Draft:Honda Sports Cub

The Sports Cub motorcycles are a unique model when compared to the Super Cub C100, scooters, having few parts in common other than some of those found in the engine.

1964's "The Book of the Honda" which covers all the early bikes from 50cc to 305cc and with a foreword by the Director of European Honda Motor Trading I. Neuchi who said:

"That a technical journalist of John Thorpe’s standing produced a book for British readers so soon after Honda’s establishment in Europe is particularly gratifying. For an overseas manufacturer, Britain is a market notorious for accepting only the best in design and workmanship. Thus John Thorpe’s book reflects not just a commercial success but—just as important to us—the fact that Honda riders cherish their machines."

It is with this high praise that John Thorpe's comparison between the C100/102 and C110/114 must be accepted,

"If these machines (the C.100) can be considered as small scooters, the associated C.110 and C.114 range of “50s” are true miniature motor-cycles. They have four-speed gearboxes with manual clutches, and also feature the unusually comprehensive electrical equipment which is a feature of the C100."

The fact that the Super Cub C100 / Honda 50 in production since the late 1950's has a closer resemblance to that of the contemporary Italian scooters, and is so considered by such a leading expert, rather then resembling a true motorcycle or sports bike, as does the C110/111/114/115 "Sports Cub". These having either the 50 or 55cc Cub engine, and where first introduced as the C110/111/114 in 1960 and then the 55cc C115 in 1961.

The single-cylinder OHV pushrod air-cooled engine is combined with as of 1964 with a four-speed manual transmission. It has a hand clutch, and shifting is "1 up, 2 or 3 down, with neutral in between 1st and 2nd. The engine holds a quart of oil and has an internal centrifugal oil filter, and the exhaust has a removable baffle. The air filter is attached to the right side of the frame. Tools go inside the left side battery cover. The motorcycle's curb weight is approx. 66kg. There is no tachometer only a speedometer. The top speed was claimed to be 52mph, and the 50cc engine is rated at 5 horsepower at 9500RPM and the 55cc engine is rated at 5.5 horsepower.

The C110 which at introduction in 1961 had a 3-speed gearbox was improved with the addition of a fourth gear in 1964. The frame is welded from pressed steel parts rather than Tubular steel to minimize weight and the bike is fitted with leading link front forks.

Variations of the horn grill,

There are a variety of models of the Honda Sports Cub. The date of manufacturing can be estimated by removing the fuel tank and examining the tag surrounding the wiring harness.


 * C110 with "up-swept" style muffler, manual 3 then later 4-speed transmission and a 50cc engine introduced 1960.
 * C111 with "down-swept" style muffler, automatic transmission and a 50cc engine introduced 1960.
 * C115 with "up-swept" style muffler, manual 4-speed transmission and a 55cc engine introduced 1961.
 * C114 with "down-swept" exhaust, 3 then later 4-speed transmission and a 50cc engine introduced 1960.
 * CA110 is the American market designation for the C110 version with "up-swept" exhaust, manual 3 then later 4-speed transmission and a 50cc engine, larger taillight and no turn signals(winkers) introduced 1962.