The 2020 Honda Super Cub is a modern version of the reason American Honda became associated so many years ago with the “nicest people.” Despite the tremendous sales success of the early 49cc step-through—reportedly more than 100 million sold worldwide—the Cub was long absent from Honda’s US model line, only making a comeback in 2019 as the Super Cub C125 ABS. A four-speed, heel-and-toe-shifter transmission with a semi-automatic centrifugal clutch offers scooterlike twist-and-go mobility, and the twin-shock chassis easily handles surface streets. Styling is likewise true to earlier models: Bodywork flows smoothly from the front fender past the valanced fork and solo seat to the wraparound rear fender.
This year, the claimed 240-pound machine—top speed is estimated at 55 mph—is unchanged but for its color scheme, a striking Pearl Nebula Red. Decades after the debut of the original, the Super Cub C125 ABS continues to open the two-wheel door to those who might be intimidated by larger, more complex motorcycles. After Riding The World’s Friendliest Motorcycle, The Honda Super Cub, staffer Morgan Gales wrote, “The Super Cub reminds me of simpler times—just cruising, not pushing the bike for peak performance—and I love it.”
