Why is the Class 1 moped changing from 50cc or less to 125cc or less (new Class 1 moped)?
On the left is the Honda Super Cub C125 (123cc displacement), and on the right is the Honda Super Cub 50 (49cc displacement).
Starting in November 2025, new “Japan’s Tier 4 Exhaust Gas Regulations” will be applied to all mopeds (50cc or less) produced in Japan. Expensive catalysts are required to purify exhaust gases containing harmful substances. However, current mopeds (50cc or less) require time to reach the temperature at which purification begins, meaning that complying with the new “Japan’s Tier 4 Exhaust Gas Regulations” will be extremely costly.
The development and material costs required to produce a moped (under 50cc) that meets the regulations are reflected in the sales price, and as a result, the price of mopeds has risen to a level that ordinary people cannot afford. As a result, it has become virtually impossible to continue producing and selling mopeds (under 50cc) under the current classification.
On the other hand, increasing the total displacement to 125cc makes it easier for the temperature inside the muffler to rise, shortening the time it takes for the temperature to reach the point where the catalyst begins to purify the engine. This makes it easier and more cost-effective to develop vehicles that comply with the new “Japan Tier 4 Exhaust Gas Regulations.”
For the reasons mentioned above, motorcycle manufacturers and related organizations have been requesting the national government (National Police Agency) for many years to revise the classification of mopeds. The national government (National Police Agency) has finally taken action, and on April 1, 2025, the Road Traffic Act Enforcement Regulations will be revised. Motorcycles with an engine displacement of over 50cc but up to 125cc will now be classified as mopeds (Note 1).
Due to the new “Domestic Fourth Exhaust Gas Regulations,” which would be prohibitively expensive if they remained at 50cc or less, production of 50cc or less models for public road use will be discontinued. In their place, “new 125cc and 110cc class mopeds (maximum output limited to 4.0kW or less, the same as the current 50cc or less class)” will be created, which will be different from the existing 125cc and 110cc classes.
On June 22, 2024, major newspapers and television news reported that Honda will end production of mopeds with a total engine displacement of 50cc or less, which can be driven with a moped license, in 2025.
The global motorcycle market has long since shifted to the 125cc class. Japanese mopeds have been stuck in the “Galapagos” of being under 50cc, but they have now adopted the global standard of 125cc and are finally entering a new era.
※注1：原付（既存の50cc以下）の排気量は125cc以下に引き上げられるが、車両の最高出力は既存の原付レベルである4.0kW以下であることが条件。なお「最高速度30km/h」「二段階右折義務」「二人乗り禁止」などの道路交通法はこれまで通りで変更なし。Production of the Monkey 50 ended in 2017. The market price of the final model, the “50th Anniversary Special (limited to 500 units),” skyrocketed immediately after its release.
Honda’s super long-selling moped (under 50cc) model, the Monkey 50, did not meet the then-current “2016 exhaust gas regulations” and production ended at the end of August 2017. Shortly after that, the Monkey 125 was born to replace the Monkey 50.
The final model of the Monkey 50, the “Monkey 50th Anniversary Special (limited to 500 units),” which features chrome plating on various parts such as steel front and rear fenders, fuel tanks, headlight cases, and side covers, was flooded with buyers. As the number of buyers far exceeded the limited number of units, a public lottery was held at Honda’s headquarters (Aoyama, Tokyo).
As a result, it became a premium car, and the market price soared to an astonishingly high level, far exceeding the new car price of 432,000 yen (the release price at the time, including tax). Vehicles in good condition are still traded at high prices today.
[Honda Monkey 2009-2017] The final model of the 50cc version that evolved from a carburetor to fuel injection | Motor-Fan Bikes | Page 3/3In 2018 (Heisei 30), the Honda Monkey was revived as a 125cc, and has evolved over time, changing its form and specifications. In 2009 (Heisei 21), the Monkey’s fuel supply system was changed from a carburetor to fuel injection (FI) in order to meet strict exhaust gas regulations. Special models and limited edition versions have also been created. REPORT ● Kita Hideaki (KITA Hideaki) PHOTO ● 4mini.net http://4-mini.net/
The Super Cub 50 Final Edition is currently available at a “list price” of 297,000 yen (tax included). However, as soon as the dealer’s stock runs out, the price may skyrocket.
Left: Super Cub 50 Final Edition Right: Super Cub C50 (1966 model)
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From GooBike, a website specializing in used motorcycles. As of January 27, 2025, most Super Cub 50 Final Editions are being released at the “list price” of 297,000 yen (tax included). The lowest priced unit has been discounted to 286,000 yen (tax included).
The Super Cub 50 Final Edition will be released as a memorial to the end of the Super Cub 50 production. This vehicle is a limited-time model that can be ordered from Friday, November 8, 2024 to Sunday, November 24, 2024. The vehicle price is 297,000 yen (tax included). *Orders have already closed.
As of January 27, 2025, approximately two months after the final order date, a search on GooBike, a website specializing in used motorcycles, shows that many shops are still releasing new Super Cub 50 Final Editions at the “list price” of 297,000 yen (tax included).
Unlike the Monkey 50th Anniversary Special, which was released in a limited run of 500 units and was in over-demand, the balance between supply and demand for the Super Cub 50 Final Edition, which was only available for a limited time (only 17 days), is currently stable.
As of January 27, 2025, the standard Super Cub 50 is currently on sale as a current model for 247,500 yen (tax included). According to online news from major newspapers and television news, Honda has already discontinued production of 50cc models. The 50cc models currently listed in the catalog will be dropped once the manufacturer’s inventory is sold out.
