Motorcycles

Honda reissues classic Super Cub models, celebrates 100 million production units

Honda reissues classic Super Cub models, celebrates 100 million production units
The 2018 Honda Super Cub in Pearl Shining Yellow color
The 2018 Honda Super Cub in Pearl Shining Yellow color
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The 2018 Honda Super Cub in Pearl Shining Yellow color
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The 2018 Honda Super Cub in Pearl Shining Yellow color
The 2018 Honda Super Cub in Virgin Beige color
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The 2018 Honda Super Cub in Virgin Beige color
The 2018 Honda Super Cub in Moonstone Silver Metallic color
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The 2018 Honda Super Cub in Moonstone Silver Metallic color
The 2018 Honda Super Cub in Tasmania Green Metallic color
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The 2018 Honda Super Cub in Tasmania Green Metallic color
The 2018 Honda Super Cub in Urbane Denim Blue Metallic color
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The 2018 Honda Super Cub in Urbane Denim Blue Metallic color
The 2018 Honda Super Cub Pro version
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The 2018 Honda Super Cub Pro version
The 2018 Honda Super Cub in Glint Wave Blue Metallic color
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The 2018 Honda Super Cub in Glint Wave Blue Metallic color
The 2018 Honda Super Cub in Classical White color
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The 2018 Honda Super Cub in Classical White color
The one that started it all: the 1958 Honda Super Cub C100
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The one that started it all: the 1958 Honda Super Cub C100
The 1966 Honda Super Cub C50
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The 1966 Honda Super Cub C50
The 2012 Honda Super Cub 110
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The 2012 Honda Super Cub 110
Honda's Kumamoto factory in Japan is ready to start producing brand new 2018 Honda Super Cub 50 and 110 models
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Honda's Kumamoto factory in Japan is ready to start producing brand new 2018 Honda Super Cub 50 and 110 models
Takahiro Hachigo, Honda CEO, rides on stage aboard a 2018 Honda Super Cub, during a special celebration at the Kumamoto factory
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Takahiro Hachigo, Honda CEO, rides on stage aboard a 2018 Honda Super Cub, during a special celebration at the Kumamoto factory
It took 60 years for Honda to create an unbeatable production record of 100 million Cubs
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It took 60 years for Honda to create an unbeatable production record of 100 million Cubs
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After reaching a staggering 100 million units produced worldwide, Honda has announced that a series of revamped 50 and 110 cc Super Cub models will return to the Japanese market as of next month. Manufactured in Japan, they will be available in both classic commuter and professional versions.

If there is one motorized vehicle that deserves to be termed as iconic, that has to be Honda's Super Cub. The small, rugged two-wheeler has been constantly in production since 1958, with numerous variants and offsprings still pouring out from 16 Honda factories in 15 countries.

Among these, the basic Super Cub 50 and 110 are still in production in China and, as Honda has just announced, a new dedicated production line has been set-up at the Kumamoto factory in Japan. These two direct descendants of the original 1958 model have received a well-deserved revamp, ahead of delivery to Japanese dealerships on November 10.

The plastic costumes have undergone a discrete redesign, while the application of LED lights brings about some energy-saving freshness. The four-stroke single-cylinder engine has also benefited from a gentle touch of modern engineering and metallurgy, now employing tougher and lower-friction pistons and cylinders, as well as a host of present-day tidbits, like needle bearings, new oil filter, a dipstick to measure oil level etc.

In order to satisfy contemporary Japanese emission norms, the engine is fed via Honda's PGM fuel injection system, and the exhaust system employs a new muffler incorporating a two-stage catalytic converter.

The 2018 Honda Super Cub Pro version
The 2018 Honda Super Cub Pro version

The new Super Cubs will be available in both classic and professional versions, the latter equipped with front and rear loading baskets, and rolling on 14-in wheels – in place of the typical 17-in tires we'll find on the standard Super Cub, in order to make more room for loading space.

There will be a long list of fresh color options available, with two engine capacities on offer; a 50 cc single that produces 3.7 hp (2.7 kW), and a 8 hp (5.9 kW) 110 cc single.

