My Time with the Honda Super Cub 50
Alright, let’s talk about the little legend, the Honda Super Cub 50. I got my hands on one a while back, not really looking for anything specific, just browsing around, you know? Saw this little red one sitting there, looked almost like a toy, but solid. Reminded me of pictures I’d seen, these things are everywhere in some parts of the world. Thought, why not? Seemed like a simple little machine to potter around on.
Getting Started
So, I bought it. It was used, obviously, but seemed decently looked after. Had a few scratches here and there, nothing major. The guy I bought it from gave me the keys and a quick rundown. It felt kinda funny sitting on it at first, so light compared to other bikes I’d messed with before. Starting it up was easy, just a little kick or the electric start, and it puttered to life with that classic Cub sound. Not loud, just… there. Like a sewing machine, almost.
First Rides and Figuring it Out
My first few rides were interesting. It’s a 50cc, right? So speed isn’t really its thing. Getting up hills was an exercise in patience, sometimes felt like I could walk faster. But around town, on flat streets? It was great. Super easy to handle, light as a feather, you could flick it around corners no problem. The semi-automatic gearbox took a minute to get used to – no clutch lever, just click down or up with your foot. Made stop-start traffic surprisingly easy. Felt a bit exposed at first, being so low and not very fast, but you get used to it. You just ride differently, more relaxed.
Keeping it Running
Maintenance was dead simple. Seriously.
- Checked the oil regularly, changed it when it looked dark. Easy access.
- Kept the chain clean and lubed. Took like, five minutes.
- Made sure the tires had air.
- Washed it down once in a while.
That was pretty much it. Never really had any problems with it. These things are built tough, designed to be run into the ground and keep going. Didn’t do much tinkering, kept it stock. It just worked, so I didn’t mess with it.
Using the Cub Day-to-Day
This little bike became my go-to for quick trips. Need milk? Hop on the Cub. Post office run? Cub. Just wanted to get out for a bit without gearing up fully? Cub. Parking was never an issue, could squeeze it in almost anywhere. Fuel economy was ridiculous, barely used any gas. It wasn’t fancy, wasn’t fast, but it was just so incredibly practical for city life. People would sometimes smile when they saw it, it’s got that classic look. It’s just a friendly little bike.
Final Thoughts
Eventually, I moved on to other bikes, needed something with a bit more go for longer rides. But I still miss that little Super Cub sometimes. It wasn’t about performance; it was about simplicity and reliability. Just a basic, honest machine that did exactly what it was supposed to do, day in and day out. It taught me you don’t need a massive engine or tons of features to enjoy riding or get things done. If you just need simple, cheap, reliable transport around town, you really can’t beat it. Good little machine, that Cub.
