The 1963 Honda C110 Sport 50: A Sporting Legend

The 1963 Honda C110 Sport 50: A Sporting Legend

Introduction

The 1963 Honda C110 Sport 50, also known as the CA110 in some markets, represents a significant milestone in Honda's early motorcycle development. As a sportier variant of the iconic Super Cub series, this model helped establish Honda's reputation for building reliable and engaging small-displacement motorcycles. The Sport 50 distinguished itself from its more utilitarian siblings by offering enhanced performance features and sporting credentials while maintaining the fundamental reliability that made Honda famous.

This model emerged during a pivotal time in motorcycling history, when Honda was actively expanding its presence in international markets, particularly in the United States. The C110 Sport 50 played a crucial role in Honda's strategy to appeal to riders seeking a more engaging riding experience than what was offered by the standard Super Cub, while still maintaining the accessibility and efficiency that made Honda's small motorcycles so popular.

Historical Context

The C110 Sport 50 emerged from Honda's ambitious expansion plans of the early 1960s. Following the tremendous success of the Super Cub C100, Honda recognized the need for a more sporting variant that could appeal to enthusiast riders while maintaining the fundamental reliability and accessibility that had become the company's hallmark.

Introduced to the market in the early 1960s, the C110 Sport 50 was part of Honda's broader strategy to diversify its product lineup. The timing was perfect, as the American motorcycle market was experiencing a significant shift, with increasing interest in smaller, more efficient machines. Honda's "You meet the nicest people on a Honda" campaign was in full swing, helping to transform the image of motorcycling from a rebel pursuit to a mainstream recreational activity.

The C110 Sport 50 differed from the standard Super Cub in several key ways, most notably through its sportier styling and the inclusion of a manual clutch, which appealed to more experienced riders and those looking to develop their riding skills. This model helped bridge the gap between Honda's utilitarian commuter bikes and their more performance-oriented machines, establishing a new category that would influence motorcycle design for years to come.

Technical Specifications

The 1963 Honda C110 Sport 50 featured a range of technical innovations that set it apart from its contemporaries. At its heart was Honda's proven OHV (Overhead Valve) single-cylinder engine, which demonstrated the company's engineering prowess.

Engine Specifications:

• Type: Air-cooled, four-stroke, OHV single-cylinder

• Displacement: 49cc

• Bore x Stroke: 40mm x 39mm

• Compression Ratio: 8.5:1

• Maximum Power: 5.0 bhp @ 9,500 rpm

• Carburetion: Single 16mm carburetor

• Transmission: 4-speed manual with foot shift

• Starting System: Kick start

Chassis and Dimensions:

• Frame Type: Steel tube backbone

• Length: 1840mm (72.4 inches)

• Height: 1020mm (40.2 inches)

• Wheelbase: 1180mm (46.5 inches)

• Seat Height: 750mm (29.5 inches)

• Ground Clearance: 135mm (5.3 inches)

• Dry Weight: Approximately 65kg (143 lbs)

The bike featured several advanced features for its time, including:

• Manual clutch system (unlike the Super Cub's semi-automatic system)

• Front telescopic fork suspension

• Drum brakes front and rear

• 17-inch wheels with 2.25-inch tires

• 5-liter fuel tank capacity

These specifications made the C110 Sport 50 a capable performer while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency, typically achieving around 100 miles per gallon under normal riding conditions.

Design and Features

The 1963 Honda C110 Sport 50 showcased distinctive design elements that set it apart from the standard Super Cub series. Its sporty appearance was achieved through several key design features that emphasized its performance-oriented nature while maintaining Honda's reputation for practical engineering.

Key Design Elements:

• Streamlined fuel tank with knee grips

• Chrome-plated fenders

• Sport-style handlebar configuration

• Dual seat with sporty contours

• Exposed engine components (unlike the enclosed Super Cub)

• Distinctive color schemes, including Scarlet Red and Black

The bike's ergonomics were carefully considered, with a more aggressive riding position compared to the Super Cub. The handlebar placement and seat design encouraged a more engaged riding style, while the foot controls were positioned for optimal operation of the manual transmission.

Notable features included:

• Large, easy-to-read speedometer

• Chrome-rimmed headlight

• Robust luggage rack

• Full chain guard

• Distinctive Honda wing emblems

• Protected cables and wiring

The overall design successfully balanced sportiness with practicality, creating a motorcycle that looked purposeful while remaining accessible to a wide range of riders. The quality of finish and attention to detail demonstrated Honda's commitment to excellence, even in their smaller displacement models.

Performance and Riding Experience

The C110 Sport 50's performance capabilities set new standards for small-displacement motorcycles of its era. Despite its modest 49cc engine, the bike delivered a surprisingly engaging riding experience that satisfied both novice and experienced riders.

Performance Characteristics:

• Top Speed: Approximately 45-50 mph (72-80 km/h)

• Acceleration: 0-30 mph in around 10 seconds

• Fuel Economy: Up to 100 mpg under normal conditions

• Range: Approximately 200 miles on a full tank

The manual transmission and clutch provided a more involving riding experience compared to the semi-automatic Super Cub. This configuration allowed riders to have greater control over power delivery and helped develop their riding skills. The bike's light weight and well-balanced chassis made it particularly adept at handling urban environments and twisty roads.

The suspension system, while basic by modern standards, provided adequate comfort for daily riding. The combination of telescopic front forks and rear shock absorbers helped maintain stability and control, even on rougher road surfaces. The drum brakes, though not powerful by today's standards, provided reliable stopping power appropriate for the bike's performance capabilities.

Riders of the period particularly appreciated the C110's ability to maintain steady cruising speeds while delivering excellent fuel economy, making it an ideal choice for both commuting and recreational riding.

Legacy and Collectability

The Honda C110 Sport 50 has left an enduring legacy in motorcycling history. As one of Honda's early sporting models, it helped establish the company's reputation for building engaging, reliable motorcycles that appealed to enthusiast riders while maintaining practicality and efficiency.

Today, the 1963 C110 Sport 50 is highly sought after by collectors and vintage motorcycle enthusiasts. Well-preserved or properly restored examples can command significant prices at auction, reflecting both their historical importance and their relative rarity. The model's significance in Honda's history, combined with its attractive design and sporting character, makes it a particularly desirable collector's piece.

The C110 Sport 50's influence can be seen in subsequent Honda models, particularly in the company's approach to developing sporting variants of their commuter bikes. The success of this model helped demonstrate that small-displacement motorcycles could be both practical and entertaining, a philosophy that continues to influence motorcycle design today.