed 60 million and now Honda held a celebration at Honda’s Kumamoto Factory where Super Cub is produced in Japan to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Super Cub production.
Honda began making the Super Cub C100 in August of 1958, a 49cc, 4.5 hp single cylinder 4 stroke and the rest is motorcycle history. In 1961 production began in Taiwan, the first location outside of Japan and currently it’s being produced in 16 plants in 15 countries. Who would have thought this little machine would become as popular and long lasting as it has? It still ignites memories for many riders who remember their first ride on a Super Cub, me included, I wonder how long it will continue to help keep people on 2 wheels?
From Honda:
“The reason we have been able to continue producing and selling Super Cub for 50 years, which is quite a long time, is because of our customers who enjoy using Super Cub every day,” said Takeo Fukui, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co, Ltd. “I would also like to thank Honda associates who have supported the history of Super Cub. Super Cub has continuously advanced to accommodate the needs and preferences of people throughout the world, and cumulative worldwide production of Cub series motorcycles reached the 60 million-unit milestone in April of this year. Moreover, in this year of the 50th anniversary of Super Cub, a new motorcycle plant has been built at this Kumamoto Factory, and the transfer of motorcycle production to the new plant will be completed within this year. I expect Kumamoto Factory to serve as the global leader of Honda’s motorcycle production operations around the world and to continue providing our customers with products that create new value.”
Key milestones of Honda Super Cub Series:
August 1958 – Sales of Super Cub C100 began Production site: Yamato Plant (later became Saitama Factory Wako Plant)
1959 – Exports to the U.S. began
1960 – Production at Suzuka Factory began
1961 – Cumulative production reached 1 million-unit milestone
Production based on component parts sets began in Taiwan (first production outside of Japan)
1964 – Sales of Super Cub C65 (the first OHC engine) began
1966 – Sales of Super Cub C50 (OHC engine) began
1967 – Cumulative production reached 5 million-unit milestone
1974 – Cumulative production reached 10 million-unit milestone
1983 – Fuel consumption of 180km/liter (30km/h constant-speed test value) achieved (Super Cub 50 Super Custom)
1988 – Sales of Press Cub began
1991 – Production was transferred to Kumamoto Factory
1992 – Cumulative production reached 20 million-unit milestone
1997 – Sales of Little Cub began
2005 – Cumulative production reached 50 million-unit milestone
2007 – An electronically-controlled fuel injection system, Honda’s PGM-FI, was installed on Super Cub 50, Press Cub 50 and Little Cub.
2008 – Cumulative production reached 60 million-unit milestone (April)
Related: Honda 50 was High Mileage Champ 45 years ago
Related: Honda Super Cub Gets Fuel Injection
Tom says
The Honda Super Cub: loved by everyone in the world but American Honda management.
Relive that Super Cub ride:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un8bas0Q9CY
Fun fact: Erik Buell’s first motorcycle ride was on a Super Cub!
Tom
windowshopper says
I dont understand why Honda has never reintroduced this bike back in the states. With the shear volume of this bike that they produce, it has to be ridiculously cheap to produce. And, even in the US economy could still be sold for cheap. My family owns and operates a Honda motorcycle dealership, and even with the vast selection of bikes in front of me, I’d ride one of these over anything else. Cheap, simple, fun, efficient. Great for just getting around. But, too bad Honda of America is too busy building VTX’s than to build ANYTHING else.
petep says
It came back it the late ’70s as the Passport, I believe, but nobody in the states wanted them.
petep says
I stand corrected, it was the early 80s. Look for C70 Passport. The much more popular (in the states, anyway) CT90/110 was sold longer, and, I believe, subtracted from potential C70 buyers.
Tom says
Nobody wanted Vespas in the early 1980s, either, but now look at who is tapping into a retro vibe and selling good volumes of small, practical machines.
Tom
GenWaylaid says
The Cub engine family is still sold in the U.S. in the CRF-50F and CRF-70F dirt bikes. Based on the way inexpensive scooters sell, I expect Honda could make two Cub models that would sell well here:
The 48cc 3-speed “legally a moped” edition, sold mainly on its unbeatable reliability and retro styling.
The 107cc or 124cc 4-speed “65 mph” edition, designed to be a practical beginner bike that’s much lighter and more forgiving than its competition.
Either model could be offered in a variety of styles, like Honda did in the sixties. There was the standard “scooter-like” style with legshields, a “sport” style with an extra fuel tank over the step-through to make it look like a regular motorcycle, and the “trail” style which eventually evolved into the CT-90/110.
I have no idea what price would be profitable for Honda, but given the competition they could charge $1500-2000 for the 48cc model and $2000-2500 for the 107cc model to slot themselves between unreliable Chinese discount brands and the rest of the competition. In all likelihood, Honda could still make a profit selling Cubs for much less.
mark says
Great little bike, I’ve had a few and never had a single problem. I hope to find one someday and I’ll keep it this time.
Tom says
The 85cc Japanese-built Super Cub costs about the same in that country as the Japanese-built CREA Scoopy 50 (called the Metropolitan in the USA).
Web page for special 50th models:
http://www.honda.co.jp/supercub/
Tom
Zac says
Could honda be petitioned to bring it back to the US?
Earl says
It is the single most important motorbike of the 20th century. Here in Australia, there’s a version known as the postie bike, cos postmen ride it. Thanx to Australia Post, it’s the single best selling bike in the country and has developed a cult following. Second hand postie bikes are everywhere, there’s even a postie bike challenge – several thousand kms across the desert, raising money for charity.
Whether car or bike, less power means more fun!
wizee says
wondering how can i get one of those in my country. sole distributor here is very sucks, they sold “fashion” bike with old and small engine inside. and the funny fact, they sell them at a very expensive price. i have to order my current bike from other importer just to have a decent bike.
Robbie says
The Honda Super Cub has had electronic ignition for some time. The new 08 model comes with electronic fuel injection. However, the mileage ratings are lower than previous models, as is power/torque ratings. So, not sure how it’s going to go over.
Frits says
Honda Nederland moet de C50, een levend icoon, hier importeren. Kijk naar het succes van de Vespa LX-50. Ik bestel er bij deze een c50. Kleur donkergroen en met buddyseat. Wanneer kunt u leveren?
(I said in Dutch: Honda Netherlands must import this icon. Watch the succes of the Vespa LX-50. I order a c50 right now. Dark green with buddyseat. When are you gonna deliver?)
GENE says
Honda would sell a bunch of the Honda Cubs in Hawaii! MoPeds are the preferred means of transportation by thousands, and the Honda Cub would bring solid dependability at an affordable price! YOU MEET THE NICEST PEOPLE ON A HONDA!!!!
ALOHA FROM HAWAII
Gary says
I have a Honda cub 50,C100, 59-65,not sure of year. Iam in need of parts. Kick starter shaft, o rings gaskets, etc. even a new engine if necessary. could you help in locating. thank you Gary
Ryan Nelsen says
I just bought an old Honda 50 for $125. it doesn’t run yet, but seems to have good compression. Plus I got two full boxes of parts, I’ll try to send some pics if i can get it running.