Pricing in Japan will be JPY232,200 (approximately US$2,050) for the Super Cub 50 and 253,800 ($2,240) for the Pro version, while the 110 cc models will retail for JPY275,400 ($2,430) in standard trim and 297,000 ($2,620) in Pro.

The model year 2018 bears a distinct significance for the Super Cub, marking its 60th anniversary, and Honda plans to honor this at the upcoming 45th Tokyo Motor Show. In fact, the amazing record of 100 million Cubs produced cumulatively all over the world has been officially reached this month, and Honda celebrated it with a new dedicated area in its global website and a ceremony at the Kumamoto factory to inaugurate the new production line.

Honda's Kumamoto factory in Japan is ready to start producing brand new 2018 Honda Super Cub 50 and 110 models
Honda's Kumamoto factory in Japan is ready to start producing brand new 2018 Honda Super Cub 50 and 110 models

Apart from the Super Cub reissues, Honda is planning to unveil a new CC 110 model in Tokyo, and we also remember last year's pledge for an electric EV-Cub coming in 2018.

It is indeed incredible that we were reporting on the 50-million production record in 2006, two years shy of the Cub's 50th anniversary, and now Honda has doubled that in a matter of just another 11 years. It's really hard to imagine any other vehicle ever contesting such a record, or even achieving anything close to that.

The 45th Tokyo Motor Show will be a bit more special for Super Cub fans, yet unfortunately most of the Cub-related novelties that Honda has in store for us will be exclusive privileges of the Japanese market – with the possible exception of the EV-Cub, if and when it comes.

Source: Honda

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8 comments
8 comments
Gene Humphries
Your article on “Honda reissues classic Super Cub models in Japan” may inaccurately report that the Supercub will not be produced in the US however in searching the web, I have located a source that it will be available in the US market in May of 2018.
https://www.fastcompany.com/1271825/honda-super-cub-worlds-most-successful-motorcycle-rides-again
If so, I would be one of the first to purchase especially if it included the trail rated step down transmission as the US classic models did.
Bob
I have wanted a Super Cub for years. I don't like the idea of making the wheels smaller but that is still better than scooter size wheels. I hate the U.S Metro little 49cc scooters with their tiny wheels and unstable ride.
Tom Lee Mullins
I think that is really neat. I am glad someone found an article indicating it will be sold in the US.
vince
Why build an obsolete bike based on outdated ICE technology that pollutes the world? Honda, as well as all other bike companies, reject any responsibility as being theirs for polluting our world unnecessarily. Get a life Honda. Switch to all EVs.
Nik
If you want a laugh, try comparing the ''Raleigh Wisp'' which was one of the European offers, at the same time. http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/uploads/cars/raleigh/2477267.jpg I was lent one to use, and it broke! On an 800 mile round trip, from Singapore to Ipoh and back, the wheels stretched their spokes and the rims wobbled on the hubs, and so had to be rebuilt. The engine support brackets broke, and I had to fabricate stronger replacements, and have them welded in place. There was no suspension, this coupled with a minimalist seat, meant that the ride was far from comfortable. In fact it was excruciatingly painful after a long ride! Compared the the Japanese bikes on offer, it was a disaster, and the one I was lent was part of an order that was rejected, and returned to the supplier. I cant blame them. The 100 million units speaks very loudly for the overall design and build quality. I also saw these with the rear suspension units replaced with chunky steel rods, so that enormous loads could be carried on oversized luggage racks. In Thailand they were fitted with extra seats front and rear, so the whole family could travel, Mum, dad, and often as many as five kids, was not unusual. As to alleged pollution, worldwide, the people smoking tobacco probably contribute more pollution, and of a more lethal type, than these machines.
LakeeshaGobeatcha
This model was sold in the USA as the "Passport" until the early 80's when it was pulled from USA distribution. Honda held a fire sale on them at the end, and the price was $600 each ... pick your color. Sorry I didn't buy a few then.
Peggy Motorcycle
I have my fingers crossed that Honda will bring back a vintage-ish looking < 500cc cruiser with a Hondamatic transmission! ;)
Emmanuel Zungwenen
That's is so wonderful sir we are well appreciated. But sir ,I need super 50c100 for long time now.but I need to know the price and how I can get it in my country, am in Nigeria (Edo state.) then, how much is super Honda c100 in Nigerian money??