forths

To overcome the negative stigma surrounding motorcycles, Honda’s very first product sold in the USA used the advertising slogan “You Meet the Nicest People on an Honda”.  Now, you can also meet a middle-aged bald guy.  On Tuesday, I picked up a nicely rebuilt, classic 1965 Honda Super Cub from Uncle Graham Baker.  For those unfamiliar with the Super Cub, this isn’t just a classic motorcycle … it’s the world’s best selling motorized vehicle ever, with more than 60 million produced worldwide since its 1958 introduction.  While no longer sold in America, it’s still in production today overseas.

The bike is just beautiful, with classic styling and a step-through stamped steel frame.  It’s an economical vehicle with a tiny 49 cc, 4-cycle engine and three-speed semi-automatic transmission.  This one was even equipped with an optional electric starter.  One of my favorite ads for the Super Cub proclaims “Just Add a Gallon of Gas and You’re Ready to Go 225 Miles”.  Who needs a hybrid when you have a Super Cub?

The Super Cubs were also known for their rock-like durability, but this one will see light duty in Northern Michigan as a simple little touring bike.  With a top speed under 50 MPH, I won’t be doing long road trips, but it’s perfect for the local roads around the lakes.  As The Beach Boys wrote in their 1964 hit Little Honda, “It’s not a big motorcycle, Just a groovy little motorbike”, and I completely agree.

On a hot August 29 afternoon, I had a wonderful opportunity to tour Antrim County’s Upper Chain of Lakes.  These are the lakes North of Intermediate Lake, where Mom and Doug reside.

These lakes and interconnecting rivers are smaller, which makes navigation fun and interesting.  To get under the bridges, the boat’s top has to be lowered and we had to duck.  I thought the ducking made for good photo ops.