Honda Super Cub C125
2026 Honda Super Cub C125: 125 with centrifugal clutch, 9.8 hp, 111 kg, not distributed in France. Full specs, European prices and press reviews.
At a glance
The Honda Super Cub C125 is a small 124 cc step-through urban motorcycle, heir to the 1958 Cub, with a 9.8 hp single, a lever-free centrifugal clutch and a 111 kg kerb weight. Honda France states that it is not distributed in France, but it is still sold elsewhere in Europe (€4,150 in Spain, €4,299 in Belgium): this page covers the 2026 European model. Reviewers praise its charm, ease of use and frugality, but criticise the lack of storage, a high price for a 125, modest performance (95 km/h top speed) and use confined to town.
World press review
Meta-score
8 sources
Press ratings
Only test of the current generation (2022, two-up): stable, comfortable chassis even when loaded, lively Euro 5 engine, intuitive semi-automatic gearbox, dependable brakes; still no under-seat storage.
Fun and endearing, easy gearbox once the heel-and-toe shifter is mastered; price felt a little high for a beginner's machine (2019 US model, single seat).
Cheap and very enjoyable motorcycling, keyless ignition, gearbox more engaging than a scooter; no under-seat storage, few colours, left heel hampered by the shifter (2018 model).
Agile, frugal and quiet, child's play to ride; centrifugal clutch bites early, single seat, tiny storage, firm and under-damped suspension, high price (2019 model).
Stability, exclusivity and handling appreciated; limited load capacity and single seat (2018 model).
Aesthetic success, exemplary finish and low fuel consumption; expensive, single-seat and confined to town, tyres with poor wet grip (2019 model).
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
The Super Cub C125 was mostly tested at its launch in 2018-2019, in its first generation (Euro 4 engine, single seat). The only two numeric scores relate to this 2019 model: MCN gives it 4/5 and named it best scooter in its 2019 MCN Awards, Motorcycle.com 87/100. This page’s meta-score of 84/100 is calculated from these two scores. Only one test covers the current generation: 1000PS’s, in 2022, without a numeric score and focused on riding two-up. RevZilla, BikeSocial, MOTORRAD, SoyMotero and Moto Magazine tested the 2018-2019 model without scoring it.
What reviewers like: styling faithful to the original Cub and full of character (MCN, Motorcycle.com), careful finish (Moto Magazine), extremely easy handling (Motorcycle.com, MOTORRAD), very low fuel consumption (MCN, BikeSocial, MOTORRAD), the keyless ignition and LED lighting (BikeSocial, 1000PS), and a stable chassis, even two-up since 2022 (1000PS, SoyMotero).
What they criticise: no under-seat storage, still noted on the current generation (1000PS, BikeSocial, Motorcycle.com), a high price for a 125 (MCN, RevZilla, MOTORRAD, Moto Magazine), use confined to town (Moto Magazine), a centrifugal clutch that bites early and firm suspension (MOTORRAD). The single seat, criticised in most 2019 tests, was fixed in 2022.
Key quotes
"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."
"Boomers who want to relive their past will surely gravitate towards it, as will anyone looking for cheap/reliable transportation that’s easy to ride, easy to own, and will simply put a smile on your face."
"Everyday usefulness is still limited by the lack of storage under the seat, but it can now be used two-up without any problem, and even really well!"
"It's low cost motorcycling with a high-end enjoyment factor."
"You’ll have fun and get enthusiastic responses from everyone you meet. You won’t just meet the nicest people on this Honda. Like walking around with a basket of puppies, you’ll attract the nicest people."
"The new Super Cub is an undeniable aesthetic success. For riding differently and elegantly, it is a good choice."
Pros
- Styling faithful to the original Cub and careful finish
- Extremely easy: centrifugal clutch, 111 kg, 780 mm seat
- Claimed 1.5 L/100 km, range of about 250 km
- Smart Key keyless ignition, LED lighting, front ABS
- Two-up riding since 2022 (standard pillion seat and pegs)
Cons
- Not distributed in France: must be bought in another European country
- No under-seat storage
- Almost no wind protection
- High price for a 9.8 hp 125
- 95 km/h top speed, ill at ease outside town
- Rear drum brake
Our review
Is the Super Cub C125 sold in France?
No. In its 28 January 2025 press release on the Dax and Monkey, Honda France states that the “Super Cub 125 [is] not distributed in France”. It is not in Honda France’s 125 range, and its French configurator lists no version. This page therefore covers the 2026 European model, presented by Honda Motor Europe on 23 January 2026.
The Super Cub was nonetheless sold in France: Honda France’s website still shows an expired offer on the first generation, listed at €3,749 (the regular price in a promotion valid until 30 September 2020). Honda has not said when or why it stopped distributing it in France.
