Draft:Honda Sports Cub

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  • Comment: The owners manual is not independent coverage. Stuartyeates (talk) 07:35, 12 April 2024 (UTC)
  • Comment: There is quite a lot of unreferenced information here, and some of the sources may not be reliable (I'm looking at no's 6 & 9, especially); furthermore, using 'ibid' is confusing, as it isn't clear to what source it refers (and will be even less clear over time as the article and its referencing evolves), please use named references instead.
    The sources also may or may not be enough to establish notability: 1 & 2 don't contribute anything; 6 & 9 almost certainly not either; and 8 & 9 are unclear per my previous point. This means that notability depends on sources 3–5, which is possible but far from certain. (Note that I am not declining for lack of notability at this time.) DoubleGrazing (talk) 09:40, 27 March 2024 (UTC)
  • Comment: Do sources that discuss the Sports Cub as a a standalone model exist? --Johannes (Talk) (Contribs) (Articles) 09:47, 22 October 2023 (UTC)


Honda Sports Cub
ManufacturerHonda
Also calledHonda Sprint, Honda Super Cub Sport
ProductionC110/C111 introduced :1960 C114/C115 introduced: 1961
Engine
Power50cc engine 5.0hp / 55cc engine 5.5hp
TransmissionManual 3 or 4-speed C110/C114/C115 Semi-automatic 3-speed C111
SuspensionFront: Leading-link
Rear: Swingarm
BrakesFront and Rear, Internal Expansion Type (drum)
Tiresfront and rear 2.25-17, Bias ply
DimensionsL: 1.795 m (5 ft 10.7 in)
W: 0.565 m (1 ft 10.2 in)
H: 0.905 m (2 ft 11.6 in)
Fuel capacity3 L (0.66 imp gal; 0.79 US gal)

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."[1]

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."[2]

Honda C100, Cub scooter
The cover of John Thorpe's "The Book of the Honda" 1960

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. [3] 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[4] 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.[5][6]

Variations of the horn grill,

Horn Grill Honda 50 (C110, C111, C110D/C114)
Horn Grill Honda 55 (C115)

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.[7]
  • C111 with "down-swept" style muffler, automatic transmission and a 50cc engine introduced 1960.[8]
  • C115 with "up-swept" style muffler, manual 4-speed transmission and a 55cc engine introduced 1961.[9]
  • C114 with "down-swept" exhaust, 3 then later 4-speed transmission and a 50cc engine introduced 1960.[10]
  • 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.

References[edit]

  1. ^ The Book of the Honda: A practical guide to the handling and maintenance of all 50cc singles up to 1966, and twins up to 1964, by John Thorpe, Published by Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons Ltd, Published 1964, Reprinted 1965 and 1966, page v
  2. ^ The Book of the Honda: A practical guide to the handling and maintenance of all 50cc singles up to 1966, and twins up to 1964, by John Thorpe, Published by Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons Ltd, Published 1964, Reprinted 1965 and 1966, page 1
  3. ^ Honda 50.55 Sports Model C110, C110E/C114, C115 Owner's Manual, HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. 1966, page 5, 6, 7, 8, 54 & 55
  4. ^ Honda Sports C110 Road Test, in The Scooter with Power and Pedal, February 1965, page 88
  5. ^ Essai du Honda C110, in Scooter et Cyclomoto, #117, March 1962, page 72
  6. ^ HONDA C 110 4 vitesses, in Scooter et Cyclomoto #147, September 1964, page 356
  7. ^ Honda 50 Sport, Model C110. C111, Driver's Manual, 1960 HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. page 11
  8. ^ Honda 50 Sport, Model C110. C111, Driver's Manual, 1960 HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. page 11
  9. ^ Honda 50. 55 Sports, Model C110, C114, C115 Owner Manual, 1966 HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. page 4
  10. ^ Honda 50. 55 Sports, Model C110, C114, C115 Owner Manual, 1966 HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. page 5