HONDA SUPER CUB C125 (2021 - on) Review

Highlights

  • Easy-to-ride, retrotastic commuter
  • Inspired by biggest-selling two wheeler
  • More stylish (and cheaper) than the bus

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Annual servicing cost: £110
Power: 10 bhp
Seat height: Low (30.7 in / 780 mm)
Weight: Low (240 lbs / 109 kg)

Prices

New £3,849
Used £3,100 - £3,500

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Honda Super Cub is as instantly recognisable to non-riding folk as a Harley-Davidson. Once upon a time there was a C50, C70 or C90 outside every house, shop and factory in the land. Affordable, super-cheap to run, staggeringly reliable and as a 125 motorbike, ridden on a car licence, from the 1960s to the 80s, the Cub was the bike that dad went to work on – because only well-to-do households could afford two cars.

When they’d been passed through several bob-to-work owners these brilliant bikes ended up thrashed around fields, with skiving nippers getting a day’s entertainment for 50 pence of fuel. For many people their first taste of a two-wheeler was caning a beat-up Honda (mine was a C90 with deafening home-made exhaust, XL185 rear shocks and old tights stretched over the carb inlet).

The charming Honda Super Cub 125 is a digitally remastered version of the much-loved classic, fit for the 21st century (and despite the original having carried on in production, its late 2018 launch marked the first time a Cub had been imported to the UK for years). Visually it’s modelled on the very first 49cc C100 Super Cub from 1958; it’s great to look at, fine quality and very well detailed, though might strike more of a chord with UK buyers if it looked like the versions we all remember from the 1970s.

At 125cc it has the largest engine of any Cub and a four-speed ’box instead of the old three-speed affair. Wheels are cast, the dash is digital, and it’s a keyless ride too. The trademark leg shields are present of course, though the C125 isn’t as practical as modern scooters – there’s no underseat storage and no room for a pillion. It’s also quite pricey, and there are plenty of faster 125s as well.

Despite these shortcomings it’s hard not to fall for the Honda’s character, economy, ease of use and assured reliability. Short hop commuting and urban transport doesn’t get much cooler.

In 2019 the Honda Super Cub C125 won Best Scooter in the MCN awards. There's a thriving scene for this bike online, so once you've read this review and our owners' reviews, you may consider joining one such as the Official C90.co.uk Club on Facebook.

2022 Honda Super Cub incoming

2022 Honda Super Cub

The Honda SuperCub has been overhauled for 2021 with tweaks to the engine to meet Euro5 regulations and some other changes to make the model more comfortable.

The Cub was reintroduced as a 125 after a hiatus from production but over 60 million of the model have been made worldwide, making it one of the highest-selling vehicles in history and instantly recognisable.

Fans of the Cub will be pleased to hear that it keeps the four-speed gearbox and centrifugal clutch that pretty much turns it into a semi-automatic.

2021 Honda Super Cub C125 step through

Interestingly, the new engine is more powerful than the version used in the similarly revamped Monkey model with the Super Cub making 9.6bhp against the Monkey’s 9.2bhp albeit at the expense of torque - 7.67lb.ft for the Cub vs 8.1lb.ft for the Monkey.

There’s also a new generator, meaning more electricity is available for plugging in your bits. The big changes come for passengers, with pillion pad and footpegs now standard, while new fork springs and shocks should improve the ride quality and account for the fact there’s now two of you buzzing around the place.

How much is a Honda Super Cub? Prices start at £3749 new. As you might expect for such a popular machine, there are loads for sale on the secondhand market too.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
3 out of 5 (3/5)

Old-school Cubs featured leading-link front suspension, where the front end would rise under braking. The internal bushes would squeak amusingly too. The C125 Super Cub uses conventional telescopic forks, meaning greater reassurance and confidence (and conventional feel) when braking in tricky conditions. There’s ABS as well but only on the front wheel, so you can still do field bike-style skids.

