Honda Super Cub C125 Review: The Little Bike That Conquered the World

The Honda Super Cub is the greatest-selling motorcycle series in history. More than 110 million have reportedly rolled out since 1958, which means there are enough Cubs scattered around the planet to make Melbourne’s peak-hour traffic look pleasantly underpopulated.

However, we need to straighten up one slightly wobbly claim before riding away: the Super Cub is the best-selling motorcycle of all time, but it is not necessarily the biggest seller right now. That current honour appears to belong to India’s Hero Splendor, while today’s beautifully finished Super Cub C125 is more boutique commuter than global volume monster.

From Soba Deliveries to Global Stardom

The original 49cc Super Cub C100 arrived in Japan in August 1958. Honda founder Soichiro Honda and sales supremo Takeo Fujisawa wanted something economical, durable and so easy to ride that a delivery worker could operate it while carrying a tray of noodles.

That explains the step-through frame, protective leg shield and automatic centrifugal clutch. Riders changed gears with their foot but didn’t need to wrestle with a clutch lever—an arrangement that made the Cub less intimidating than a conventional motorcycle and considerably less likely to launch Grandpa’s takeaway into a hedge.

Exports to America began in 1959, followed by Honda’s famous “You Meet the Nicest People on a Honda” advertising campaign. The Cub helped drag motorcycling away from its outlaw image and turned it into affordable transport and weekend fun.

Global production passed one million in 1961, 10 million in 1974, 50 million in 2005 and 100 million in 2017. Honda says the series has been enjoyed in more than 160 countries.

Where Are All These Cubs?

There is no verified lifetime or 2025/26 country sales league table for the Super Cub. Honda combines numerous versions and Cub-derived machines—including models sold as the Dream, Wave and Biz—while public registrations differ wildly between countries.

Historically, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and Brazil have been five of the Cub family’s most important and visible markets, but they cannot honestly be numbered first to fifth. In the past 12 months, the greatest volume has almost certainly remained in Asian commuter markets, although the classic C125 itself sells in much smaller numbers. Honda’s 2026 domestic Japanese target is just 1,800 C125s.

Why Has It Lasted Nearly 70 Years?

Because it solves an everyday problem without behaving like it deserves a medal.

The Cub is light, economical, approachable and famously durable. Its low step-through design suits different ages, heights and clothing; the clutch-free shifting removes one beginner hurdle; and its little four-stroke engine is about as complicated to live with as a garden shed.

Across Asia and other high-volume markets, Cub-style machines remain working transport for commuters, families, couriers and small businesses. In wealthier markets, the C125 attracts city riders, beginners, collectors and people who want retro style without the traditional retro-bike hobbies of oil leaks and roadside swearing.

For motorhome and caravan travellers, it also has potential as compact secondary transport—provided the vehicle’s carrying capacity and loading system can safely handle its roughly 110kg kerb weight.

How the Cub Has Evolved

The original 50cc OHV engine gave way to overhead-camshaft versions, larger capacities and countless locally tailored models. Fuel injection arrived in 2007, the Super Cub 110 followed in 2009, and the premium C125 revival brought the old silhouette into the modern world with LED lighting, electronic fuel injection, a Smart Key and front ABS.

It still looks unmistakably like a Cub, though—which is rather the point. Honda has modernised the plumbing without renovating the soul out of it.

What We Like

The fuel economy is brilliant, the controls are unintimidating and the styling manages to be nostalgic without looking like something abandoned behind a country pub. It has enough charm for Sunday coffee runs yet remains practical enough for weekday commuting.

We also love that it doesn’t pretend to be a superbike. The C125 knows exactly what it is: cheerful, dependable transport with impeccable family history.

What We’d Like to See Next

First, bring it back officially to Australia. Honda Australia sold the C125 here previously, but it is absent from the current local range.

We’d also welcome a larger fuel tank, useful factory luggage, USB-C charging, a rear disc and dual-channel ABS. An electric version could make tremendous sense, provided Honda retains the classic shape, low weight and straightforward ownership.

Drive Stay Play Verdict

The modern C125 isn’t the world’s biggest-selling motorcycle today. It is something more interesting: the polished descendant of the machine that taught half the planet how useful two wheels could be.

It won’t frighten sports bikes, cross deserts or make your neighbours assume you’ve joined an outlaw gang. It will simply start, sip fuel, squeeze through town and make you grin—which is probably how it survived nearly seven decades in the first place.

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