How much does it cost in Europe?
With no French price, this page gives no new price. Honda’s configurators list the 2026 model at €4,299 in Belgium, €4,150 in Spain and Portugal, €4,290 in Austria and £3,999 in the UK. The model is no longer in the 2026 US line-up.
What is the 2026 model year?
The current generation dates from 2022: new Euro 5 engine, standard pillion seat and pegs, revised suspension springs. In 2025, Honda made it Euro 5+ compliant (O2 sensor, revised catalyser and ECU). The 2026 model year only changes the livery: a single Premium Silver Metallic and Pearl Sugarcane Beige colour scheme, with a two-tone brown and cream seat.
How good is the engine?
The air-cooled 124 cc single combines the bottom end of the Japanese-market C110 with the single-overhead-cam, two-valve cylinder head of the MSX125 Grom. It makes 9.8 hp (7.2 kW) at 7,500 rpm and 10.4 Nm at 6,250 rpm. Honda quotes a top speed of 95 km/h. The automatic centrifugal clutch does away with the clutch lever; the 4-speed rotary gearbox is foot-operated, with a heel-and-toe shifter.
1000PS, the only magazine to have tested the current generation, finds the Euro 5 engine lively and the semi-automatic gearbox intuitive. On the 2019 model, MOTORRAD found the clutch bit too early, making for soft starts, and MCN rated 55 mph (about 90 km/h) a comfortable cruise.
How does it ride?
The steel mono-backbone frame carries a telescopic fork and twin shocks with 92 mm of travel. The 17-inch cast aluminium wheels wear narrow tyres (70/90 and 80/90). Braking combines a 220 mm front disc with ABS and a 110 mm rear drum. The wheelbase is 1,245 mm.
1000PS finds the chassis stable and comfortable, even loaded two-up, and the brakes dependable. On the first generation, MOTORRAD found the suspension firm and under-damped, and Moto Magazine criticised the grip of the original tyres in the wet.
What equipment does it have?
The Super Cub starts without a key thanks to Honda Smart Key, which includes an immobiliser and can flash the indicators to locate the bike. Lighting is full LED, the round dash combines an analogue needle with a small LCD screen, and the chain is fully enclosed. Honda offers heated grips and a USB socket as accessories. There is no under-seat storage and no screen.
Who is it for?
The Super Cub is aimed at urban and suburban trips, for riders who value style and simplicity: 780 mm seat, 111 kg, no clutch to manage. In France it requires an A1 licence, or a car (B) licence with the 7-hour training course. Its top speed makes it ill-suited to fast roads, and buying one means going through a dealer in another European country.
Fuel consumption and maintenance
Honda quotes 1.5 L/100 km (WMTC cycle) and a range of about 250 km from the 3.7-litre tank. On the 2019 generation, MOTORRAD recorded 1.85 L/100 km. The 2022 owner’s manual calls for an oil change every 6,000 km or every year and a valve clearance check every 6,000 km.
Recalls
No recall affects the current generation (RappelConso, NHTSA). In the United States, NHTSA recall 21V-382 covered 2020-2021 US Super Cubs in 2021, for a rear reflector that was not bright enough.
Specifications
| Displacement | 124 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 9.8 hp (7.2 kW) @ 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 10.4 Nm @ 6,250 rpm |
| Weight | 111 kg (kerb, fully fuelled) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 11.33 |
| Seat height | 780 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 3.7 L |
| Fuel consumption | 1.5 L/100 km — 35 g/km CO2 (WMTC cycle, Honda figure) |
| Maintenance interval | Oil change every 6,000 km or 1 year — Valve clearance: check every 6,000 km (2022 Honda owner's manual) |
| Engine type | Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 2 valves, air-cooled, PGM-FI fuel injection |
| Cooling | air |
| Transmission | 4-speed, centrifugal clutch, chain drive |
| License | A1 |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 50 x 63,1 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 10,0:1 |
| Fuel system | PGM-FI electronic fuel injection |
| Valve train | SOHC, 2 valves |
| Max power RPM | 7500 units.rpm |
| Max torque RPM | 6250 units.rpm |
| Starter | Electric |
| Euro standard | Euro 5+ |
Chassis & running gear
| Frame type | Steel tube mono-backbone (step-through frame) |
|---|---|
| Rake angle | 26.5 ° |
| Trail | 71 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1245 mm |
| Ground clearance | 125 mm |
| Front suspension | Telescopic fork, non-adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Twin shocks, 92 mm travel |
| Front brake | Single 220 mm disc |
| Rear brake | 110 mm drum |
| Front tire | 70/90-17 M/C 38P (tubeless) |
| Rear tire | 80/90-17 M/C 50P (tubeless) |
| ABS system | Front-wheel ABS (single channel) |
Performance
| Top speed | 95 km/h |
|---|
Electronics & rider aids
| Traction control | No |
|---|---|
| Anti-wheelie | No |
| Quickshifter | Not applicable (automatic centrifugal clutch) |
| Cruise control | No |
| Dashboard | Round dash: analogue needle and central LCD screen |
| Connectivity | None |
| Other features | Honda Smart Key keyless system (immobiliser, answer-back function), Full LED lighting, Heated grips and USB socket as genuine accessories |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Upright, step-through frame, footpegs |
|---|---|
| Passenger comfort | Pillion seat and pegs standard since 2022 |
| Wind protection | Leg shields, no screen |
| Payload | 150 kg |
The open frame lets riders step through rather than swing a leg over the 780 mm seat. The riding position is upright, with feet on pegs rather than a scooter floorboard; the heel-and-toe shifter is worked with the left foot, and BikeSocial notes it slightly hampers heel placement. The handlebars and seat are rubber-mounted. Since 2022, a separate pillion seat and pegs come as standard: 1000PS finds the Super Cub stable and comfortable two-up. The leg shields protect the legs, but there is no screen. Maximum load is 150 kg, rider and passenger included (2022 owner’s manual), and the turning radius is 2 m.