Riding the Honda C125 Super Cub

Suspension is typical basic commuter, though with a lot better control and ride quality than Cubs of yore. The C125 is also a lot heavier than the C50/70/90 used to be, so feels more secure – and the 17in wheels mean it’s a tad less nervous than small-wheel scooters. At a little over 100kg it’s clearly not heavy though, and with slender tyres (70/90-17 front, 80/90-17 rear) it can be tossed about effortlessly. Plenty of feel and grip for a scootery-step-thru-moped thing as well.

Having a new-fangled front disc brake might grate with Cub traditionalists, but it’s essential to provide decent stopping ability. If you’d tried the appalling drum on my 1973 Honda C50 then you’d understand the need.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Honda’s horizontal four-stroke single can still trace its roots right back to the 1950s. The Super Cub’s air-cooled, two-valve, 125cc unit is shared with the MSX125 and Monkey Bike, and politely putt-putts out around 10bhp (with an exhaust note pleasingly reminiscent of the old Cubs).

How fast will a Honda Super Cub go? The facts above mean it isn’t desperately brisk. 55mph is a comfortable cruise, topping out at around 65mph, and pace evaporates on long inclines. There’s enough performance to fit with modern traffic though, and it’s in keeping with the feel and character of the model.

Economy is excellent: it might be some way off Honda’s claimed 188mpg but ridden briskly the Super Cub returns 124mpg. The tiny 3.7-litre fuel tank means a range of just 99 miles (fuel light on by 80), but that’s hardly an issue for commuting capers. And it’ll do more – dawdle around town and economy easily gets above 140mpg.

The Super Cub's basic engine can also be found in the Honda MSX125

Earlier Cubs had various nicknames over the years, including 'plastic pig', 'crunchy' and 'slammer'. The latter two were thanks to Honda’s gearbox with centrifugal clutch – you just prodded it into gear at standstill, opened the throttle, and then stamped up and down the ratios. The system is still used on the C125 though there’s now a giddy four gears to mash through.

The rocker-style gearchange has a sequential pattern: tap down with your toe for first, again for second and so on, and go back through the 'box using your heel on the other end of the lever. Or keep tapping forward and the Super Cub’s gearbox will go first, second, third, fourth, neutral, back to first… Oh, and it has the benefit of an enclosed final drive, like on original Cubs.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
5 out of 5 (5/5)

It’s a pleasing thing. Honda’s fit and finish are very good, paint is deep and glossy, and the Super Cub’s detailing convincingly captures the spirit of the originals. Things like the silhouette, rear shock mounts, swingarm and leg shields are great touches.

The Super Cub shares looks with past Honda Cub models

The four-stroke single is renowned for longevity, so you shouldn’t get any reliability issues. Ever. Brake banjos go furry in all-year use and some of the plastic chrome parts don’t feel like they’ll last forever, but this is nit-picking.

Our Honda Super Cub C125 owners' reviews show a mixed bag of results, from those who adore their bike to those who wish it wasn't built down to such a bargain-basement price.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The C125 is nicely made, efficient and fun, though at £3449 new it was £400 more than Honda’s own best-selling PCX125 scooter. The Super Cub has less practicality than either the PCX or the similarly priced SH125i, and it doesn’t have their rev 'n' rip ease either.

As a straightforward commuting tool, you get more performance for less money with a Honda Super Cub alternative like the Yamaha YS125 (£3074) or Honda CB125F (just £2799).

Thing is, the C125 has oodles more charm and at-the-bars pleasure than any of these. If you’re buying a bike to use every day, regardless of conditions, then it’s got to make you want to ride it – and this is where the Honda Super Cub scores. Far more pleasurable for sunny evening trundles for half a best at the Slug & Lettuce, too.

Honda are also pushing their PCP offer on this bike, with a monthly payment of £75 and 0.0% APR payable if you put down a deposit of £169.83 and sign up for 25 months and 4000 miles per year. Honda also offers fixed-price service plans for that added bit of financial transparency.

