Honda started the step-through motorcycle craze with the Honda Super Cub C100 in 1958. Everyone had a Super Cub. It was hailed as the most popular motor vehicle Always. Not just motorcycles, but motor vehicles. Can CSC achieve such figures with Chinese clones?
More than 100 million Honda Super Cubs have been sold worldwide since 1958. In America, we all called it the Honda 50. A 1960 Honda 50 was selling for just $275 off the showroom floor at the time. That's about $2,900 in today's dollars.
Unlike the super-popular European Vespa 98, which had a feet-in-front seating position and had been introduced a decade before Honda in 1946, the Super Cub was a step-through motorcycle. Simple, reliable, practical and “easy enough to ride for your wife and kids to enjoy”, that was the whole point. Oh, and “you meet the best people at Honda.”
Did you know that Vespa means “wasp” in Italian? When it came to choosing a family bike, more and more people chose the friendlier Super Cub over the Wasp, and a craze was born. Many versions of the Super Cub were made, and it eventually lent its familiar body to the Honda CT series of trail bikes.
Fast forward to 2024, and California Scooter Company (CSC) has been in business in the states for 30 years, importing mostly Chinese motorcycles and scooters. CSC has announced the release of the Wolf 125, an all-terrain step-through trail bike that’s half the price of the Trail 125, the latest version of Honda’s Super Cub variant.
California Scooter Company
Like the Trail 125, the Wolf 125 has the “one two five” number in its name. Other than that, aside from the fact that they look almost identical, any similarities are likely just coincidence.
According to the CSC website, the Wolf makes a relatively weak 8.72 horsepower from its 119.6cc single-cylinder engine, and that’s down from the 66.38 “Ft Lbs” of torque produced by the Honda CRF450R. On a bike that weighs 225 lb/102 kg (frankly, I’m surprised they didn’t at least have hundredths of a decimal point for its weight), those are some monstrous numbers. We’re pretty sure that’s a typo and that it should be 6,638 lb-ft of torque, but we like the 66 figure better.
That might not sound like much, but it fulfills what the bike was designed for: “fun within your budget” on easy trails the whole family can enjoy.
Its 4-speed semi-automatic transmission lets you reach speeds of up to 55 mph (89 km/h) on the trails. It’s roadworthy in all 50 states, so you can go straight from your garage to wherever you want. Or anywhere in the world. It has accessories like an OEM luggage rack and a sturdy top case ready to carry your extra panties for a day of adventure. The Wolf 125 also has a USB port ready to charge your phone and accessories to keep you connected.
California Scooter Company
With its 1.19001-gallon gas tank and modern electronic fuel injection system, CSC estimates fuel economy at over 125 mpg (1.9 l/100km). That's just under 150 miles (241 km) on a tank. Even more if you choose CSC's auxiliary fuel tank accessory.
The 80/90-17 dual-sport tires keep you connected to the ground with 5.51 inches (140 mm) of ground clearance. With a 30.1 inches (765 mm) seat height, this small trail bike is suitable for all sizes.
If the unthinkable happens and you get a flat tire, all Wolf 125s come with a centre stand as standard. Unfortunately, the rear comes standard with drum brakes, while the front has a modern disc brake. However, one of my favourite things about the Honda Trail 125 rivals is that they come with a kick starter as standard. There’s also a trick button, but even in the darkest of times, you’ll still get the old faithful kick starter at the bottom of a cliff.
California Scooter Company
Because Intellectual Property laws in China have historically been a bit weaker than most countries, China has made some pretty big strides in technology. Perhaps through a bit of reverse engineering, Chinese motorcycle “clones” have come to be seen as cheaper alternatives to the “real thing”, and today even boast respectable reliability figures.
Growing up in the 80s and 90s, it was unheard of to see any automotive product made in China…except for the knock-off Hot Wheels cars that were contaminated with lead paint, which I knew from my childhood was toxic. But they sure were cheap.
Starting at $1,995, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck. CSC can ship whatever you buy fully assembled to your door for an additional $425. And we’re pretty sure they’ve stopped using lead paint in China.
Source: CSC