2022 Honda Super Cub in matte black

UPDATE (December 7, 2021):

Honda America announced today that the 2022 Honda Super Cub (C125) will, indeed, be the matte black color. 

The 2022 model of the Honda Cub has been announced, and although Honda hasn't confirmed the color for this year's US model, it's probably going to be the same as the EU model - matte black! This is first for the Super Cub, as this color has never been seen before. Blue, red, yellow, green, white, and black - yes, but matte black (looks like more of a gray to me, but whatever) is a first! There's a chance they might go with the powder blue color that is also new for the line this year and available in Thailand, and it should be noted that Honda doesn't always send the same color to the EU and US, so - we'll see.

Other than the new color, the '22 has a few other differences compared to earlier model years. Probably the most welcome of these is the pillion seat, cargo rack, and passenger pegs that are now standard. The start system electronics have been enhanced - you can now have the turn signals flash remotely by activating the "find me" button on the fob, in case you've forgotten where you parked.

The motor has had some minor changes as well, increasing horsepower slightly, and the suspension has been tweaked (probably to better handle 2-up riding).

My advice to anyone who's sitting on the fence regarding buying a Super Cub is, if you think you might want one in the future, better buy it. Nobody can say how committed Honda is to the "MiniMoto" line, and in the past they've re-introduced the Cub to the US market only to cancel it again after a few years. 

 

You can wait for the Honda e-CUB, or get this electric "Monterey" from CSC in California!

 

OK, I know it's not a genuine Honda. It's made in China. The top speed is only 32 MPH, and the range is pretty modest (20+ miles).

BUT BUT BUT

Just look at the thing!  Its pretty, it's correct, it's classic.  Wire wheels, LED lighting, a rear rack with passenger seat.

Price:  $2,195 plus $410 dealer prep. They'll ship it anywhere in the Lower 48 for $350 to $500 (depending on distance).

Here's a review by electrec

Here's the CSC website

Note: If you order, I'd suggest the first thing you do when the bike arrives is remove the plastics covering the front part of the frame where the fork meets the down tube, and inspect the welds. If they look at all dodgy, take the bike (or frame) to a metal shop and have the welds repaired or redone.  This is important - you don't want that part of the frame to fail, and, sorry to say, some made-in-China motorcycles have been found to have dangerously defective welds.

Also, keep in mind that warranty support and parts availability won't be up to Honda standards.  I don't have any experience with CSC but their website specifies the warranty as 12 months parts only. They do have a network of authorized service centers.  Might be a good thing to check it before you buy.

One other thought - the stock battery in the Monterey is 60V 23Ah.  You can find higher Ah rated batteries for sale online (such as Amazon) that are suitable for 1.5KW motors such as that on the Monterey.  A 30Ah battery, for example, should add about 30% more range to the bike. So, the minimum range would go from 20 miles to 26 miles. Of course, you'd have to wire that new battery into the motor controller, and the connectors might not be the same. You'd also have to use the charger that came with the battery instead of the one that came with the bike.  Also, make sure any battery you buy comes with a BMS (battery management system), or else it won't last very long!