HONDA C90 (1967 - 2002) Review

How can you not love the Honda C90? As the largest and therefore most practical version of the three-bike Super Cub line-up, this is the bike that kept Britain moving for decades.

Every place of work the length and breadth of the country had a Honda C90 outside at some point during the 70s, 80s and 90s, usually with a flapping white top-box and misted aftermarket screen.

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Fast enough to keep with urban traffic, super-frugal and so reliable it could endure any manner of neglect and misuse, the Honda C90 was the go-to commuting tool. Especially as you could just hop on with a provisional licence.

The day-to-day popularity of Super Cubs continues around the world, and with later evolutions still flowing out of factories Cub production passed 100 million (yes, 100,000,000) in 2017.

Here in the UK the C90 was discontinued years ago, however, and is now a desirable classic. It’s a great counterpoint to a modern high-tech bike: you get an engaging and amusing riding experience, enough performance not to feel (too) vulnerable, plenty of time to soak up the views, good spares availability and simple home servicing.

Costs peanuts to run, too. You’ll also make lots of new friends, as someone will regale you with a C90 story every time you stop.

The Honda also causes gooey nostalgia, though this allows sellers to attach over-the-odds pricing. The days of £50 workhorses are long gone: battered restoration projects go for £500 and minty restored C90s can fetch £5000. Earlier bikes are prettier and feel more robust; later bikes have 12-volt electrics, better switches and an oh-so-slightly improved ride quality.

And thanks to its ultra-low running costs, a Honda C90 custom isn't an unusual find in the classifieds. In fact, in 2023 a piece of research established that the C90 is the UK's favourite classic bike - with 1278 still on the road and 4035 registered as Sorn.

After you've read this review and our owners' reviews, you may want to join an online community to meet likeminded people. We'd recommend the C90 Club forum as a great place to start.