Honda’s Super Cub 50 Rides into the Sunset as Electric Future Beckons

By The Malketeer

End of An Era With Over 100 Million Units Produced Since 1958

In a move that signals the shifting gears of automotive history, Honda Motor Co. has announced the culmination of a 67-year legacy.

The company’s legendary Super Cub 50, the world’s most-produced motorcycle, will cease production in May 2025, marking the end of an era in personal mobility.

A Legacy That Changed Personal Transportation

Since its debut in 1958, the Super Cub series has achieved an unparalleled milestone of over 100 million units manufactured, making it not just a motorcycle but a global cultural phenomenon.

The 50cc model, in particular, became synonymous with accessible mobility across generations, democratising transportation for millions worldwide.

Final Edition: A Collector’s Dream

Honda isn’t letting its icon fade quietly into the night.

The company has unveiled plans for a “Final Edition” model, priced at ¥297,000, with sales beginning December 12.

Limited to 2,000 units, this farewell edition is poised to become an instant collector’s item, though Honda remains flexible about extending orders based on demand.

Regulatory Pressures Drive Strategic Shift

The decision to discontinue the Super Cub 50 comes ahead of stringent emission standards set to take effect in Japan by November 2025.

While the larger Super Cub 110 will continue its journey, Honda’s market leadership in the 50cc segment faces a transformative challenge.

The company acknowledges that maintaining competitive pricing while meeting new environmental regulations would be commercially unfeasible.

Electric Dreams: Honda’s Vision for Tomorrow

This isn’t merely an end but a strategic pivot toward sustainable mobility.

As traditional small-engine motorcycles bow out, Honda is ramping up its electric scooter production.

This transition reflects a broader market shift, with electric bicycles and scooters increasingly capturing consumer interest.

Market Impact and Future Implications

As Japan’s leading manufacturer in the 50cc segment, Honda’s decision sends ripples through the industry.

The move signals not just a company’s evolution but a broader industry transition toward electrification.

By October 2025, Honda plans to discontinue all motorcycles with 50cc or smaller engines, completing its strategic realignment with future mobility trends.

The Super Cub 50’s farewell marks more than the end of a product line; it represents a pivotal moment in automotive history where tradition meets transformation.

As Honda embraces an electric future, the Super Cub’s legacy will continue to influence how we think about personal mobility, even as its physical presence becomes a cherished memory.