Strict Emission Rules Force Honda To End Minibike Production

Honda Motor Co. plans to end the production of its mini motorcycles with 50 cc or smaller engines by November 2025 amid the need to comply with stricter vehicle emissions standards, sources familiar with the matter said, Kyodo News reported.

The Super Cub series, which Honda first began selling in 1958, has manufactured more than 100 million units over the years to become the most popular motorcycle in the world. I Photo: Honda

The automaker has the largest market share for mini motorcycles in the engine size category.

The Super Cub series, which Honda first began selling in 1958, has manufactured more than 100 million units over the years to become the most popular motorcycle in the world.

The Super Cub series has garnered acclaim for its fuel efficiency and is commonly used in Japan by the postal service and for newspaper deliveries, Mainichi Japan also reported.

However, the popularity of 50 cc or smaller motorcycles has waned in recent years due to the proliferation of electric bicycles and the rise of electric scooters.

Around 1.98 million motorcycles in the category were shipped in 1980, but the number has plunged to about 90,000 as of 2023, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association.

Honda says it is difficult to produce mini motorcycles that meet Japan's new emissions regulations and global emissions standards set to be enforced in November 2025.