Last week Honda announced that they will begin sales of a new Cub-type automatic transmission (AT) scooter model, Wave110i AT, next month.  This new Wave is based on the last series of Wave110i, which is highly acclaimed for its fuel efficiency, but the new Wave110i AT features a newly implemented CV-Maic transmission.  The starting price will be 44,900 baht (about $1400 US), with an annual sales plan of 50,000 units.

We (or Honda America, rather) will also start selling $1,400 Honda scooters when Wyoming and Colorado begin selling 50,000 scooters a year, built in their Fort Collins manufacturing plant.

You can read all about the new, advanced Honda Wave 110i on the Honda Worldwide website.

Business model, “110 Super Cub” released just 10 days ago.
This is the… um, rough translation:

Honda has a powerful output characteristics of air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke 110cc and with a total frame up a new engine model provides a good body size取RI回SHI “110 Super Cub”, Friday, June 19 release do.

Super Cub 110 is required for business applications, developing a domestic-only model that combines economy and practicality.

Engine, high-efficiency air-cooling technology to a low-friction 4-stroke single-cylinder 110cc engine. Electronic fuel injection (PGM-FI ※) and adoption of fuel efficiency is more than 90 Super Cub 63.5km / L (60km / h fixed area driving test values) have been achieved.

Clutch system, clutch mechanism with a variable speed and launch an independent two-stage clutch system that will reduce the shock of speed change. The mission adopted by the four-speed, improving the comfort of cruising.

Body, frame and adopt a new pipe design of the backbone type, with improved rigidity, while achieving the取RI回SHI buoyant.

Design, but follow the traditional styling of the original Super Cub has been configured in a neat styling and a smooth surface suitable for the new generation of Super Cub.

Super Cub series, the first model in 1958 to eight “Super Cub C100″ Since its launch, quiet and fuel-efficient, durable and reliable four-stroke engine, easy-to-type low-floor backbone乗RI降RI and frame, and the adoption of the automatic centrifugal clutch to clutch operation省ITA, long seller models are used for a wide range of users.

Super Cub 110 is based on trust with the technology and durability over the years, developed a new generation of the Super Cub to achieve a high level of dynamic performance and environmental performance. Basic specifications of the engine, while the unified model and global sourcing parts from overseas factories. And production vehicles at Kumamoto in Japan, in order to raise the production efficiency, while achieving the affordable price.

(Oh!  You ride a Postie?  I’ve got a special delivery for you my dear.)

I like work-themed bikes.  I’ve always said if I got my hands on a Big Ruckus, I’d turn it into a military messenger bike.  Well, if I got my hands on a cub, I would undoubedly spend untold hours and dollars begging my friends Aki and Kuroneko to ship me parts to transform it into a MD90, Japanese Postal bike.

  Like THIS:

Complete with single seat, massive topcase and that little medical looking bag on the front rack.  There are a number of other subtle differences… and of course, I’d wanna capture each and every one.

Aki tells me that the special edition Honda postal scooters are never sold to the public.  Some people will build them from standard Cubs with bicycle parts, some sell them grey market.

If you are into that sorta thing, I’ve got some sites for you to see (thanks to Aki and Kuroneko… though they should know better than to encourage me).

Here’s one Resto Job done in Japan.  I like how they call it the “the postal turnip”. :D

The Postie Bike Garage has got some good info on the turnip.  They say the MD = Mail Delivery

Here’s another restoration / conversion page where you can see some rim details.

Yuubinbike.com has some nice MD90 owner photos and a little section called “I like post office bike”.

Here’s a used “Red Beet” postie for sale.  It’s a more modern design (1982).  Honda build limited numbers of these “Red-Cub” scoots as a tribute to the official MD service bike.

If you are doing a conversion, you might be lucky and find parts on a Japanese Yahoo Auction.

Kijima has a parts catalog, but from what I understand you can only order them if you are a post office official :(

Until I do get my hands on a cub, this is about as close as I can get to owning an MD90.
 

There are other great “professional” uses for the cub… Noodle delivery?  Buy your equipment here or here.

Feature film actor?

You can get the 360-in-depth run down IN Japanese by watching this video:

Traditionally the hosts equip themselves with cars using money supplied by the program, but this time they did not have enough money for 4 wheels and, reluctantly for Jeremy, the resigned themselves to buying a bit more economical. Jeremy ended up with a peach of a Vespa, James bought a Honda Cub and Richard snagged a small displacement Soviet motorcycle.

Their journey produces comical lows and breath-taking highs as the trio treks across city and country in pursuit of victory.

Even when you don’t consider the scooter aspect, the program is hugely entertaining and educational. You really owe it to yourself to check it out.

Well a more approachable option for you might be The Australian Postie Bike Challenge.

The event is a 10 day ride across Australia (October 3 through 13, 2009) and a fund raiser for several different charities that are encountered along the route. The unique thing about this challenge is what is supplied to the participants:

For a little less than $5,000 AUD they supply you with a Honda CT110 “Postie” to ride, fuel, meals, support truck and crew that follow you on your 3,000 to 4,000 mile journey across the Outback. You can travel in packs or alone, fast or slow, whatever floats your boat. Check out their FAQ for additional details.

Truly a chance for a life-changing experience. Are there other similar events here in the US? Please drop us a line and let us know!

Many of you have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the first new cub type scooters in the USA since Honda discontinued the Passport back in 1983 (actually, there have been others but nothing worth mentioning). Well my friends, the wait will finally be over in just three weeks. You can expect the first of the cubs to begin shipping May 5th from SYM’s headquarters in Alabama. The long awaited Symba will be followed by the Fly Scout just one month later, shipping from California.

The Symba has all its cards laid out on the table, and it’s a pretty nice hand. Will the Scout be able to trump the Symba? Well, I know she’s got a few tricks up her sleeve. We won’t really know until around mid June. In the meantime, be sure to visit your local dealer around the second week in May to kick some Symba tires!