Honda CT125 Hunter Cub Moped Launched In Japan

The concept version was unveiled at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show

• The production-spec Honda CT125 Hunter Cub looks more or less similar to the concept.
• It has a claimed mileage of 67.2kmpl (WMTC norms).
• Honda has loaded the moped with features like all-LED lighting, disc brake on both ends and a fully digital instrument cluster.

Honda has launched the CT125 Hunter Cub moped in Japan after unveiling its concept version (dubbed CT125) at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show in October. Fortunately, the production-spec Honda CT125 Hunter Cub looks more or less identical to the concept version. It is priced at 400,000 Yen (without taxes). That’s around Rs 2.72 lakh, which is pretty high for a moped. But then again, the CT125 is more of a trail-friendly, lifestyle moped than a point A to point B commuter or goods carrier like the TVS XL100.

The scooter is powered by a 124cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder motor which churns out 8.8PS at 7000rpm and 11Nm at 4500rpm. It is mated to a 4-speed manual transmission. This motor is based on the Honda Super Cub C125. Comparatively, the Super Cub C125 makes 1.7PS and 1Nm less than the newly launched moped. As per the WMTC (World Motorcycle Test Cycle) norms, the Honda CT125 offers a mileage of 67.2kmpl, which is pretty impressive for a 125cc motor. This coupled with the 5.3-litre fuel tank should offer over 330km range on a full tank. 

Like the concept version, the Honda CT125 Hunter Cub continues to get a gaitered telescopic front fork and twin rear shock absorbers. It even gets the same disc brake on both ends, with single-channel ABS. The 17-inch spoke wheels are blacked out like the ones on the concept and they are wrapped with slightly rugged 80-section tyres on both ends. This coupled with the 165mm ground clearance, high-mounted air intake and high-set, scrambler-style exhaust should come in handy while exploring the woods. It also comes with a single seat and a luggage rack to secure your camping equipment. 

Honda has left no stone unturned in terms of equipment. It gets an all-LED lighting system and a fully digital instrument cluster too. Compared to the concept version, the production model gets better heat shielding for the exhaust, lengthier front and rear fenders and a much better-designed rear brake pedal.

Expect Honda to launch the moped in other developed markets where there is good scope for lifestyle vehicles, particularly in certain Southeast Asian countries. It is unlikely to be launched in India considering the fact that its features and specifications could make it quite an expensive proposition here. More importantly, for many Indian customers, it will still be a glorified moped at the end of the day.