Ownership & maintenance
1.85 to 2.3 L/100 km (foreign press, 2019 generation: MOTORRAD 1.85 L/100 km; BikeSocial and MCN 126.6 and 124 UK mpg, i.e. 2.2 and 2.3 L/100 km)
L/100km
Real-world consumption
~~250 km (Honda claim, 3.7 L tank)
km
Estimated range
| Oil change | every 6,000 km or every 12 months |
|---|---|
| Valve check | every 6,000 km |
| Spark plugs | every 12,000 km |
| Chain | Check and lubricate every 500 km (420 chain, 106 links) |
Warranty
2 years / Unlimited mileage (Honda European warranty)
Only the 2022 model-year owner’s manual for the Honda C125A has been published; Honda has not put a manual online for the 2025 and 2026 model years, which share the same engine. This 2022 manual calls for a first oil change at 1,000 km, then an oil change every 6,000 km or every year, oil filter and spark plug replacement every 12,000 km and air filter replacement every 18,000 km. Valve clearance is checked every 6,000 km, brake fluid is changed every 2 years and the chain is checked and lubricated every 500 km. Air-cooled and chain-driven, the engine has neither coolant nor a timing belt. Honda’s manufacturer warranty is 2 years with unlimited mileage; according to Honda France, it applies throughout Europe to vehicles imported into the European market by an official Honda representative.
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Super Cub C125 | — | 9.8 hp (7.2 kW) @ 7,500 rpm | 111 kg (kerb, fully fuelled) |
| Honda Monkey 1252026 | €4,449 | 9.4 hp | 105 kg (kerb) |
| Honda Dax 1252026 | €4,449 | 9.25 hp | 107 kg (kerb) |
| Honda MSX125 Grom2026 | €4,199 | 9.5 hp | 103 kg (kerb) |
| Yamaha XSR1252026 | €5,199 | 15 hp | 140 kg (wet) |
Generations
- Super Cub C125 (1re génération)2019 – 2021
125 cc · 9.7 hp · 10.4 Nm · 109 kg (road-ready)
The Super Cub returns to Europe as a 125 (C110 bottom end, MSX125 Grom top end) with front ABS, LED lighting and Smart Key; single seat with rear rack.
- Super Cub C125 (2e génération)2022 – today
124 cc · 9.8 hp · 10.4 Nm · 111 kg (road-ready)
New long-stroke Euro 5 engine (50 x 63.1 mm), standard pillion seat and pegs, revised suspension springs; Euro 5+ compliance in 2025 (O2 sensor, revised catalyser and ECU, 111 kg instead of 110).
| Generation | Displacement | Power | Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Cub C125 (1re génération)2019 – 2021 The Super Cub returns to Europe as a 125 (C110 bottom end, MSX125 Grom top end) with front ABS, LED lighting and Smart Key; single seat with rear rack. | 125 cc | 9.7 hp | 10.4 Nm | 109 kg road-ready |
| Super Cub C125 (2e génération)2022 – today New long-stroke Euro 5 engine (50 x 63.1 mm), standard pillion seat and pegs, revised suspension springs; Euro 5+ compliance in 2025 (O2 sensor, revised catalyser and ECU, 111 kg instead of 110). | 124 cc | 9.8 hp | 10.4 Nm | 111 kg road-ready |
Manufacturer figures (otherwise specialist press). Weighing conditions differ between generations: compare weights with care.
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
No known recalls for this model.