Iconic, stylish, efficient, exclusive, collectible
Honda has gone and done it—they’ve taken the iconic Super Cub, that staple of two-wheeled simplicity, and given it a spin that's as playful as it is head-turning. In celebration of Hello Kitty’s 50th birthday, two models have emerged from the factory gates: the Super Cub 50 Hello Kitty and its slightly more powerful sibling, the Super Cub 110 Hello Kitty.
Picture this: a scooter draped in “Magna Red,” punctuated by delicate Hello Kitty touches that pop without overwhelming. It’s clear this isn’t just about getting from A to B—it’s about injecting a bit of charm into the everyday commute. Logos, character designs, and ribbon accents grace the leg shield, side covers, and even the ignition key.
The Super Cub 50 is the lighter of the two, weighing in at 96 kg. It’s nimble, with a modest 49cc engine delivering 3.7 PS. The Super Cub 110, on the other hand, offers a bit more muscle—8 PS from a 109cc engine—and can comfortably carry two. Both scooters promise exceptional fuel efficiency, with the 50 model boasting an impressive 105 km/l at a steady 30 km/h.
Honda isn’t flooding the market with these—they’ve limited production to 1,300 units: 300 for the Super Cub 50 and 1,000 for the 110. The price tags are 330,000 yen (about $2,138) for the Cub 50 and 385,000 yen (around $2,495) for the 110, not including taxes and fees. For those in Japan, the order window is brief—just until November 24, 2024. After that, these will be hard to come by.
The design is thoughtful. The side covers feature distinct Hello Kitty artwork: one carved with a soft, playful motif; the other printed with a more mature look. It's a subtle nod to the duality of Hello Kitty herself—cute yet sophisticated. The monogram-patterned seat, inspired by plush comfort and café aesthetics, keeps things relaxed. And every time you glance at the meter, you’re greeted by a touch of sweetness, designed to bring a smile without being over the top.
Even the key is a conversation starter. It’s rounded, glossy, and reminiscent of a candy apple—just holding it feels like a small joy. There’s also a chunky, eye-catching Hello Kitty logo on the rear fender, unmistakably branding this scooter as something special.
What Honda has done here is clever. They’ve blended an icon of efficiency with an icon of pop culture in a way that feels organic. It’s for those who want a scooter that’s more than just practical—they want a piece of joy on two wheels. These are rides for the young at heart, for city streets and quiet lanes, and for anyone who believes in sprinkling a little cheer into their daily routine. If you’re in Japan and this speaks to you, don’t sleep on it—these Hello Kitty Super Cubs are set to vanish as quickly as they appeared.
Pros
- Unique and Eye-Catching Design
The Hello Kitty-themed design, with its vibrant “Magna Red” paint and thoughtful details like logos, ribbons, and monogram-patterned seats, makes this scooter a statement piece. - Limited Edition Appeal
With only 1,300 units available, these scooters are exclusive, making them a collectible for fans of Hello Kitty and unique scooters. - Fuel Efficiency
The Super Cub 50 offers an outstanding fuel efficiency of 105 km/l, making it incredibly economical for daily use. - Lightweight and Easy to Handle
At 96 kg for the Super Cub 50 and 101 kg for the Super Cub 110, these scooters are easy to maneuver, even for less experienced riders. - Two-Person Capacity (Super Cub 110)
The 110 model supports two riders, making it suitable for shared adventures or commuting with a companion. - Reliable Performance
Both models come from the Super Cub line, known for its durability and reliability, ensuring low maintenance over time.
Cons
- High Price for a Scooter
Starting at 330,000 yen ($2,138) for the Cub 50 and 385,000 yen ($2,495) for the Cub 110, these scooters are priced at a premium due to their limited edition and themed design. - Limited Availability
Only available for a short window in Japan, they may be difficult or expensive to obtain outside the region. - Modest Performance
The 3.7 PS engine of the Super Cub 50 may feel underpowered for those needing more speed or torque for their rides. - Niche Appeal
The heavy Hello Kitty branding may not appeal to all riders, limiting its audience to fans of the character or collectors. - Additional Costs
Taxes, registration, and insurance fees are not included, adding to the overall cost of ownership. - Low Resale Value
While unique, the Hello Kitty branding could limit the scooter's resale market to a niche audience, potentially affecting resale value.
From $2,138
