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.