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.

Yes, you can still buy a "Brand New" Honda Super Cub here in the USA!

As a Super Cub affectionato, I see about one of these come up for sale a year.  They are amazing - bikes, which, although they were made 30+ years ago, are still - amazingly - brand new.  For one reason or another they were put away soon after their owners brought them home from the dealer, and stored somewhere safe, clean, and not too wet or dry. So, today they come out into the sunshine with no rust, no scratches, no dings or dents, no cracks, no wear on the engine, no imperfections whatsoever.  


This one is as new as if it just came out of the crate. Perfect condition all around.  Ready to ride or just park in the den and adore. The only thing I might suggest a new owner to do would be to put on new tires (which are readily available, thank God!). Of course, it also needs a new battery.


It's not mine (I wish) - it's for sale (and I have no relation to the seller whatsoever) on Ebay. You can find it, and more photos, here.

Jay Leno Knows a Classic When He Sees One!

Just about everybody knows that Jay Leno is a classic car enthusiast, what with his famous "garage" (hangar, really) full of vintage automobiles.  Jay is also a life-long motorcycle guy, and often turns up at events to mingle and hob-knob with fellow cyclists, particularly those who specialize in motorcycles from the '60's and '70's.  Here he is at one recent event posing next to somebody's Super Cub (aka, the "Passport" here in the USA during the early '80's).  I wonder if Jay owns a Cub?  Anybody Know?

It's Official! The Fly Scout is Coming in May!

Happy days are certainly here again for American Super Cub fans!  About a year ago we got our first Cub in over 25 years with the introduction of the SYM Symba, and now - here comes another Cub from Fly Scooters:  the 2010 Fly Scout will be in USA dealerships in early May!  The announcement was made today over at the venerable and reliable justgottascoot.com.

Here's a Chance to Own a 2007 Super Cub! 90cc and Fuel Injection!

Guess what?  For the first time since I've been following Super Cubs on Ebay, there is an auction for a post-1983/84 model!  Yes, you can actually bid on a 2007 Honda C90 Super Cub, imported by its original owner from Japan.  It's totally legal, since it came in through the military's own channels rather than regular US Customs. As such it doesn't require DOT or EPA approvals.  It's fully titled and registerable in all 50 states!  This particular model has fuel injection, too! The winner of this auction is going to become the proud owner of the most unique Super Cub in America. If you're interested, you can find the auction here.

Check Out TheScooterScoop for The Latest Super Cub Scoops!

I love this site. If you want to watch some very interesting videos taken at this year's Motorcycle Dealer Expo show, check out the content over at Steve Guzman's TheScooterScoop!  There's news about the Cub-based Sachs "Madass", which finally seems to be really here and is proving itself to be a quality product. There's also news about the recently popular Genuine brand of scooters, new helmets, jackets, and other innovative gear and equipment Steve found on the show floor.  One really cool bit of news you'll see is Honda's introduction of the (again, Cub-based) Wave 110 in Thailand, complete with a CVT transmission.  Looks like the Cub lives on!  Anyway, TheScooterScoop is well worth the visit (and a bookmark)! 

The 2010 Honda Super Cub - Could it Get Any Better?

We may not be able to buy the Honda Super Cub here in the USA, but it's still selling strong in Japan and Asia, and in 2009 Honda even undertook a major design update of the bike - going from the original pressed steel frame to a tube steel frame with plastic body panels to retain the classic look.  They also finally (perhaps taking a cue from SYM) updated the front suspension to telescopic fork, and added EFI.  Most importantly for hopeful American buyers, Honda increased the engine displacement to 110cc and added a 4th gear to the transmission.  That extra horsepower and gearing should make the 2010 Super Cub suitable for speeds of up to around 50 mph - about the same as the SYM Symba.  One can only hope that, with the success of the Symba here in the USA and Canada, Honda will see fit to bring the Cub back to American Honda dealerships!