Jawa Pioneer 50 - coming to USA.

Look familiar?  This is the Pioneer - Jawa's take on the Super Cub.  Note the motor (Lifan copy of Honda Cub engine), "retro" styling, and just general cuteness.  I mean, how about that integrated rear wheel skirt?


They'll be available soon, from this importer.  Price is unknown at this point, but I would guess it will be somewhere in the neighborhood of $1500.

Just had to post this - a BRAND NEW (really) '64 Honda Cub on Ebay!

Once in a blue moon something amazing like this pops up on Ebay. A BRAND NEW 1965 Honda Super Cub C100!  As told by the seller, the bike was won in a contest back in '65 and just covered and put away in a (thankfully!) dry basement for 46 years. Now it's back on the market - with 1 mile on the odometer and looking pretty much exactly as good and brand-spanking-new as it did in the showroom! The minimum bid is $5000, which pretty much limits this bike to serious collectors and museums.  Somebody call Jay Leno!

Did Don Draper Come Up With This One?

The ad reads:
"The old bus hasn't really retired.  She just doesn't get around much anymore.  Her owners have discovered a sure way to beat the traffic and parking problem (and have a barrel of fun in the bargain): the versatile Honda "50". There are a great many reasons why Honda has become America's new riding habit. The economy-minded love that Honda mileage - up to 225 miles per gallon - and the penny-pinching purchase price. The fun-minded love the way the Honda makes every trip a sheer delight. And everyone loves Honda's superb little 4-stroke engine that takes you places at a whisper-quiet 45-mph.  With its automatic clutch, 3-speed transmission, and advanced dual cam-type brakes both front and rear, even a youngster can ride the Honda "50" safely and easily the very first time! Discover the fun of two-wheel motoring at your Honda dealer soon. For the name of your nearest dealer (there are more than 800 across the country) call Western Union by number and ask for OPERATOR 25.
From $245
Copyright 1963 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Alas, The Bell Tolls for Fly Scooters - and the Fly Scout

I've been meaning to post this sad news for over a month now, but just couldn't bring myself to do it.  Look at this bike - it's the Scout, by Fly Scooters. Like the SYM Symba, it's a pretty good copy of the Honda Super Cub we all know and love. It's made in China by DYK, and Fly put so, so much into it in terms of refinements and quality improvements. Industry people who tested and evaluated it gave it the thumbs-up (even though it's not quite the equal in quality to the Symba). It's just a crying shame that barely six months after they got it all DOT and EPA approved and added it to their USA product line, Fly had to close down due to the economic downturn that has been the ruin of so many powersports dealers and distributors since 2009. That leaves the SYM Symba the only "Cub-type" for sale in the USA for the foreseeable future - which isn't a bad thing, because the Symba is an excellent ride. It's just not quite as retro as the Scout (particularly in the handlebar area) - and for classic Cub lovers, it was good to have the choice.  SYM's exclusive USA distributor for the past three years, Carter Brothers, has been in limbo since last July when somebody torched (yes, the fire was ruled a case of arson - no arrests yet) their warehouse and turned approximately 3,000 SYM scooters into charred remains. Earlier this year it was announced that SYM was not renewing their contract with Carter Brothers, and distribution of SYM scooters (and the Symba) is being transferred to Lance Powersports. So, it seems the Symba has just barely survived into 2011 and (hopefully) beyond.


The Fly Scout should become something of a collector's item.

Egads! Honda USA Ads from the (very) Early Days!

Honda's ad agency in the early '60's had quite a bit of flair on what was, obviously, a limited budget.  I just  love the two "gents" (one a nib in top hat and tails and the other from the working class).  Very non-motorcycle style, indeed!  They really were looking to find a new niche in the market.  Of course, back then, in many states you could walk into a Honda dealer, plunk down your $270 or so and ride home - no motorcycle endorsement or helmet required!  Not that I'm anti-helmet by any means, but I just feel that a person on a Super Cub wearing armor, riding boots and a Shoei RF1000 looks kind of ridiculous.

Honda Introduces "Heritage Collection" of Jackets, T-Shirts, etc...

I think this jacket with the retro Honda logo would look just right on anybody riding a classic Honda Super Cub!  It doesn't seem to be armored, but if your top speed is 35 MPH, maybe that's not so important.


I hope this new collection is going to be available through dealerships.  As of now, the (incomplete) selection is available here.  I'm not particularly impressed by the t-shirts, but this jacket is the bees knees!