The opening of HONDA Collection Hall 20th anniversary event was held on the south course of Twin Ring Motegi on July 16 and September 24, 2018. The usual dynamic confirmation tests were racers and others in many cases, but this time around 20th anniversary commemorative commodity special running was carried out, and the epoch-making model from the dawn of Honda to the present showed off running.
Second generation super cub equipped with OHC engine
In the latter half of the 1960s, the way people use motorcycles has gradually changed as well as improving income levels. In OHV engine, it was thought that there was a limit in reducing the noise and durability of the valve operating system despite of the demand for riding speed, quietness, safety and operability, unlike at the time when the first generation Super Cub C100 was released in 1958. Therefore, the engine was renewed to OHC, and it was decided to carry out a model change to review the design, switches, lighting equipment, and etc. The second generation of Super CUB called “Swallowing strategy”, C50 development target are mainly as follows.
To further improve the quietness and durability of the engine.
The external size and weight of the engine shall not exceed C100 of the first generation.
It improve operability, such as moving the headlight switch to the handlebar.
The C50 engine that has been released in 1966 became the base of the 3rd generation, models of 72cc and 90cc series and also began to be produced. Super CUB C50 basically is manufactured with the same structure until it is completely revamped in 2012, and following the 2007 Japanese Emission Regulation. It is the cornerstone of the prosperity of the Super CUB series.
[Impression] Perfection Level into a surprise, not much different from the current type?
This time, C50 was the most surprised personally. I wrote the previous C100 as “not much different from the current CUB” because the second generation was perfect enough to be considered “completely different” from the current type! Actually, if you were to ride the test drive 1967 blindfold and ride it, it would not seem like a CUB 50 years ago. Anyway, the level of completeness of each part is amazing. The engine is quiet and the automatic centrifugal clutch type gearbox also shifts smoothly with the scoop. The operability of the suspension and the operability of the brakes are also remarkably improved, and of course white smoke does not blow. In addition to the riding position that is bigger, the delicacy that C100 felt was eliminated, and the atmosphere that is tough and reliable seems like a CUB.
It is a model change to C50 which will be a full renewal, of course the target is to make the engine OHC. This engine named [C50E] is a famous aircraft that has been improved for over 40 years and used continuously (model name changed in the middle) until it is completely renewed in 2012 because it produced 50cc for 65cc version Super CUB C65 prior to 1964 which turned into OHC. the basicform of Super CUB connecting to the present is being built such as the headlight is a handlebar installation and for styling as well.
Even so, it is hard to believe that the ride of the C50 is only 14 years since the CUB F type, and it is a motorcycle more than 50 years ago til now. From now on the perfection that it can be thought as ”STD CUB!” even if you ride the 2017 model (test ride) began to participate in the Isle of Man TT from 1999, and for HONDA those days who has completely dominated the 125/250 class in 1981 (They respectively monoplized the 1st and 2nd place in 3 years), how has technologically made a dramatic progress…. There was enough persuasive power to achieve it. ※ Tester: Pine (Young machine)
Interview cooperation: Honda/Honda Motorcycle Japan
Photography: Toru Hasegawa/Honda
Original Source[ YOUNG MACHINE ] (*Japanese)
See HONDA Moto Index Page
See Accessories for HONDA SUPER CUB 50 (C50)