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

Keyless ride, LED lights, alarm, immobiliser and classy display? Check and check again. However, the C125 falls short of scooter rivals by not offering passenger accommodation or underseat storage. Even the neat rear rack is an official accessory. You've got a choice of two colours - red or blue - and neither costs any extra.

As with all new Hondas, the C125 Super Cub comes with a free Datatool tracker as standard.

There are oodles of aftermarket options to increase the C125’s flexibility, from screen to top-box and even Harley Street Glide-style panniers. They obviously all add to the outlay, though.

The luggage rack is an optional extra

Specs

Engine size 125cc
Engine type Air-cooled 2v single
Frame type Back bone steel pipe
Fuel capacity 3.7 litres
Seat height 780mm
Bike weight 109kg
Front suspension 27mm conventional forks, non-adjustable
Rear suspension Twin shocks, non-adjustable
Front brake 220mm two-piston caliper
Rear brake 130mm rear drum
Front tyre size 70/90 x 17
Rear tyre size 80/90 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 188 mpg
Annual road tax £25
Annual service cost £110
New price £3,849
Used price £3,100 - £3,500
Insurance group 5 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two years

Top speed & performance

Max power 10 bhp
Max torque 7.7 ft-lb
Top speed 65 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 150 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

  • 1958: Inspired by the popularity of mopeds and scooters in Europe, Honda introduce the C100 Super Cub: a 49cc four-stroke step-thru’ with built-in leg shields and highly practical enclosed final drive. It lives on through many variants and has become the most popular two-wheeler of all time – they’ve made more than 100 million. See our Honda C90 review for a detailed model history of the UK’s favourite version.
  • 2019: Honda reintroduce the Cub to the UK with the C125. Styled like the 1958 original but brought right up to date.
  • 2021: Euro5 Honda Super Cub revealed.
  • 2023: Price hike to £3849

Other versions

There’s only this one, although the engine is also used in the MSX125 Grom and Monkey Bike.

Owners' reviews for the HONDA SUPER CUB C125 (2021 - on)

10 owners have reviewed their HONDA SUPER CUB C125 (2021 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your HONDA SUPER CUB C125 (2021 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Engine: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Reliability & build quality: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Equipment: 3.9 out of 5 (3.9/5)
Annual servicing cost: £110
5 out of 5 Honda c125 great little bike
09 January 2024 by jcasingena@gmail.com

Version: C125

Year: 2021

Great little bike easy to ride great fuel economy yes you don't get under seat storage but you can add a topcase on the rear rack it's a semi automatic so can ride on an automatic licence just push the toe and heal gear shifter down to change gears on the 4 speed transmission and then push down with your heel to change down a gear and with a rotery gear box you can go straight from 4th to neutral

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

This is not really a touring bike more a city bike so if you went long distances on this I have tou would need a break and a stop for petrol more often and on another larger bike

Engine 5 out of 5

Not a superbike but great around town will do 60mph I have been down the motorway on this and if you stick in lane 1 no problem there riding at 50mph but don't expect big bike performance

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Honda cubs throughout the years have always been world class for reliability and you get that with this never had a problem with mine

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

You get a quoted 180mpg I get around 100 miles on a £3-4 pound tank of petrol around £100 for a service depending on where you go

Equipment 5 out of 5

You get a built in alarm and has honda smart key as standard so just put key in pockets and start bike which I like you also have a built in clock and gear indicator on the dash and trip computer so you can see how any miles you have done in a trip

4 out of 5 Buy in haste repent at leisure
16 August 2022 by jimb

Year: 2019

best feature its a cub for me as a senior rider no side stand and its alot heaver than my old c90

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

great all rounder

Engine 5 out of 5

its a Honda

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

keep a trickle charger handy for long lay ups ...cause if the battery goes flat your stuck.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5

could do with a kick stand riding position is very uncomfortable if your over 5ft 9in very limited aftermarket parts available in UK

