Always enjoy and appreciate your videos and perspective. I own a 2019 Super Cub and have put 20,000+ miles on it, both city and highway. I've also traveled extensively through Vietnam on Honda Dreams and Waves (C110s). There are four mods, in my opinion, that ought to be considered essential. First among them is the front sprocket; the stock 14-t is just too tall, whatever the application is. Dropping it down to 13-t will not only improve climb and acceleration, but it also will not disrupt the ABS programming like a 12-t (or any increase to the rear sprocket) would. Fuel economy suffers only marginally. Cruising at 55-60 mph becomes effortless. Second: the bike needs storage racks, mid and rear. Cost is so low, and the advantages high. With these mods, you've transformed your bike into a true commuter, able to take rear locking cargo boxes, a pillion seat, or panniers. Bike just looks more complete and streamlined, to boot. Third: a windscreen is key. The frame and center of gravity are so low that you are exposed to much more wind force than you would be on a conventional moto. Even if you are only bumping around town, the wind, water and insect deflection are noticeable, for a very small cost. Givi's A1168 has been a total triumph, in my opinion. Fourth: upgrade the tires. Stock IRCs are fine, but they wear fast, and they simply do not pair well with the versatility of this machine. They also look cheap and inadequate. Sadly, options are limited in this wheel size. Shinko offers a couple of 50/50 options, like the Golden Boy or XY9BDA. The US Super Cub comes as a virtual skeleton, compared to the options standard or available in other markets, particularly the Southeast Asian one. The bike looks naked, and is severely limited, without the accessories that would come stock in said markets. To each their own, but with these mods, in my experience, your range and possibilities expand greatly. And the bike just looks cooler.
Hey. Thanks for this review. I’ve been eyeing this bike for a couple years, weighing against a traditional scooter like a Primevera or a Royal Alloy. The Vespa sticker price would be a strain in my wallet, for sure. I’d be using a bike as a commuter to work and errands on city streets. Any thoughts about the bigger wheel size of the SCub vs a scooter on the street? The Royal Alloy price is a bit easier than a Vespa, but they’re also pretty tall for me at 5’5” and a 30” inseam. As much as I love the look of those classic scooters (too many screenings of Quadrophenia as a teen), maybe this is a good compromise with a top box for storage.
I've added a long seat to get that full tuck position and a windshield. these 2 things allow me to tuck down into the bubble and blast down major roads on my cub at "65mph" (as per the speedo) on flat ground. Safe to say the windshied added 5-10mph over what it used to do (uphill,downhill,incline) and still averaging over 120mpg.
The 5 speed solution for your four speed cub is a 15T front sprocket. Easy mod. I swapped out my 14T with a 15T based on Quasimotard’s recommendation. Never looked back. The sprocket and chain guard are cheap af on Webike.
Compared to the CT125, I think the C125 is a bit quicker. Still I prefer the bars and seating position on the CT125 better. Great to know that trick to tun on the bike on the stand! Sometimes I wonder about replacing my 1981 C70 (with 125cc swap) for one of these, I already did it with my CT125.
14T/35T gearing isn't doable for my 235lb self in my area. Too many hills/mountains. I'm going to have to go down to a 13T on my Trail. Being 6'2" doesn't help with the non-adjustable bars either. The chain guard looks nice but I tend to overdo chain maintenance and that would drive me insane. If I were to entertain a classic-looking bike and didn't want to spend Vespa money, I'd likely go with the Royal Alloy Grand Prix 300S for $5699. The 150 undercuts Honda's price by a couple hundred but 10hp coupled with the CVT doesn't sound like a workable solution around here. Still, the Vespa GTV calls to me. Over $9k OTD is a bit steep, though.
