Best of Both Worlds: Honda Super Cub 250

250cc Super Cub from DOTi Custom…  

In continuous production since 1958, the Honda Super Cub — aka the Honda Cub — is the most produced motor vehicle in history. Of the model’s many variations ranging in displacement from 50-125cc, the Super Cub 50 (C50) is the original, longest-running version.

Here in the States, many people still remember the iconic “You Meet the Nicest People on a Honda” advertising campaign, which introduced countless riders to motorcycling through this diminutive 50cc step-through bike. Since then, Honda has sold well over 100 million Cubs worldwide — that’s over 5 billion cc!

“Its fuel efficiency, ample power for simple urban riding, and eye-catching looks made it popular worldwide. In Asia, in particular, the Super Cub has performed tasks Honda may have never imagined the little machine would do. Even today, Super Cubs serve as taxis, delivery vehicles, police bikes, and more.” –Roadrunner

Last year, a Honda shareholder meeting set off a flurry of confusion when it was announced the Super Cub would be discontinued in 2025. As it turned out, production is only ending for the 50cc version. However, that’s still a hard pill to swallow, as the C50 is the oldest and most iconic Cub of all. Must we really say goodbye?

Fortunately, there are custom builders like our friend Dinh Trung Nguyen (@doti.ndt) of Vietnam’s DOTi Custom who are breathing new life into the old underbone workhorse. You may remember Nguyen from his several Yamaha thumpers we’ve featured (seen below), or his XS400 bobber.

It’s been a few years since we heard from our Nguyen, as the economic downturn of the last few years has sadly crimped the market for custom bikes in Vietnam.

Nguyen has been focused on his construction materials business and gas station, but he’s still building bikes in his free time — just for passion now instead of business. His newest build is something we’ve never seen before, and took quite the fabrication skills to execute. The main donor was a 1979 Super Cub 50 (despite the “70” badging), but Nguyen has fitted a Honda CB250 Nighthawk parallel-twin in place of the old 5-hp 50cc engine!

“The goal is to deliver an exciting riding experience by merging the agility and simplicity of the Cub with the raw power and performance of the CB250 engine.”

This is far from a plug-and-play operation. Nguyen combined the front section of a CB250 frame with the rear section of the Cub to create a custom chassis. The wheels and swingarm have been replaced with heavier-duty units from a Honda Winner 150, while the forks and disc brakes are from a Honda Dream, upgraded with firmer springs to handle the extra weight.

The CB250 Nighthawk engine is the same 20-hp air-cooled twin used in the Rebel 250, and one of the most proven powerplants from a company known for reliability. Nguyen streamlined the wiring harness to fit the Cub’s underbone frame and swapped in a PE28 carb from an NSR250 for a bit of added oomph.

With more than quadruple the horsepower of the original, this Cub has grown up, opening a whole new world for the rider.

“Perfect for riders looking to experience the best of both worlds, where the simplicity and agility of a classic design meet the robust power of a vintage engine.”

With the Cub 50 going the way of the dodo, we’re happy to see the vintage models finding new roads. Be sure to give DOTi Custom a follow if you’re on the ‘gram — Nguyen is one of the hardest-working builders we know, and we’re glad to see him still building despite the economic challenges. Below is our full interview with the man himself, along with more detail shots of this Super Cub 250.

Super Cub 250: Builder Interview

• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.

Four years ago, I opened DOTi Motorcycle garage. Over time, due to the economic downturn, motorcycle customization has become less popular in Vietnam. As a result, I have focused on developing and expanding my construction materials business and gas station, while motorcycle customization has turned into more of a hobby than a money-making venture. I now work on it in my spare time, simply to satisfy my passion. Despite my busy work with the business, I still have many exciting projects underway.

This journey has been filled with hard work and growth, and I remain committed to these projects, even as my focus shifts towards other responsibilities.

• What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?

Honda Super Cub 50 – 1979.

• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?

Inspiration from IG: @Maruichi_Motorcycle, from Japan.

This project aims to create a unique motorcycle by combining the lightweight frame of a Cub 50 with the powerful engine of the CB250 Nighthawk. The goal is to deliver an exciting riding experience by merging the agility and simplicity of the Cub with the raw power and performance of the CB250 engine.

• What custom work was done to the bike?

• Used the front frame of a CB250 and the rear section of a Cub 50, then combined them to create a new custom frame.
• Ensured that the CB250 engine is mounted securely on the original engine mount.
• Kept the original swingarm attachment point intact to maintain proper alignment of the drive chain with the engine.
• Replaced the wheels and swingarm with those from a Honda Winner 150. Upsized the tires to 120/80-17 and 80/90-17.
• Installed the front suspension from a Honda Dream, tuned with harder springs for a firmer setup.
• Fitted a PE28 carburetor from a Honda NSR 250 for optimized performance.

• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?

Perfect for riders looking to experience the best of both worlds, where the simplicity and agility of a classic design meet the robust power of a vintage engine.

• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?

I’ve carefully and precisely performed all the cutting, shaping, and welding, ensuring the bike’s center of gravity is perfectly balanced both in appearance and during riding. The electrical system has also been streamlined to fit neatly within the tight confines of the Cub’s frame.

Follow the Builder

Instagram: @doti.custom | @doti.ndt
Facebook: DOTi.DL | JTDoti

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