I set eyes upon an Email sent to American Honda Dealers dated March 6th 2019 expiring March 18th 2019 about a Potential New 125cc Cross Cub. The Subject line was "Feedback on Potential New Model" When the Email is opened there are several text fields at the top where a Honda Power Sports Dealer enters their unique identifying information. Then it asked a single question: How many CT125's do you believe you could Retail in the first Month at these price points? (Wording may not be exact here) Edit: It was not this as I originally believed: $2499.00 [ ] $2599.00 [ ] $3999.00 [ ] It was this: $3499.00 [ ] $3599.00 [ ] $3999.00 [ ] And that was it. End of Survey. It was from "Motorcycle Sales National" I Googled pics of a Honda CT125 and I see pics of a model from the 70's. But here is the exciting part - Even though the Email used the CT125 moniker, it showed a picture of a new Red CROSS CUB !!! And I found the exact same pic online with a search with 1 difference. The difference is the pic in the Honda Survey had CC125 on the side panel instead of CC110 and I couldn't make out what the writing under the CC125 read. I was pretty excited to learn of this. I left all giddy and happy knowing something is "in the works." Honda Dealers in the US are being polled about the Cross Cub model with the 125cc engine the Grom, Monkey, and Super Cub are using. That's big doings! A sign of things to come? I'm thinking - OH Please Please Please!!! Please, chime in and share what you think. I don't know "the process" to bring a model to a new market but this has got to be a tiny part of it. Anyone know how a time frame for this sort of thing might work? And how long does Honda wait to announce so Super Cub sales aren't cannibalized?
I think we can only speculate but back when these were originally available they were a pretty good idea and I don't see why they would not be a good idea now. If it happens I think pricing will end up being about the same as the Super Cub 125. Anything less would likely not be worth Honda's time at least in the US market. Of coarse this is only my opinion. I think if its truly mass produced it could be made a little cheaper. The Super Cub 125 has a lot of styling ques that bring a strong retro look. If the Cross Cub 125 cuts these out and is a little more modern looking like the pic above it could be sold for a bit cheaper. Cheapest I could see is $2999 but what do I know?
A Super Cub 110 is 275,400 yens and a Cross Cub 110 is 334,800 yens. I don't see how a CT125 would be cheaper than a Super Cub C125. Plus the CT125 will have traction control, 3 riding modes, and active suspension. But this is exciting news!
I think the internet breeds speculation. I'm not saying that the OP didn't see an email, but I doubt Honda would use that method to determine if they import a bike to the US.
I agree with you. Honda would not use this method to determine if they import a bike to the US. If i might speculate, I'm thinking that decision has already been made. This little survey speaks beyond that. I don't know anything beyond what I've shared. But what I've seen is a good sign toward seeing this model come to the US just by the fact that Honda is polling US Honda Dealers on this subject. This might not make you believe it's going to happen, but come on, it's gotta make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. And why not? I've never ridden a Cub. I want one. And I'm more interested in the model with out the plastic knee skirt and all the finer bells and whistles. I'd kind of like to see a more rough and tumbly model. So I'd take a more basic Cross Cub over a "Super" Cub with the fancy mag wheels and higher price. And I'm just guessing the cross Cub would come in under the "Super" Cub price wise. I'll be the first to admit I don't know anything. Well, I do know the Cross Cub has been available in Japan for a couple years. And I do believe this is the first time it's been referred to with a 125cc instead of the 110cc engine? And we know the Super Cub got beefed up to handle that very same engine upgrade? So... But I did see that email survey. And I will share one more thing, I don't know if it was sent to just US Honda Dealers or if it was sent to a broader global Honda Dealer network. But the fact remains - it was sent to US Honda Dealers. Fingers crossed!
Since the standard Cub was my first bike I'm staying with that choice. But I know a couple of geezers who want a updated dual range Trail 90. $3,999 is $400 over for a Cross Cub. Could that be a dual range tranny?
At $2599 or $2699 I would be interested in a 125cc version of one of those if it has any dirt road and light trail capability. But at $4K, plus fees, I'd rather just buy a small used street bike like a TU250. But even if that thing makes it here during my lifetime, I probably won't be able to ride anymore. There is a "like new" 1984 CT110 for sale on the local Craigslist for $2400, no taxes, no fees.
The Super Cub is a bit too "nice" to strap on the back of an RV, and then beat around dirt roads once at the campground. But this Cross Cub? Perfect. They'd likely sell a few boatloads at 2500-2600$, me thinks. And a low enough price point to attract more young'uns who'd like something to beat around the neighborhood/woods/farm/town on - for which the Super Cub doesn't really fit (again - a little too "nice", too "premium" - which is reflected in it's fairly high price). Want!! And personally, after owning a CT90 and CT110 in a former life, I'd prefer it without any kind of dual-range transmission - it was mostly a novelty, being so low-geared as to be impractical in reality. Not to mention requiring a special/unique, expensive and more difficult to replace countershaft sprocket (~40$ back in the late 70's IIRC). I would definitely aim to buy one of these - this is actually the one I've been waiting/hoping for. Fingers crossed... Bob
Cross Cub 110 for $2600-$2700 is fair enough. Doubt that will happen. It doesn't seem any more dirt/off road worthy than the Super Cub 125. If they had never built the Super Cub 125 I'd be in one on of these, especially for the survey price of $2600-$2700. $3000 for one with the Cub 125 engine. I've owned a CT110, and I think its different than the Cross Cub - seems bigger, for one. I would bet a Cross Cub/Super Cub 125 is more nimble and fun than a CT110.
OK, everyone steady your pitch forks. I made a mistake in the numbers. I'm sorry. I went back to my Dealer today and was able to look at the survey email again. It wasn't: $2499.00 $2599.00 $3999.00 It was this: $3499.00 [ ] $3599.00 [ ] $3999.00 [ ] My bad. I'm ashamed and embarrassed. But it is what it is. I'm changing the numbers in the original post to reflect this. Also upon seeing the email again there was another component. They asked each dealer to pick one: I'm Interested I'm Very interested I'm not interested
Aack, shucks - but yes, that previous leading "2" did seem unusually low. That's OK, though - I'd still be fairly content in shelling out $3500-3600 for that lovely olive green version... Don't know about introductory riders, though - seems a bit much for that group. I've said it before - Honda's missing a potentially huge, US-market-building boat by not introducing something like the Brazilian Pop 110i to entice money-tight younger audiences into becoming riders and future long-term customers. It sells for the considerably more-affordable equivalent of $1500 USD. I.e. - May be time to come back around to Henry Ford's initial Model T marketing model - a vehicle in which every average wage earner could afford... Interesting, all of the aftermarket goodies available @ Webike for the Cross Cub - dual seats, center racks, baskets, full leg shield, downtube/engine guards, etc. Bob
The new numbers make a lot more sense. If they decide to bring it in, I hope they don't announce it 9 months before delivery the way they did with the Super Cub. I guess we will see how the Super Cub sells. If there is a lot of interest then we can hope to see the cross Cub too. Personally I would have more interest in the cross cub then the Super Cub although, if I had the money, I would sure love to have one of each.