Merry Christmas!

Taiwan's Super Cub History...

The Super Cub is the most manufactured motor vehicle in history, having been made not just in Japan but throughout Asia for the past 52 years.  


In Taiwan, Honda chose to license manufacturing to local companies operating on the Island, rather than pay the stiff import duties levied on imported vehicles.


One such company was Sanyang Industry Co. (SYM), which started production of the Super Cub in 1962. This photo is of the SYM museum in Hsinchu, Taiwan.  Note the C100 Cub on the right and the Symba on the far left, with all the intervening models in between.

My Baby's For Sale!

Here's my '70 Honda CM70!  I'm (finally -it's taken two years!) done with the restoration and just listed it on Ebay.  


Even though I've owned quite a few Super Cubs, the '70 and '71 models have always had a special appeal to me - a significant update to the original design (note the "real" turn signals and larger headlamp), but still retaining the bolt-on fuel tank and ignition key in the side cover.  This version even has a "night light" that you turn on by pushing the horn button (when the ignition is off), which helps you in the dark to get the key in the switch:  no other model years have that!  The highlights of this project are the rebuild of the original motor, which increased the displacement from 70cc up to 90cc, and upped the transmission from a 3-speed to 4-speed. I also added larger tires (2.75 rear; 2.50 front), and a headlight with a replaceable bulb.  Everything works, runs great.


In accordance with my agreement with the better half, I have to sell this bike before moving on to my next restoration, which is a '65 CA100 (50cc).

How Honda Succeeded (with the help of the Super Cub) in the USA - a History.

It never ceases to amaze me how little people know about the Honda Super Cub and its role in making "Honda" a household name in America.  It could be argued that without the humble little 50cc Super Cub, Honda wouldn't have gotten a toe-hold in the USA motorcycle market until years later than it did.  In fact, it's even possible that, with the failure of their early larger bikes prior to the wave of popularity that the Cub inspired, Honda may have given up on the USA market entirely.  
So, the next time you take your Shadow or Gold Wing (or, for that matter, your Civic) out for a drive, think about the Cub, and how it pretty much single-handedly changed motorcycle and automobile history!


For a complete narrative of the role of the Super Cub in Honda's success in America, see this article.

Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

Will the genuine Honda Super Cub please step (or, roll) forward?


Two of the bikes pictured above are NOT Super Cubs.  In fact, they're not even made by Honda. 

Before you jump to the conclusion that they are cheap Asian knock-offs, let me say that both Cub wannabes in the photo were made by major Japanese motorcycle brand names that you would immediately recognize.


Post your guesses below.  The first one who is correct on both bikes will win a genuine imitation mother of pearl hair comb in a 100% virgin Naugahyde pouch! 

Rare Footage: Mamie Van Doren Rides a 1964 Super Cub

Another 100% Restored Classic Super Cub on Ebay...

Here's another rare opportunity to own a classic 1964 Super Cub that's been totally restored.  The only downside to this bike is, it's being offered on Ebay as a "static display" - never been run since the engine rebuild and restoration. But it was restored with the intention to make it running (in other words, it's not just a cosmetic restoration).  Also, it it has no title.  But, replacement titles for bikes this old are not hard to get, or expensive.  You can find this bike here on Ebay. But hurry, the auction ends soon!  As with previous heads-up posts I've made about Cubs for sale, I have no connection whatsoever with this seller.