By April 1, 2025, when the Road Traffic Act Enforcement Regulations are partially revised, new 125cc and 110cc mopeds will be released. Once the current 50cc models, including the Super Cub 50 Final Edition, which is no longer available for pre-order, are sold out at dealerships, there’s a good chance that they will become a premium item and prices will skyrocket. Those hoping to buy one should do so now while they can still get one at the retail price.
Why the new Class 1 moped category will change from 50cc or less to 125cc or less (new Class 1 moped category)
The following page provides a detailed explanation of the reasons and circumstances behind the increase in the upper limit on engine displacement for mopeds (50cc or less) to 125cc or less.
“Motorcycle licenses limited to 125cc” | National Police Agency considering | Domestic moped reform finally beginsOn September 7, 2023, the National Police Agency announced that it would begin considering revising the engine displacement limit for mopeds (motorized bicycles) that can be ridden with a license from the current 50cc or less to 125cc or less. The target vehicles will be those with an engine displacement of 125cc or less and a maximum output of 4kW (5.4ps). The government has finally begun to take action in response to the long-standing opinions and requests of motorcycle manufacturers and motorcycle-related organizations. REPORT ● KITA Hideaki National Police Agency Press Release https://www.npa.go.jp/news/release/2023/20230907001.html
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[Update] The moped category has changed from 50cc or less to 125cc or less (with maximum power output restrictions). The National Police Agency officially releases the report. Honda focuses on 125cc or less, while Yamaha abolishes the 50cc or less category.On December 21, 2023, the National Police Agency’s expert panel, which has been discussing a revision of the vehicle classification for motorized bicycles (50cc or less), compiled a report stating that the Road Traffic Act’s definition of a motorized bicycle should ideally be changed from the current 50cc or less to 125cc or less (with the condition that maximum output be limited to 4kW or less/5.4ps or less). This issue marks the first time that the government has finally begun to act in response to the long-standing voices and requests of motorcycle manufacturers and motorcycle-related organizations. Honda has already scaled back production of its 50cc or less motorcycles sold exclusively in Japan and is focusing on 125cc or less. Yamaha plans to discontinue Honda’s outsourced production of 50cc or less motorcycles and introduce Yamaha products in Japan equipped with 125cc engines that comply with the new standards. REPORT: Kita Hideaki. National Police Agency Press Release: https://www.npa.go.jp/news/release/2023/20231219001.html
[Update] Honda discontinues production of 50cc Class 1 mopeds (zero handlebars). New Class 1 mopeds (with maximum power limit) are born, with engine displacement increased from 50cc to 125cc.On June 22, 2024, major newspapers and television news reported that Honda would end production of Class 1 mopeds (motorized bicycles) with a total displacement of 50cc or less, which can be driven with a moped license. Due to the strict new exhaust gas regulations coming into force in 2025, maintaining the 50cc or less model would be prohibitively expensive. In its place, new Class 1 mopeds in the 125cc and 110cc classes (with maximum power limits similar to the current 50cc and under models) will be born. The global motorcycle market has long since shifted to the 125cc class. Japan’s Class 1 mopeds have finally emerged from their Galapagos-like 50cc or under era, adopting the global 125cc standard and finally entering a new era. This article summarizes the history of the end of production of the 50cc and under mopeds, commonly known as “zero-handle” models, and the newly enacted “New Class 1 mopeds.” REPORT●KITA Hideaki Asahi Shimbun Digital https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASS6Q2V5GS6QULFA00KM.html
Considering the “30km/h maximum speed limit,” “two-stage right turn obligation,” and “double riding ban” for Class 1 mopeds
The upper limit on engine displacement for mopeds (50cc or less) will be raised to 125cc or less, but current Road Traffic Act regulations will still apply, such as a 30km/h maximum speed limit, mandatory two-stage right turns, and no double riding. The following page raises the question, “Is this really the way things should be?”
Moped licenses have gone from 50cc to 125cc (4kW or less). However, the 30km/h speed limit remains… Is this okay? [Part 1 of 2]On December 21, 2023, the National Police Agency’s expert panel compiled a report stating that the Road Traffic Act’s definition of motorized bicycles (engine displacement of 50cc or less) should ideally be changed from the current 50cc or less to 125cc or less (provided that maximum power output is limited to 4kW or less/5.4ps or less). The government has finally begun to act in response to the long-standing, loud voices of motorcycle manufacturers and motorcycle-related organizations. However, the 30km/h speed limit, two-stage right-turn obligation, and two-person riding ban remain in place. In this two-part series, we examine the 30km/h speed limit for mopeds, which has long been viewed as a problem. REPORT: Kita Hideaki
The limit for mopeds will be increased from 50cc to 125cc. However, the 30km/h speed limit will remain. Is this the right thing to do? [Part 2 of 2]On December 21, 2023, the National Police Agency’s Expert Review Panel, which has been discussing a review of the vehicle classification of motorized bicycles (engine displacement of 50cc or less), compiled a report stating that ideally, the Road Traffic Act definition would be changed from the current 50cc or less to 125cc or less (provided that maximum power output is limited to 4kW or less/5.4ps or less). However, the 30km/h speed limit, two-stage right turn obligation, and two-person riding ban will remain in place. Following on from the first installment, here we examine the 30km/h speed limit, which has been a long-standing issue. REPORT: Kita Hideaki
