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The Honda Step-thru legend
Minisite is a gem
April 6, 2026, by Guy
'Guido' Allen
Sold in the millions
and essential transport for much of the world across
decades, Honda's Cub series of stepthru could also
be a plaything and rightly became a legend
Honda has launched a
minisite telling the story of what is the world's most
successful motorcycle – it's C-series stepthru, aka
the Cub and then Super Cub. The rather stiff-looking
lot pictured here is the early development team,
including the boss, at centre.
One of the many
nuggets is this revelation about how the original
design developed: Industrial designer Jozaburo
Kimura, who had only recently joined Honda in
November of 1956, recalled the moment when he
first heard these policies: “The Old Man
(Oyaji-san: Honda founder Soichiro Honda) said,
‘Since Japan’s roads are so bad, the engine has to
put out at least 4 horsepower.’ He also said,
‘We’ve got to make a rugged bike that can deliver
easy handling on even bad roads.’ Mr Fujisawa
added, ‘This has got to be a bike that anyone can
ride, and especially one that makes women feel
confident they can ride. So, the engine can’t be
concealed.’”
See the
site, which has some incredible resources.
Also see our page of period ads
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