Comments on: One Very Small Japanese Motorcycle

By: Ken Seeroi

Ken Seeroi — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 22:11:45 +0000

I don’t know anything about the legalities, but . . . from what I’ve seen, a number of people make some pretty crazy mods and get away with it. I saw a group of guys the other day riding some stripped-down, modded-out SuperCubs, and actually the bikes looked cool as hell.

There is no inspection for bikes 50cc’s and under, so assuming you weren’t pulled over for doing 80, nobody would ever know. Also, a lot of bikes on the market—like mini bikes—are pretty ridiculous right out of the box, and people ride those.

Whatever you do though, you know, be safe.

By: Derp

Derp — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 09:44:44 +0000

Would you happen to know anything about any laws regarding modifying them? I used to have a moped that I tossed about $700USD into when I was still living in Honolulu, and that little thing could get up to 80mph easy. (I suspect that would be a horrible idea in Japan though…)

By: Ken Seeroi

Ken Seeroi — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 09:39:23 +0000

Yeah, it’s straight godmode compared to pedaling around like a commoner. Internal combustion is a wonderful thing. The Cub’s a bit slow, but you can carry a massive amount of stuff and it’s built like a tank.

The gearshift has a rocker pedal. Press down on the front and it shifts to a higher gear. Press down on the back and it shifts to a lower gear. For a manual transmission, it couldn’t actually be any simpler, although doing it in traffic is another matter.

I love my Super Cub. You should get one. They’re cool.

By: Derp

Derp — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 07:43:12 +0000

I’m considering picking up a scooter or something since I might try out the ALT deal in Japan. How is the supercub? I’ve heard a lot about em but never rode one (wasn’t even aware they had gears), is it 1 down up?

I imagine that riding something motorized would be like turning on godmode after I rode around Honshu on a folding bike.

By: Ken Seeroi

Ken Seeroi — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 22:26:55 +0000

Wow, this week, that’s awesome. I’ve really had a lot of fun with the Super Cub, although it’s kind of a workhorse. There certainly are bikes that are easier, and probably a wee bit safer. Let me know what you end up getting.

By: Amy

Amy — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 13:10:23 +0000

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I was laughing so hard I was crying. I’m looking into getting my gentsuki this week. Hopefully I’ll have an easier first ride.

By: Ken Seeroi

Ken Seeroi — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 12:21:41 +0000

Yeah I know, I gotta be the laziest dude in this whole damn country. There’s always just so many fun things to do here! Totally not my fault. Okay, well maybe a little.

So for sure, I’ve got one more thing I’m working on right now and as soon as that’s done I promise promise the next thing that goes up will be the Japanese Rule of 7. I’m pretty sure.

No, for real. And thanks for reminding me.

By: Mattholomew III, Esquire

Mattholomew III, Esquire — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 17:36:17 +0000

By the way, when are you going to tell us what the Japanese Rule of 7 is? I don’t just want to know, I need to know.

By: Ken Seeroi

Ken Seeroi — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 04:50:25 +0000

Yeah, I gotta say, it’s not the safest thing on the road. Sure is a lot of fun though. I guess those two kind of go together . . .

By: EddieT

EddieT — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 22:21:51 +0000

Great post, Ken. I want to get one of these Super Cubs, but my wife won’t let me. Something about me almost certainly killing myself and then my kids having to grow up without a father.