1958 Honda C100 Super Cub

Honda C100 Super Cub

Make Model	Honda C100 Super Cub
Year	1958 - 67
Engine	Single cylinder, 4-stroke, OHC
Capacity	49 cc / 3.0 cu in
Bore x Stroke	40 x 39 mm
Cooling System	Air cooled
Compression Ratio	8.5:1
Exhaust	One-into one
Ignition	Flywheel magneto
Starting	Kick
Max Power	3.4 kW / 4.5 hp @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque	3.2 Nm / 0.33 kgf-m / 2.4 lb-ft @ 8500 rpm
Clutch	Wet, semi-automatic
Transmission	3-Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Frame	Pressed steel underbone
Front Suspension	Leading link
Front Wheel Travel	56 mm / 2.2 in
Rear Suspension	Swing arm
Rear Wheel Travel	61 mm / 2.4 in
Front Brakes	Expanding drum, 110 mm Ø
Rear Brakes	Expanding drum, 110 mm Ø
Wheels	Steel, laced wire spokes
Front Wheel	2.25 x 17 in
Rear Wheel	2.25 x 17 in
Dimensions	Length: 1780 mm / 70.1 in Width: 570 mm / 22.6 in Height: 610 mm / 24.0 in
Wheelbase	1180 mm / 46.5 in
Dry Weight	65 kg / 143 lbs
Fuel Capacity	3.0 L / 0.79 US gal
Top Speed	69 km/h / 43 mph

The Cub in all its different forms went on to sell over 50 million units and is still in production today. It’s not only the most successful motorcycle in history but it is also the highest selling motor vehicle in history, financing Honda’s global domination of motor bikes for over half a century and making them the biggest engine producer in the world.

Motorising the population of Asia and selling millions of cheap and reliable hacks to America and Europe bankrolled Honda’s racing successes, from Phil Read on the Island to fast Freddie Spencer on the world stage. It financed innovative research and design which was to produce some of the aforementioned iconic bikes of the century, but the humble C100 is not iconic -- it’s seminal.