78
HONDA
SUPER
CUB
BORN 1958SUPER^CUB:DORLING^KINDERSLEYLTD./ALAMY^STOCK^PHOTOBack in the 1950s, many peo-
ple considered motorcycles to
be loud, finicky, disreputable
machines. Honda changed
that with the quiet, reliable,
and easy-to-ride Super Cub.
Its step-through frame, which
placed the fuel tank under
the seat, made saddling up
a snap. Large 17-inch wheels
could tackle the worst roads
without sacrificing comfort
or stability. The engine made
impressive power for its size,
a semiautomatic gearbox
ditched the clutch lever, and
the plastic fairing gave rid-
ers some protection from the
wind. It was an immediate hit.
The motorbike has received a
few updates over the years,
and today’s models sport
anti-lock brakes and LED
headlamps. Honda has moved
more than 100 million of them,
making the Cub the best-
selling motor vehicle in history.