Looking for a Cub

[Thebullet]

Hi, I've had all sorts of bikes during my 58 years of riding and now looking for a Cub. A 90 seems ideal but wonder if new is the way to go given second hand prices. Looking forward to learning more on the forum. Thanks

[Capitano]

It comes down to what it's worth to you to own one.

I know a few vintage scooter riders and always figured that they must have some insider knowledge and die-hard scooter boys wouldn't pay 5-7 grand for a Lambretta knowing that , in essence, "it's just a name badge."

I was wrong, they do pay that amount, and own several each. It's worth their 30-40 grand to own and ride the Lambrettas that they cherish. The fact that others scoff and don't understand is irrelevant to them.

A good, usable, tidy 12V Cub might cost you £2k a mint one considerably more. If you want one, you'll pay it, and other folks who've done the same will nod sagely and understand.

If it's a lot of money for an obsolete, underpowered, overrated , slow bike, built for factory shift workers to commute on, you don't REALLY desire a Cub enough to own one. And that's perfectly OK, because for many purposes, there are dozens of bikes that are better than a Cub.

But they aren't a Cub.

(PS: C125s //are// a Cub, and are ace! )

[Thebullet]

Hi Capitano. Very wise words and I do get the thinking behind them. Thanks for reminding me why I have ridden bikes. most of my life. I've owned everything from 25cc to 1200cc and each one has held a certain kind of magic (25cc - a BSA Cyclemaster first bike swapped for a broken Binatone 7 transistor radio at the age of 14 and the 1200cc, a BMW R1200 RT and to be honest I can't say which one excited me most, probably the Cyclemaster!).

I hadn't realised what a following Cubs have until I started looking into them and now I've got over the shock of prices I will look at whatever I can get to see and decide from there.

[Capitano]

I've owned everything from 25cc to 1200cc and each one has held a certain kind of magic

Any bike with a personal back story can be forgiven a lot of its faults.

[JohnS]

You must be in your 70s now,I’m 80 and decided,after years riding a C90 even with a Lifan 110cc,4 speed,I needed better stopping power,and reasonable performance to live in todays traffic.So I went for a C125 which has both.I went for a second hand one and it’s been great.Most of the reports I read on line have been very good,with mileages up to 10k.No major problems,just batteries and tyres.Even my wife loves it.

[bikerbaker]

If you really want a C90 then patience is required IMHO, occasionally a good one turns up at a "reasonable" price.

At Ardingly bike jumble a few weeks ago there was a very smart un messed with 2001 ES with 10,000 on the clock and the guy was asking £1500. It didn't sell, another forum member and I both wondered why.

Even thought about buying it for myself but enough is enough.

[Thebullet]

Thanks for the info. I must admit leaning to the C125 after reading and seeing Youtube videos. Probably because I want something new(er) having spent years messing about repairing bikes. I do wonder about Honda deciding not to let us British have the opportunity to buy the new Hunter Cub which looks like a lot of fun. I get the impression that were Honda to sell it here they would be a huge success - what do I know!!!