A “Super Cub” motorized bicycle with a 50cc engine
17:25 JST, June 23, 2024
Honda Motor Co. will end the production of motorized bicycles with an engine capacity of less than 50 cc, as it will be difficult for such models to comply with new emission regulations that will be adopted from 2025 in accordance with international standards.
The decision by Honda, which has the largest share of the motorized bicycle market, is likely to impact other manufacturers.
Honda’s motorized bicycles are best known for the “Super Cub” series, of which Honda has produced more than 100 million units since it went on sale in 1958.
The series is known as the best-selling motorized bicycles in the world. In Japan they are mainly used for commercial purposes, such as delivering mail and newspapers.
However, in recent years, sales of motorized bicycles have been slow due to the spread of electrically assisted bicycles and electric scooters.
According to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. production of motorized bicycles under 50cc, including those produced by companies other than Honda, was approximately 2.5 million units in 1980, but has since fallen significantly to approximately 150,000 units in 2022.
Under the new emissions standards that come into effect in 2025, it is believed that motorized bicycles with an engine capacity of 50cc or less will struggle to meet the standards due to insufficient emissions controls.
The KLPD has indicated that it plans to revise the law so that motorcycles with an engine capacity of 125cc or less can be driven with a standard car license.
Honda will now focus on producing motorcycles of 125cc or less as it develops plans to continue production of popular models that will meet the new standards.
