2019 Honda Super Cub C125 Review and Test Ride: Return of the 125
Written by The Duke of DC.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
With over 100 million units sold worldwide, the Honda Super Cub shatters the record for most produced motor vehicles ever. For decades, the Super Cub, coming in varying engine capacities, from 50 to 125cc’s, has ruled the Asian markets and for the first time ever is hitting American showrooms. Part scooter, part motorcycle, this utilitarian dream machine skirts the line, with its unique styling and capable engineering. As mini moto’s charge forward in the US market, the return of the mighty 125 is back and better than ever.
Overview of the 2019 Honda Super Cub C125
Anticipation may be the greatest sales tactic of all, and for months I have waited (somewhat) patiently, content with riding Honda’s Grom and Monkey 125 counterparts, but alas, the real winner in my book is the Super Cub. I fell in love with this multifarious motorbike many years ago while watching a ‘Top Gear’ special that had the dynamic trio traveling from south to north Vietnam, all on scooters. Leading the helm for most of their journey was the mighty Super Cub, and where it lacked power, it showed nothing but grit in its ability to simply keep going, against all odds.
I’ve always gravitated towards the toughest bikes in the industry, because let’s be honest, no matter how fast your bike can go, nothing looks cool on the side of the highway, broken down. Luckily for me, I simply had to travel just a couple hours to get a chance at riding one of the Super Cubs. Someday I’d love to take one of these bikes on an extraordinary adventure and test their limits like the Top Gear guys, because I am pretty sure it could handle anything.
Watch my full ride and review here:
The 2019 Honda Super Cub C125 Top Speed, Engine, and HP
Now, as we’re talking about the return of the 125cc engine configuration, you’ll have to pardon the lack of raw horsepower, and see the value in how efficient these machines truly are. The 2019 Honda Super Cub boasts a 124.9cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine. From that 124.9cc comes approximately 9.5bhp (7.1kW) @ 7,500rpm and 7.7lb-ft of torque (10.4Nm) @ 5,000rpm. Both figures are well within the standard deviation form both the Honda Grom and Monkey that I’ve ridden previously. Similar to those mini motos, the Super Cub can get up to a top speed of 67mph, although on my test ride I was only seeing the high 50’s, so results will vary greatly dependent on rider weight, size, weather and road conditions.
2019 Honda Super Cub C125 Price
The 2019 Honda Super Cub C125 has a starting MSRP at $3,599. The 2019 Honda Grom Base sells for an MSRP of $3,299 and the 2019 Honda Monkey sells for an MSRP of $3,999, putting the Super Cub right in the middle price-wise of Honda’s mini-moto lineup.
When you’re ready to see available pricing, don’t forget to check out the latest available rebates, which can save you thousands off MSRP. If you need to finance the 2019 Honda Super Cub C125, you should read the definitive guide to motorcycle financing to learn all the tips and tricks to get the best deal possible. If you have challenges getting financed, GoRollick has created a low credit financing guide to help you make smart decisions and get the best rates when buying your next bike.
The 2019 Honda Super Cub C125 Specs, Transmission, Tech, and Features
These pluckley little singles don’t have a lot going for them in terms of tech, but the Super Cub C125 ABS has two of the single most interesting features I’ve seen in any motorbike to date. To start, you’ll find yourself grinning ear-to-ear when you first get your keyless entry fob, which is very similar to what is being paired with some of the highest priced bikes on the market these days. That key fob allows you to lock, unlock and start the bike as you would any car with keyless ignition. I know this isn’t revolutionary technology, but seeing its implementation in such a low cost Honda, and especially since neither the Grom nor the Monkey receives this feature, makes the Super Cub stand out.
Aside from the trick keyless system, the Super Cub is graced with one of the strangest transmissions I’ve ever used. An homage to Super Cubs of old, the one down, three up, semi-automatic gearbox requires the rider to manipulate throttle position as you would on any standard gearbox, except here we have no clutch lever. This not only takes time to adjust to, but also means you’ll be sitting in first gear, primed and ready to go at any stopped situation. Of course, you can find neutral between the first and second gear as you would normally, but under normal use you can simply twist the wrist and you’re off. This, however, was my least favorite thing about the otherwise beloved Super Cub, as downshifting was jerky and unpredictable even toward the end of my ride. Perhaps something you grow accustomed to over time.
As the name suggests, the Cub comes standard with anti-lock brakes (ABS) as well as 26mm telescopic fork front suspension with 3.5 inches travel and twin shock rear suspension with 3.6 inches travel. The ride was geared towards comfort and although lacked sporty characteristics, you could push this thing around modest corners without trouble.
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The 2019 Honda Super Cub C125 Seat Height, Weight, and MPG
Where the Honda Grom and Monkey are true mini motos, the Super Cub stands right in between as a more standard motorcycle, like the Honda CB300F and its mini moto cousins. Weighing 240lbs, you won’t have any issues tossing this thing around in the bends, or even picking it up in the event the the center-stand-only design fails you. With a single gallon gas tank and 100mpg estimated efficiency, you’ll be saving at the pump yet again, although increased tank size would be a treat. Can we get just one more gallon, pretty please? Aside from the Super Cubs general dimensions being similar to those of a standard scooter, the increased wheel size to 70/90-17 in the front and 80/90-17 in the rear, means you’ll be able to tackle road imperfections with superior comfort (for a scooter). The seat height of the Cub comes it at 30.7 inches.
Final Say
With a few minor tweaks, the 2019 Honda Super Cub would have hit it out of the park, but the limited tank capacity, wonky transmission, and lack of side stand meant that although I enjoyed my test ride, I wouldn’t jump on the chance to buy one. It’s a shame really, because in a society that is flocking towards more urban settings, the Super Cub solves the “last mile” quandary in a beautifully designed and painfully reliable format. Maybe there’s a reason we’re just seeing these mini motos or in this case midi motos hitting US markets, and perhaps Honda is moments away from releasing the perfect 125 for America consumers.
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About the Duke of DC
You know, my father tells me that one of my first word was “carburetor” and after my 8th car and 5th motorcycle in my relatively short time on this earth, I’m starting to believe him. I’ve been riding motorcycles since I was 15 years old, and when I started DukeOfDC it was during a really difficult time in my life. I’m just an average Joe that loves anything on two wheels and wants to share that passion with the world. Check out my YouTube channel and follow me on Twitter.
