Honda unveils new fuel-shy Super Cub C125

Honda has unveiled a new Super Cub C125 which it says will provide a stylish mode of transport to a new demographic of urban riders.

Up until now the latest model – the Super Cub C110 – has been available in Japan, where it’s proved popular with business users including the Japanese Post Office, and South East Asia, where it’s found a place in people’s homes as private transport.

“We know our customers, male or female, take their personal style seriously and we want our new Super Cub C125 to enrich their lifestyle. Its timeless design expresses value and universality, and we have added a new level of performance to the engine and handling ability to the chassis,” said project leader Tadamasa Maeda.

“Just like it was for our founder, our biggest joy is to play a positive part in daily life – and also put a big smile on the face of every Super Cub owner whenever and wherever they ride it.”

The Super Cub 125 has been designed so it is easy for a wide range of people to use. A key part of this ethos is the laid-forward ‘S-shaped silhouette’, which runs from the step-through space to rear mudguard, making access on and off easy.

It is powered by an air-cooled two-valve fuel-injected SOHC 125cc unit has been enhanced cosmetically with a matt metallic-look paint finish and chrome detailing to give it a premium look, and also updated internally to improve the riding experience.

Engine noise is kept to a minimum by the use of helical primary gears and higher precision crank journal bearings. Bearings have been added to the shift drum for a slicker gear change; rubber is employed on the shift arm (also to reduce noise) and optimised clutch damper rubber reduces shift shock.

Fun, easy handling has always been another Super Cub strength – it even inspired a Beach Boys song My Little Honda. To maintain its reassuring nature, but upgrade it for the 125cc specification, the Super Cub C125 started with the C110 tubular steel ‘backbone’ frame as a base. The rigidity balance has been tuned around the headstock and engine hangers, to optimise performance for the larger capacity engine while handlebars and seat are now rubber mounted. The footpegs also feature rubber inserts.

Most importantly it will do 153 miles on four litres of fuel…