Honda Super Cub: The History of the Motorcycle that Inspired Biz in Brazil

A Honda Super Cub is not just a motorcycle; it is a cultural and historical phenomenon that has transformed mobility in many parts of the world. With over 100 million units sold Over the years, the Super Cub has become the most produced gasoline-powered transportation vehicle in history, surpassing other big names in the automotive industry. But what is the secret to this little motorcycle's success? How did it become the symbol of affordability and practicality? And how does this story connect to the popular Honda Biz, so beloved in Brazil?

In this article, we will explore the fascinating journey of the Honda Super Cub from its creation in 1958 to its global impact and its direct influence on the development of the Honda Biz, a version adapted to the needs of the Brazilian market. Get ready to understand why, even in a world of modern and electric vehicles, the essence of the Super Cub remains alive, adapting and evolving with the times.

The Origin of the Super Cub: A Vision of Mobility for All

It all started with a revolutionary idea of Soichiro Honda, founder of Honda, and his partner Takeo Fujisawa. In the 1950s, Japan was in post-war recovery, and the need for cheap and efficient transportation was evident. Watching Europeans ride small motorcycles like Wasps and NSUs, Fujisawa had a vision: he wanted a rugged, easy-to-ride motorcycle that was affordable for everyone, from delivery drivers to the average worker.

Fujisawa set some important guidelines for his engineering team: the bike needed to be able to be operated with one hand (to make it easier to carry deliveries), tough enough for Japan's mostly unpaved roads, and versatile enough to suit riders of all ages and walks of life. In short, he wanted a universal vehicle, and that’s how Super Cub was born.

The Original Super Cub: Innovative Design and Practicality

A first Honda Super Cub 50 entered the market in 1958 and surprised with its innovative design and functionality. The motorcycle featured a stepped frame, allowing the rider to mount and dismount with ease, and its 50 cm³ single-cylinder engine revved at an impressive 9,500 rpm. The simplicity of design and ease of maintenance were key to the Super Cub's success in Japan.

The model also stood out for its three-speed semi-automatic transmission with centrifugal clutch, which allowed motorcyclists, especially beginners, to ride without much effort. In addition, with 17-inch tires, the Super Cub could handle uneven terrain well, an essential point for the roads of the time.

Conquering Japan and then the World

The success was instantaneous. In just its second year of production, the Super Cub already represented 60% of domestic motorcycle sales in Japan. And Fujisawa's dream didn't stop there. He decided to expand into the American market, where motorcycles were seen as a niche for rebels and adventurers.

Us United States, Honda had to reverse this image and introduced the Super Cub as a friendly and affordable motorcycle. In 1963, the “You Meet The Nicest People On A Honda” advertising campaign (You Meet the Best People at a Honda) made the Super Cub an absolute success. The affordable price, at the time US$ 295 (approximately R$ 17,300 currently), also helped to attract consumers looking for an economical alternative to urban transport.

Honda quickly established itself as the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer, cementing the Super Cub as a global icon. In 1982, global sales of the Super Cub peaked, with nearly 3 million units sold in a single year. And while other iconic vehicles such as the Volkswagen Beetle (with 23 million units produced) and the Toyota Corolla (with over 43 million), achieved impressive numbers, the Super Cub surpassed them all with its 100 million units, becoming the best-selling gasoline-powered motor vehicle in the world.

Arrival in Brazil and Reinvention as Honda Biz

Despite its global success, the Super Cub took a while to arrive in Brazil. In the early 1990s, Honda introduced the C-100 Dream, an imported model that brought the essence of the Super Cub to the country. However, the Dream still did not fully meet the needs of Brazilian consumers. It was then that Honda decided to develop a model specifically for the national market, giving rise to the Honda Biz.

The Honda Biz was launched in 1998 and quickly became a sales success, especially due to its practical adaptations to Brazilian tastes. Instead of the traditional fuel tank under the seat, the Brazilian model gained a helmet compartment, an innovation that the original Super Cub did not have. The Biz also featured a 14-inch rear wheel, ensuring better stability on Brazilian urban streets.

Despite initial resistance from Japanese engineers, who feared that the bike's balance would be affected, the Brazilian team demonstrated that the Honda Biz was safe and efficient for local conditions. This adaptation autonomy marked an important step in the independence of Honda of Brazil, which has since become a reference in the production and development of motorcycles for the global market.

The Honda Biz: Symbol of Mobility and Popularity in Brazil

Biz not only brought a new affordable mobility option to Brazilians, but also became a symbol of practicality and economy. In its 26 years of existence, more than 6 million units of the Biz line were produced in Brazil, which demonstrates the strength of this model in the country. Today, the Biz is one of Honda's best-selling models in Brazil and remains relevant with constant updates in technology and design.

The success of the Biz, inspired by the Super Cub, is a testament to the lasting impact and importance of a simple, affordable motorcycle. The Biz caters to everyone from young people looking for affordable transportation to workers who need a reliable vehicle for their daily commute.

The Legacy of the Super Cub and the Future of Honda

Despite all the technological advances and the arrival of electric scooters and sustainable vehicles, the Super Cub remains a landmark in motorcycle history. However, Honda has announced that, starting in May 2025, the model will 50cc Super Cub to be discontinued in Japan. This decision is due to the difficulties in adapting to the new emission standards, in addition to competition from electric bicycles and scooters that are increasingly popular in Japan.

This could be the end of an era for Original Super Cub, but its legacy is far from gone. In Japan and the Far East, thousands of Super Cubs still circulate, serving as practical everyday transport. The Super Cub 125, a larger displacement version, remains in production and carries on the spirit of the original, offering a more powerful option adapted to today's needs.

Honda also continues to innovate in the motorcycle sector, including the production of miniMotos that preserve the spirit of freedom and simplicity of the Super Cub, but with a modern touch and more aligned with the demands of the current market.

Conclusion: The Living Legend of Super Cub and its Impact in Brazil with Biz

The history of Honda Super Cub is a testament to the power of innovation and functional design that has impacted global mobility for over 65 years. This small motorcycle was responsible for transforming individual transportation by offering an affordable, robust and easy-to-ride option. With over 100 million units sold, the Super Cub left an indelible mark on the history of motor vehicles.

In Brazil, the Super Cub served as direct inspiration for the creation of Honda Biz, a motorcycle that adapted to the needs of the Brazilian market and quickly became a sales success. The Biz continues to be a popular choice for those looking for a reliable and economical vehicle, proving that the Super Cub legacy is far from over.

Even in a world of rapid change and new technologies, essence of freedom and practical mobility The legacy that the Super Cub brought to the world is still cherished and preserved. Whether in the form of the iconic Super Cub or the modern Honda Biz, Honda continues to deliver a vision of affordable, reliable and adaptable transportation for everyone.