5 out of 5 C125
06 July 2022 by John casingena

Version: Blue

Year: 2019

Best bike around for running costs and mpg

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Rises very well around town

Engine 5 out of 5

Enough power for getting you to work around town and a top speed of 60 to 65mph you can tour around the country lanes on this bike

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

So cheap to run high mpg and easy to ride can't stall it no clutch to worry about

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Highest mpg on any petrol bike around with expensive petrol can't go wronflg with this bike

Equipment 5 out of 5

Has keyless ignition so l cant leave key in bike by mistake also has built in alarm no storage but can fit a top box on the rear rack for storage like I have

5 out of 5 An absolute joy to ride
26 May 2022 by Rob

Year: 2021

Strip away the ego and everything that gets in the way of the sheer joy of motorcycling and you end up with the Honda Super Cub!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

I’m about 70kg and it’s pretty good but it’s no sports bike. I haven’t tried adjusting the rear shocks yet, so there may be some improvement I can make. Brakes pull you up but need a strong squeeze. Rear drum brakes have no ABS but can lock the rear wheel. Engine braking is pretty strong actually.

Engine 4 out of 5

It’s a single cylinder air cooled 125 designed for longevity and economy so power is not the big standout feature. Surprising pull at low revs will let you get ahead of traffic but it runs out of steam over about 80 kmh. It gets up to 100 and I’ve seen 110 on the speedo but that’s optimistic.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Honda quality is usually very good but the fit and finish on this bike seems to be a step above the ordinary. The cub is a significant bike for Honda and you can see that they’ve gone the extra mile with this bike.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

You pay a premium over similar capacity bikes, but you get a premium product. Running costs are hilariously low. I was quoted $70 for home delivery from the dealer when I bought it, but I figured as that was more than half my estimated annual fuel cost, I went and picked it up and saved myself the money.

Equipment 4 out of 5

The Aussie model has rear pegs, colour coded rear rack, centre stand and side stand as well as led lights all round and keyless ignition with two fobs. There’s a very small side compartment on the right side that will take sunnies or mobile phone in addition to the small toolkit. There are plenty of storage add ons available online and these bikes are famous for their mule like carrying capacity.

Buying experience: New from dealer, pro Honda in Moorooka. Good straight forward sale and after sales. Just had it’s first service which all went well.

5 out of 5 Supercub 125
17 November 2021 by Ant

Year: 2021

Uprated the shocks (YSS fully adjustable) and it’s now the perfect bike.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

With YSS shocks

Engine 4 out of 5

Could do with a couple more bhp

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
3 out of 5 SORE BUTT SYNDROME
10 August 2021 by FANNY SMITH

Year: 2021

HORRIBLE SEAT ---- We've had MANY scooters/motorcycles/quads/etc. We love to ride for hours. But after about a half hour I noticed I couldn't seem to find any comfortable position on this seat! It feels like I'm leaning too far forward, which puts addition pressure on my arms while I'm riding and causes slight discomfort in my arms and hands. The only way I can seem to get fairly comfortable is if I sit on top of the back of the seat, which is dangerous because if I have to suddenly stop I cannot touch the ground as good as I would need to. So we are going to invest another $400.00 to get a better seat..........hopefully this will solve my "sore butt syndrome" whenever we go cruisin'.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

It handles great on the gravel on the back roads.........but if they're wet (after a rain) then it fishtails a little so you have to be extra careful.

Engine 5 out of 5

Plenty zippy ----- people need to remember this is NOT a motorcycle. lol

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Hey --- it's a Honda

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

A bit pricey ---- especially since I have to invest another $400.00 for a different seat!!!

Equipment 3 out of 5

NO storage (Ya really need somewhere to at least put a light jacket and riding gloves!) ------- HORRIBLE seat --------- Can't even find a good selection of storage bags to put on it. Found a center bag which was neat but you had to get this "rack" which bolted on the sides which makes the bike look horrible.

