In case you missed last week’s episode, Motorbike’s weekly iM Cubaholic series covers everything about the iconic Honda Cubs. The Cub is one of the most important bikes in both the motorcycle and Honda’s history. Honda changed the way people look at riding motorcycles with the introduction of the Super cub and the ad campaign “You meet the nicest people on a Honda” back in the 1950s. Since then, Honda has sold over 100 million Cubs with a large Cub lineup/variants where some models are barely known. In this series, we cover everything from both known and unknown Cub models to their; history, specs, features and many more. Are you a Cub addict? well, this is something you wouldn’t want to miss!
This week we are having a look at something that you might not know even exists. On this week’s episode, we take you back to the 90s and show you Honda’s Cubra product lineup. The “Cubra” was first launched as a genuine accessory kit for Honda Super Cub which was later introduced as a motorcycle variant based on the Super Cub too. Buckle up as we get you up to speed on this ultra-rare accessory kit/ product from Honda!
Lately, we have been looking at various custom Honda Cub builds; however, this week we are covering something on the Cub line-up that you might not even know it exists- It’s the Honda Cubra. Wondering why we decided to feature this? Well, the Honda Cubra is rarely explored around and we believe as a Honda Cub lover this is something you wouldn’t want to miss.
After the Honda Super Cub was introduced in Japan, the Cub was used for transporting goods to even delivering posts. It was just a matter of time for engineers at Honda to tinker and roll out Cubs with a specific purpose to serve. In case you didn’t know, Honda came up with special “Work Cub” designed specifically to deliver milk, newspapers, ramen and many more.
In the 1980s customizing or dressing up Honda Cub wasn’t common. Actually, modifying Super Cubs were seen abnormal. Given the limited resources in the 80s, people rarely bothered to dress up their Cubs. On top of this, Honda came up with different variants of the Cub to suit people’s lifestyle so buyers would straight away purchase a Cub that suits them. However, there were still people who actually modified or remodelled their Cubs to make it stand out from the rest.
With the trend catching up in the 90s, more people started getting involved in remodelling their Cubs. Honda noticed the trend and released a genuine accessory kit called the “Cubra” for the Honda Super Cub in Japan. The Cubra kit was introduced in April 1993 via Honda’s subsidy Honda Access.
In the beginning, a total of 12 Cubra accessories/ parts were introduced, these include; special Cubra seat, front cover, leg shield, side cover, S-Type helmet storage, Cubra helmet, badges, rear carrier, front basket and many more. The uppercut leg shield, bagger style helmet storage and “Cubra” badge/stickers are something that makes the Cubra stand out.
The Cubra kit attracted riders of all age and gender because the kit gave a new aspect to their Honda Super Cub and made it stand out from the rest. On top of this, the kit was Honda’s genuine product so retrofitting was simple and hasslefree so it made the remodelling process fairly simple. According to sources, Honda’s ad campaign for the “Cubra” kit, helped boost the sales.
A few years later, in 1995; Honda debuted the Hunter Cubra at the Tokyo Motor Show with side-exhaust, headlamp shield, rear carrier, etc. However, the Hunter Cubra kit didn’t sell as much. In 1999, Honda showed off the offroad prototype, “Dirt Cubra”. Although Honda Access didn’t sell this kit, sources say models similar to the Dirt Cubra went on sale through custom shops.
Additionally, in 1999, the Cubra kit for the little Cub went on sale. This kit was officially published on the 1999 little Cub catalogue too. According to sources, Super Cubs with Cubra kits were sold brand-new directly from the factory as; Honda Cubra S, Honda Cubra and Honda Little Cubra.
Honda Cubra S
Meanwhile, from the late 90s to early 2000s; Honda rolled out with a list of 17 custom parts with the kit. These parts were similar to the Honda Cubra S exhibited at the 1993 Tokyo Motor Show. The kit had multiple colour options; red, grey, yellow, green, blue and a limited run black colour edition. Sadly, the Cubra died off eventually as 3rd party custom parts for Honda Cubs became abundant. Sources from Japan say as of 2011 only 2 Cubra items and 3 Little Cubra accessories were on sale.
As the Cubra kit came as an optional limited run kit; the probability of finding a Cubra Cub or a Cub with Cubra kit is tiny. We have seen a few Honda Little Cubra go on sale, however, they get sold out quick since they are highly collectable. Next time you see a Cubra Cub or Cubra part going for sale, just grab it! You wouldn’t want to miss adding this rare piece to your collection!
Previous Episodes:
iM Cubaholic Ep.7: Honda Super Cub Roadrunne
iM Cubaholic Ep.6: City Slicker Honda Super Cub