The Cub in all its different forms went on to sell over 50 million units and is still in production today. It’s not only the most successful motorcycle in history but it is also the highest selling motor vehicle in history, financing Honda’s global domination of motor bikes for over half a century and making them the biggest engine producer in the world.

Motorising the population of Asia and selling millions of cheap and reliable hacks to America and Europe bankrolled Honda’s racing successes, from Phil Read on the Island to fast Freddie Spencer on the world stage. It financed innovative research and design which was to produce some of the aforementioned iconic bikes of the century, but the humble C100 is not iconic -- it’s seminal.

1952 50cc 2-stroke Honda Cub When the first-pressed steel-framed, single-cylinder 49cc step-thru ( they even invented a new class of bike for it) design rolled off the production line it changed the lives and aspirations of millions. The Super Cub become the first motorised transport for a generation of households and carried whole families to work, school and play. 1964 Honda CM90 Super Cub

Honda Cubs on eBay.co.uk

So if you’ve never ridden a crunch in one of its many forms then get a spin on your Uncle Bert’s old commuter or blag a blast round the common from the local hoodies. No matter how self-conscious you feel, you’ll be able to revel in riding a true part of motorcycling history.