5 out of 5 Little Gem
27 September 2020 by Micky G

Year: 2020

Annual servicing cost: £120

The bike is fun to ride and gets admiring glances all the time. The storage space is non existent but presumably people know that before they buy the bike. Once run in the engine is brisk up to 40mph, but again I was expecting that. What I wasn't expecting was how involving it was to ride. You can when changing down actually blip the throttle once the foot lever begins to move it starts clutch disengagement and the gear snicks in without any snatch, which makes gear changes so smooth, I use it to commute and to do odd trips to town and it is perfect for that. I would not use it regularly on dual carriageways or motorways because it is at its limit at 60mph. The gear sequence is always down on the front pedal to go up the box Like a racing box so Neutral - pedal down to 1st down to 2nd down to 3rd down to 4th. To change into a lower gear is by using the back pedal but it has a great feature in that if you stop in 4th gear you can go down again into 1st and start again!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

40 miles is no problem but I am five foot eight with a 30 inch inside leg and it is perfect for me. In commuting roles and busy traffic the bike is unbeatable I also find that moving the bike around is so easy I am 62 and have a K1300GT as my other bike and When I have t\o go somewhere in the city it is the keys to the Cub I reach for. Away from the lights up to 40mph it beats most cars away from the go. The brakes are perfectly adequate for the weight and performance of the bike. I am also astonished by the cornering capabilities I only have 5mm chicken strips on the tyre edge which is a real hoot.

Engine 5 out of 5

The engine is quite smooth and has a nice easy beat. It is not powerful but the secret really is keeping momentum so plan well ahead and keep the power on, blip the throttle on downshifts (as soon as the pedal de-clutches) this makes gears changing a pleasure. 3rd gear is the gear you will spend a lot of time in until it is run in then it will hold 4th no problem at 30mph.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Superb quality, I don't believe the chrome plastics will last forever but it looks great. The paint is so deep and beautiful it really gleams. There is one point to note! if you intend to fit a battery optimiser then you may have to file a flat on the terminals of the charger (as I did) to make it fit that is because the battery terminals are tiny and the charger terminal diameter hits the bottom of the battery terminal so it wont sit flat, it took me a while to figure what was going on.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

I got in the first week 135 mpg in the following month I got 145mpg after 450 miles I now get 172 mpg. That mpg is fill to fill so is absolutely accurate and I believe it will get to 180 mpg. The secret is keeping momentum and planning well in advance, I drive the bike quite hard and I think the secret is getting as fast as you can to the speed limit. The engine is so tight when new it needs running in firmly without going daft.

Equipment 4 out of 5

The keyless ignition is a great feature as is the alarm. I like the fully enclosed chain and adjusting it is easy. The tyres grip really well, I cannot comment on wear but I think it will be slight. The seat is comfortable and the reach to the bars is spot on.

Buying experience: Bought the bike over the phone from Hunts in Manchester the whole experience was spot on!

4 out of 5 The never to be equalled Honda Cub
21 October 2019 by Bogger

Year: 2019

Great build quality and a very good finish. Ridden hardish it'll do 120 to a tank. But then you really do need to fill it up. The seat it the biggest bugbear. It is a little on the small side and slightly too far forwards. It's not uncomfortable as such as 120mls is doable in one hit. Should have been a dual seat.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Personally I think the brakes are spot on. Plenty of progressive power and feel from the front. The rear is a drum set up but works well. Compared to the original Cub these brakes are awesome. The handling is very stable and predictable, the rear suspension can crash a little over the larger potholes. It tracks well around bends and is easy and safe to hustle along on.

