Honda C110 – 50cc – 1964
Manufacturer Overview:
- Manufacturer: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
- Country: Japan
- Founded: 1946
- Specialization: Honda is renowned for producing motorcycles with a focus on reliability, efficiency, and affordability, while also pushing the boundaries of innovation in both small and large displacement categories.
Specifications:
- Engine: 49cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, overhead camshaft (OHC)
- Power Output: 5.5 HP at 9,500 RPM
- Top Speed: Around 80 km/h (50 mph)
- Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox
- Cooling System: Air-cooled
- Weight: Approximately 80 kg (176 lbs)
- Fuel Capacity: 6 litres
- Brakes: Drum brakes front and rear
- Suspension: Front telescopic forks, rear twin shock absorbers
- Frame: Pressed steel frame
- Fuel Economy: Around 1.5 litres per 100 km (around 65 mpg)
Design:
- Sporty Commuter: The Honda C110 was designed to offer a sporty experience while remaining practical for daily commuting. Its slim frame and small engine were perfect for navigating urban environments with ease, while the design language hinted at a sportier character than many other small bikes of the time.
- Iconic “Cub” Frame: The C110 was part of Honda’s highly successful “Cub” family of motorcycles, but unlike the step-through C100 Super Cub, the C110 featured a more conventional motorcycle frame with a higher fuel tank and a sportier stance.
- Simplified Design: The bike’s lightweight pressed steel frame allowed for easy manoeuvrability and ensured good fuel efficiency. It was visually minimalist, with clean lines, small side covers, and a simple headlamp design, appealing to those who preferred a basic yet functional bike.
Legacy:
- Global Popularity: The C110 was a significant part of Honda’s expansion into global markets during the 1960s. Its affordability and reliability made it a popular choice in many regions, particularly in Southeast Asia and Europe, where 50cc bikes were often seen as practical commuting vehicles.
- Influence on Small Motorcycles: The C110 was instrumental in solidifying Honda’s reputation for building high-quality small-capacity motorcycles. It demonstrated that even a 50cc bike could be both reliable and fun to ride. Its sporty design also made it more appealing to younger riders who wanted more than just a basic commuter bike.
- Ease of Ownership: Like many other Honda models, the C110 was known for its low maintenance needs, reliability, and easy-to-service design. This made it popular not only with individual riders but also with fleet owners who needed dependable bikes for everyday work.
- Innovative Engineering: The 4-stroke OHC engine was an advanced feature at the time for small-displacement motorcycles. Many competitors still used simpler 2-stroke engines, but Honda’s decision to go with a more sophisticated 4-stroke engine helped the C110 deliver smoother power, lower emissions, and greater longevity.
Most Interesting and Important Facts:
- Youthful Appeal: The C110 was marketed heavily toward young riders in the 1960s, particularly in the West, where it was seen as a fun and economical way to gain independence. Its sporty character, combined with Honda’s growing reputation for quality, made it an attractive option for entry-level riders.
- Precursor to Modern Honda Models: The C110 helped lay the groundwork for Honda’s later success in the small-displacement market, influencing the design and engineering of later models like the Honda CG and CB series.
- Affordable Performance: Despite its small size, the C110 was capable of surprisingly good performance for a 50cc bike. Its top speed and agility made it a practical choice for both city commuting and weekend leisure rides, especially in Europe where small-capacity bikes were often used for both purposes.
- Icon of Honda’s Expansion: The C110 played a key role in Honda’s global expansion, particularly in establishing a foothold in markets outside Japan. It helped the company become a dominant player in the world of small motorcycles, both for leisure and utility.
The Honda C110 – 50cc (1964) stands as a landmark in Honda’s history. Its mix of practicality, sporty design, and innovative engineering made it a standout choice in the 1960s. Today, it remains a beloved model among collectors and enthusiasts, symbolizing Honda’s rise as a global leader in the motorcycle industry.