The world’s best-selling motorcycle vehicle in history gets some useful updates, as the 2022 Honda Super Cub 125 gets Euro 5 and pillion ugrades for the coming year. Which means more power and fuel efficiency, along with a pillion seat and footpegs as standard. Plus new suspension to make riding the Super Cub more comfortable.
But beyond justifying the importance in numbers, riding a Super Cub can just be a fun way to get on two wheels. We can’t be the only ones who have seen superbikes harassed around roundabouts by a suitable determined teenager on a cranked-over and worn-out C90?
Originally introduced by Soichiro Honda and business parter Takeo Fujisawa in 1958, the 100 millionth Super Cub rolled off the production line in 2017. And it’s received some practical updates for sensible riders looking to commute or nip around town. Primary among them is the new air-cooled 124cc four-stroke engine which mixes the bottom-end of the Japanese market C110 with the top-end of the MSX125 Grom to put out 7.2kW of power at 7,500rpm and 10.4Nm of torque at 6,250rpm.
Along with an extra 0.1kW power increase, you also get an exhaust reworked to look similar to previous models, but containing a single more efficient Euro5 cayalyser. And it hasn’t harmed the fuel economy with 100km on 1.5 litres, meaning a total range of around 250km from a full 3.7 litre tank of fuel.
The bodywork and leg guards are instantly recognisable as a Honda Super Cub, but it also means you’re less likely to get smart trousers covered in grease and dirt. Which is good if you’re hoping to pick someone up on the pillion pad, which is included as standard, along with the pillion pegs.
Whether solo or two-up, the handling is taking care of with 17-inch die-cast aluminimum spoked wheels, and new springs for the 100mm front forks and twin rear shocks. The stopping side of things is more traditional with a 220mm front disc and single-piston caliper complimented by a 110mm rear drum brake.
But even the Super Cub hasn’t escaped the progress of technology. So you get LED lights, digital instrumentation, and a Honda Smart Key including an immobiliser and ‘answer back’ feature to blink the lights and help you find your bike, all houses in a fob featuring the ‘Classic Wing’ Honda logo.
While older versions continued to offer the familiar blue and white paint, the 2022 Honda Super Cub is dropping it in favour of Matt Axis Grey Metallic, along with the normal C125 model designation. And it can be yours for £3,499, which is a cheaper alternative to both the Honda Monkey 125, and the Honda MXS125 Grom.
The 2022 Honda Super Cub 125 might not be the most exciting motorcycle or scooter to launch. But it’s guaranted to sell well by providing practical and cost-effective transport for thousands of people. Especially as it carries the Honda badge and 60+ years of legacy.
You might pick the Monkey or Grom if you want something more fun and stylish. But for non-nonsense two-wheeled transport, it’s still hard to beat.
Keep up with all the latest news and coverage of Honda motorcycles large and small, here. And you can find examples of Cubs and Super Cubs from all eras for sale secondhand on eBay, including projects, restorations, and cheap transport.
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