Honda Super Cub C125 (2019) in the test

Honda Super Cub C125 in the test

Sixties flair meets modern technology

Hoe, point, up your leg? No, we are not in dance school here, we are driving the Honda Super Cub 125. But the ingenious operation of the transmission of the most built two-wheeler of all time is best described with these two words: hoe, tip.

KHard to believe, but true: The Honda Super Cub, almost unknown in Europe and never officially imported to Germany so far, is a superlative bike! On the one hand, she celebrated her 60th birthday in 2018. And on the other hand, it passed the 100 million mark in built units in October 2017. Congratulations on this from our side.

Starting price is 3,690 euros

This success is no accident. At the time, the pragmatic company founder Soichiro Honda envisioned a cheap urban bike that was affordable and manageable for everyone. Both goals can be considered as achieved, although the Cub with the price of 3,690 euros that is called up in this country has long since ceased to do justice to the C in its name. In its core markets in Southeast Asia, it is offered in some cases for well under 1,000 euros, albeit more simply equipped, i.e. without ABS. And this is where the circuit, which inspired the slogan, unfolds its full charm and meaning.

Gram

The new Super Cub C125 is available in two colors.

In contrast to the friendly gentleman in the pictures, whose clothing is roughly based on the current temperatures and safety requirements, the driver’s equipment in their main markets often consists of T-shirt, shorts and flip-flops. And since it is difficult to change gear with bare skin, the four-speed transmission works as follows: idle, step forward, first gear sits. A centrifugal clutch ensures frictional connection with increasing speed. Step forward again, second gear, kick, third, kick, fourth gear. The clutch is disengaged at the same time with the shift lever, the left hand is free. There is also no clutch get up. When you stop, the trick comes: you drive to the traffic light in the fourth, stop, step forward, idle. The game can start over. A lock ensures that you can only shift to neutral or first gear when the car is stationary. If you have to downshift while driving, all you need to do is step backwards on the rocker switch. Hoe, just point. However, gentle engagement requires a sensitive heel. Once you’ve got used to the system, you don’t want to be without it.

Honda Super Cub C125 is very easy to drive

Thanks to the conventional, direct power transmission, the just under 10 hp four-stroke engine is also more agile than the equally powerful scooter with variator. And it is economical. Despite suboptimal conditions such as temperatures around freezing point, including clothing that was bulky and easily over 90 kilos of ballast, the Cup was content with 1.85 liters on the consumption lap. In the WMTC cycle it should even be only 1.5 liters. The two-valve engine does its job in a cultivated and very quiet manner. But the Cub is not free from weaknesses.

Gram

Honda charges 3,690 euros for the Super Cub C125.

So the centrifugal clutch engages quite early, just above idle, which is noticeable as a noticeable weakness when starting the traffic light. In addition, the small Honda is only available as a single-seater in this country, and the only storage option under the right side cover is completely occupied by the operating instructions. The chassis is firmly sprung and softly damped, which causes unrest in the framework on uneven ground. But that doesn’t diminish driving fun any more than the fact that the author, at 1.86 meters in length, feels 20 centimeters too tall for the Honda. It’s pretty tight behind the leg shield. In return, the Cub is very easy to drive, virtually turns on the rear wheel and almost automatically hops onto the main stand. ABS ensures safety at the front, but you can smoke it at the back. It is definitely a real eye-catcher, and the price should ensure exclusivity in this country.

Conclusion

The new Honda Super Cub C125 is child’s play to drive, but with a price of 3,690 euros it is not necessarily a cheap pleasure. Nevertheless, it will also find buyers in this country. In any case, we really enjoyed the first test drive.

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