Engine 4 out of 5

It's a little vibey through the foot pegs and more so the bars when higher up the rev range. I fitted a set of grip puppies and the problem has disappeared. Up until about 250mls the motor felt very tight and lacked any real torque. Headwinds and gradients were a bit of a trial. After the 250ml mark the engine seemed to free up a little and felt much better. It took to about 900mls before it was performing to its full potential. The overall performance isn't startling but is good enough. On the flat it'll cruise at 60mph full loaded with camping gear.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Overall the finish is really good. I've had mine 12months now. There is a bit of corrosion on the brake pipe unions but nothing to get upset about. It starts on the button every time. I'm happy with it

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Purchase price is a little on the high side , but hey it's a new 125cc Cub (insert smiley face). It sips fuel but in all honesty another 1/2 ltr fuel capacity would have been nice.

Equipment 4 out of 5

I like the dash set up. The LED lights are a nice touch. The fuel injection works faultlessly. However it should have had a side stand as original equipment and a dual seat.

Buying experience: I had mine brand new from a dealer. It was a new, just out model, so I paid full up price. I knew I could have waited a few months and got one cheaper, but was happy to pay the money and enjoy the bike for what it is.

2 out of 5 Honda Super Cub 125 (don't buy one)
23 April 2019 by john smith

Year: 2019

Too many bad things, I wont buy another in fact I am looking to get rid of it soon.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

The ride quality is not bad but crashes a bit on potholes. Otherwise handles well. The brakes are very poor indeed. The back brake is useless with no bite at all and too slow to respond (totally useless). The front brake is not much better needs a strong grip to slow down and is very spongy.

Engine 2 out of 5

The engine is very nippy but very vibey over 40mph, overall not very good as it is very tiring to ride at speeds over 40mph.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

usual honda build quality

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Easily does 140 mpg driven hard.

Equipment 1 out of 5

There is no storage at all, the digital dash board cant be seen at all in certain light conditions, the fuel tank is too small, seat is far too far forwards and you start slipping forwards when braking or going down a steep hill. I had the optional carrier fitted and a top box. I had to remove the top box after two rides as it affected the handling too much and the wind was blowing the back of the bike all over the place.

Buying experience: The bike seemed fine in the dealership, the problems showed up after running in period. I'm not looking to get rid of it in a hurry, there are just too many bad things (seat too far forwards, poor brakes, harsh engine, poor dash board, tiny fuel tank needs filling after 80 miles).

5 out of 5 Super Cub, super fun!
17 March 2019 by Markus

Year: 2019

Annual servicing cost: £100

I bought for use on tarmac back lanes and it's superb for the purpose but also works well for me in town. Honda have sorted the transmission out and unlike the C90 it goes into first smoothly with no crunch and selects all gears up and down equally smoothly too. A lovely little machine that exudes quality and is a delight to ride. Cruises at 45 mph all day and can also execute a high speed cruise too, at 50! Acceleration is fine for the type of machine it is. Fuel gauge is very handy but the light comes on too early (better that than too late though). I'm currently averaging about 150mpg. A great companion for my larger machines and just about the best fun you can have on two wheels in my opinion. Also helps avoid the plebs who think that only their type of machine is a real bike and that everything else is rubbish, this machine bridges gaps like few other motorcycles can. The gearbox provides an engagement with the machine that twist-n-go cannot. Has rare 'character' and comes highly recommended if you don't have an ego problem and want to enjoy the simple and basic pleasures of motorcycling.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Ride is a little harsh but not unbearably so. Brakes excellent, front disc works well, not managed to encourage the ABS along just yet but overall the machine inspires great confidence and on back lanes its lightness makes it much easier to handle there than my larger machines. Taken in context the handling is exactly where it should be: light, predictable and rewarding.

Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5

Gear indicator is clear, fuel gauge is handy, speedo easy to read, trip meters easy to use: simple! Hinged seat is easy to use and the optional rack is very handy. Fuel filling is easy even though it is an infrequent occurrence. Leg shields work quite well and I am 6 feet tall. Enclosed chain is a great thing. In order to study things other than the anatomy of the elbow I did need to fit mirror extensions, something which potential owners may wish to reflect on.

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