Few vehicles in motoring history can attribute at least part of their existence to a bowl of noodles. However, that is true for Honda’s iconic Super Cub and its derivatives. Although the company’s primary focus was producing an affordable and reliable motorcycle, Honda’s Takeo Fujisawa recognized a ready and untapped market. He felt that combining the initial design requirements into a motorcycle that could be operated with a single hand would create the ideal delivery vehicle for Japan’s thousands of “soba” noodle shops. Honda produced the perfect solution, and the rest is history. This 1980 C70 Deluxe is descended from the original Super Cub but remains faithful to its design philosophy. It presents beautifully and is in excellent mechanical health. If you would like a slice of motoring history, it is listed exclusively on Barn Finds Auctions.
It is hard to criticize the design philosophy of the C70. Instead of a tubular frame requiring cutting, bending, and welding, Honda developed a structure of pressed steel that could be stamped in a fraction of the time of those utilizing conventional methods. It added a plastic fairing that offered rider leg protection and enclosed most of the motor to improve the appearance. This C70 carries those features, and it presents beautifully. Its brilliant Yellow paint is spotless, shining beautifully, and showing no evidence of significant defects. The steel structure looks silky smooth, and the plastic fairing is vivid White with no cracks or damage. The Black vinyl seat is immaculate, the chrome sparkles as impressively as the paint, and the luggage racks are a practical inclusion for those not wishing to juggle their noodles.
The beating heart of this Honda is a 71.8cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine that produces 6hp. The power finds its way to the road via a traditional chain drive and a three-speed transmission. Although the engine provides sufficient power for the Honda’s design purpose, the transmission proved to be the C70’s trump card. The company discarded a traditional clutch, opting for a centrifugal version that required no rider input. This configuration made a clutch lever unnecessary, providing the single-hand solution required by “soba” delivery staff. It also makes the C70 ideal for heavy city traffic or for learners wishing to focus attention on developing their riding skills. The mechanical news with this Honda is positive. It runs and rides well and is ready to hit the road with its next owner onboard.
It would be easy to dismiss motorcycles such as the Honda Super Cub and derivatives like the 1980 C70 Deluxe, but to do so would be an injustice. History shows that no vehicle has been a greater liberator of the masses. If you were to combine the production figures for the Ford Model T, the Volkswagen Beetle, the Mini, and every model of the Toyota Corolla, the final number would fall well short of Honda’s total of more than 100 million. It is a motoring icon that remains relevant in the right environment, and this spotless C70 Deluxe represents your chance to own an affordable slice of motoring history.
- Location: Junction City, Kansas
- Mileage: 2,062 Showing
- Engine: 70cc Single-Cylinder
- Transmission: 3-Speed Manual
- VIN: DA011011602
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
Richard Willoughby bid $1,200.00 2022-12-21 14:43:43
LARROB bid $1,000.00 2022-12-21 10:26:58
HMS bid $500.00 2022-12-20 13:03:14
M403 bid $250.00 2022-12-20 12:55:59
You meet the nicest people on a Honda.
20 hours ago a very ratty version of this was posted for a grand and folks scoffed. It’ll be interesting to see where this example winds up.
I’ve come full circle. My 1st bike, me about 10, my late sister about 5,and today, almost 60 years later, I’d actually like another. I love my bicycle, but even these legs will give out someday. Trail models can be had for a grand all day,I could use something this Spring, stay tuned,,,
Hey Howard, where are you seeing trail models for a grand? ……I’m looking for one. Please advise, Gregg
The story states that Honda used a centrifugal clutch. While this is parti8 true the real genius part was the shifter which actuated a ball and ramp device that separated a standard design clutch pack to allow for shifting by merely moving the gear lever.