Honda's timeless Super Cub motorcycle showcased with a touch of EV

The world's best-selling motorcycle of all time (60 million as of May 2008) is dipping its gears into the EV industry. Honda unveiled this week at the Tokyo Auto Show an electric version of its Super Cub motorcycle. Seeing as the gas-based equivalent can already get over 300 miles per gallon, we wonder just how more efficient this new concept could be. Honda reps told Wired it's a concept designed "to be just as functional and convenient" as its brother bike, so if it does reach mass market, we're holding out hope it also maintains that low price point.

[spietzu Posted Oct 21st 2009 8:50PM]

I've got one. I love it.

I prefer to keep the gas one though, where I can fix it myself.

[SlaterGS Posted Oct 21st 2009 9:09PM]

+1 for a real comment...can't seem to find any below. I have one myself and will stick with the gas, but this does look sweet!

[Zamboro Posted Oct 23rd 2009 3:09PM]

Huh. I've got an electric moped and I prefer it because it never requires repairs. Electric motors have just one moving part, and as the modern ones are brushless there's nothing that can wear out over the lifetime of the vehicle. The most maintinence I've ever had to do was to replace a blown out tire.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 21st 2009 8:56PM]

The handlebar ruins the design :(

[SlaterGS Posted Oct 21st 2009 9:07PM]

I actually think it gives it a cool retro look (that is if they used a material other than that awful glossy plastic), what I think is going to suck is trying to keep it clean...

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 21st 2009 8:58PM]

Dear Weary Traveller,

After crossing the plains of invisibility above, you will understandable be exhausted and wanting to put those trolls in their place. Please do not over-exert yourselves.

This message is brought to you for your own health.

[IBrian Posted Oct 21st 2009 10:46PM]

It's gone!!!! Thank you Engadget!

[RioRyan Posted Oct 21st 2009 9:01PM]

Please, somebody at Engadget ban SuperTroll, he is unfortunately living up to his username.

[ROFL Posted Oct 21st 2009 10:11PM]

Lol, your comments are anything but factual, troll.

[RioRyan Posted Oct 21st 2009 9:05PM]

Oh look, the iPhone version of Engadget works on my HTC Dream! Thanks for the tip!

[microlomaniac Posted Oct 22nd 2009 7:37AM]

iPhone version? did I miss something? (sorry for the OT comment)

[jimlivingston Posted Oct 21st 2009 9:06PM]

While I admire and even support the idea of mopeds and motorized bicycles, I am hesitant to risk my manliness being seen on one here in the US. Perhaps I would get my ride on overseas. But, in the land of BIG, BIGGER, BIGGEST, this isn't so um, macho.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 22nd 2009 8:39AM]

Strange...
My electric scooter gets me tons of ass.. I swear...
When those ladies see me cruising at 32km/h down the road, pulling into my college parking lot, standing it beside the bicycles... They melt...

Ugh. My virginity grew back. Damn scooter.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 21st 2009 9:16PM]

I want one. Badly.

[Luke Posted Oct 22nd 2009 9:27AM]

No doubt. I would buy this in a hot minute.

[Galley Posted Oct 21st 2009 9:19PM]

I'll take two!

[Dr Yusuf AlKindi Posted Oct 21st 2009 9:23PM]

@Jim

I agree. After all, you don't see Harley-Davidson running to make an electric Electraglide, now do you?

[Temple Posted Oct 21st 2009 9:47PM]

>>The world's best-selling motorcycle of all time (60 million as of May 2008)

Its actually also the best selling powered vehicle of all time.

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2008/05/honda-sells-its/

[CaramelZappa Posted Oct 21st 2009 9:48PM]

I love when they remake classics as EV's with a modern flair. This looks fantastic.

[AJ Posted Oct 22nd 2009 3:27AM]

I agree. It's a great looking design. IMO better than the original. Would have fit well within the Art of the Motorcycle exhibit.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 21st 2009 10:17PM]

The wheels look sweet, but the frame looks kind of plasticy. What's up with the Austin Powers mirrors? There seems to be a revamped interest in super cub cycles lately, but I'm not sure how mass-market an electric version would be. Wonder what the top mph is?

[Special Agent Steve Posted Oct 21st 2009 10:27PM]

Dirt>you.
You

[RaPhiKi Posted Oct 21st 2009 10:39PM]

Now, where's my electric CBR 600RR bitches!!!! Get going Honda!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 21st 2009 11:06PM]

This is hands down my favorite bike when i go to vietnam. The Jupiter V's by yamaha are also kinda nice but these handle very well.

[Uncontrol Posted Oct 21st 2009 11:59PM]

i've never heard of this before but damnit i want one

[joshky Posted Oct 22nd 2009 12:44AM]

...its not a big motorcycle just a groovy little motor bike. :]

[exposition Posted Oct 22nd 2009 11:42AM]

Its more fun than a barrel of monkeys, that two wheel bike...

[thehamsterman Posted Oct 22nd 2009 1:20AM]

I restored a mid 60s era C100 supercub, two seater. I sold it to help fund college. What a neat machine. This is gorgeous. Needs the super flared fender edges of the original.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 22nd 2009 4:45AM]

Never heard of someone restoring Honda 50s for profit, restoring is very costly... If it's done correctly.

[gdh Posted Oct 22nd 2009 4:09AM]

I want one. I don't think we can still get Supercubs in the states, though.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 22nd 2009 6:52AM]

in the Dominican Republic i bot one of these when i went there and my dad kept it since i live in the states. These little bikes are awesome. Its like every family has one. I know alot of people who have killed themselves using these bikes driving like maniacs ie with no lights in the night, driving at max speeds). These suckers go real fast. I think i bought a Super Cub 90 (i remember the models 50/60/70/80/90) that reaches about 90mph. Anyways... i love these bikes. Honda is the shit. That is why i made my first car a honda as well. They (usually) make pretty solid products.

[stridermt2k Posted Oct 22nd 2009 8:28AM]

That thing is beautiful.

[adamrice Posted Oct 22nd 2009 11:40AM]

The "Symba" is sold in the USA and is basically a rebadged Super Cub—or the other way around, more accurately, since Honda is selling a made-in-China scooter.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 22nd 2009 2:47PM]

I have a 1980 Honda Passport (72cc cub). These bikes generally get arounf 100-110 mpg. The 300 mpg claim is wildly optimistic. Also, the top speed is around 45mph+. It's a very simple and reliable motorbike, however. Too bad they haven't sold them new in the States since '84. Check out the Symba if you want something close.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 22nd 2009 4:06PM]

Cool stuff, looks almost like the old Simson Schwalbe I had as teenager.
http://www.moped-museum.de/sonstige-mopeds/pics/simson-schwalbe1.jpg