Mototest: Honda Super Cub // Time machine

Many of us imagine this best-selling motorcycle, saddled with all the members of the Asian family, as a mobile chicken coop or any other fancy substitute for transportation. Maybe it's really somewhere in the third world However, the Super Cub we have available is slightly different.

The combination of light blue and dark blue comes from the first generations of the model and is by no means an accident. It represents the sea, sky and everything in between, areas that Honda has always wanted to conquer. Red seat just for contrast... Compared to models available on other continents for half the price, there are plenty of chrome accessories, a digital display with the gear selected, a proximity key, ABS, alloy wheels, LED lighting, and of course the entire engine. The Super Cub shares this with the MSX and Monkey models, so it falls into the "up to two liters" category. I am, of course, talking about consumption. For several days of rather intense jumps around the city and a total of at least one full circle along the Ljubljana ring road, I spent 3,58 euros on fuel.... I tell you, it's free.

While when it comes to ride performance, performance, suspension and other components, we can't really talk about frills in the Honda Super Cub, after a week with this bike, it's clear to me that such high sales volumes are no surprise at all. Understanding that highway fights are pre-played and that the essence of this bike is transportation to the finish line, every rider will love it. The simple gearbox will appeal to beginners, but will amuse the experienced. When we are right at the gearbox, the centrifugal clutch allows us to shift gears only with the pedal, which we control with our fingers and heel. Forward for high gears, reverse for low and idle. The shape of the pedal is not the best, as you need to move your foot, but the driver quickly gets used to it. At a minimum, the problem is solved by a simple refinement in the vice of domestic production.screw».

The driver decides how the gearbox shifts... With a light touch on the pedal and light pressure on the accelerator pedal, the upshift will be smooth and barely noticeable, and, of course, vice versa if you are using the "butcher" technique. Downshifts are more enjoyable when the engine speed is lowered and is completely shock-free even at higher speeds with consistent acceleration. I think that choosing the right gear is especially important because the engine fails at too high revs, and at low revs the clutch slip is felt. An additional advantage of the centrifugal clutch is the possibility of impulse ignition. Just in memory of youth.

It is clear that the Super Cub, due to its vintage design, does not live up to all expectations of a modern city scooter, but when it comes to motorcycles of this volume, it almost does not lag behind in anything (except for the final speed). I confess that sooner or later I was missing some useful box for small things. As well as a passenger seat and possibly a side stand.

However, the Super Cub has two important features that make it likely to outperform all motorcycles in the world.... Namely, its mechanics give a feeling of unimaginable quality, strength and durability, and at the same time, like a time machine, it rejuvenates you and brings back the most wonderful driving memories. A motorcycle that brings happiness and joy.

• Basic data

  Sales: Motocentr As Domžale

  Base model price: € 3.890 XNUMX €

  Test model cost: € 3.890 XNUMX €

• Technical information

  engine: 125 cm³, single cylinder, air-cooled

  Power: 7,1 kW (9,6 hp) at 7.500 rpm

  Torque: 10,4 Nm at 5.000 rpm

  Energy transfer: foot transmission, four-speed semi-automatic

  Frame: extruded steel frame

  brakes: ABS coil at the front, drum at the back

  Suspension: USD fork at the front, dual shock at the rear

  Tires: front 70/90 17M, rear 80/90 17M

  Growth: 780 mm

  Weight: 109 kg (ready to ride)

We praise and reproach

engine, consumption, quiet operation

driving pleasure, ease

smart key

transmission control

no room for a passenger

room around the left foot (pedals)

modest color offer

final grade

The Honda Super Cub is the missing link between 125cc scooters and motorcycles. The price differs slightly in comparison to some scooters, but we think that with its history and standard equipment from “these big ones”, its price is justified at the moment.