Cub F-type (1952)
The Cub F-Type, a hit with monthly production of over 10,000 units thanks to an ingenious sales network strategy that included sales through approximately 5,000 bicycle shops nationwide, was not a vehicle model; rather, it was an engine mounted on the rear wheel of a bicycle. To start, operate the lever on the left side and pedal like a bicycle. Once you've gained a certain amount of speed, release the left lever. The two-stroke, single-cylinder engine will start, accompanied by a gentle exhaust sound. For a while, you continue pedaling, and once the engine starts, operate the throttle lever on the right to accelerate. While the Super Cub's distinctive feature is its easy-to-operate automatic centrifugal clutch, the Cub F-Type engine can be quite a challenge to even start. This model is the result of a painstaking restoration of such a Cub F-Type over the course of about a year. While recreating its original appearance, it also features small turn signals and other features to adapt it to modern riding conditions.
The Cub F-type was developed as an auxiliary engine for bicycles. Therefore, the standard style was to mount it on a regular bicycle at the time, as in this model.
The Cub F engine was a 50cc air-cooled, two-stroke, single-cylinder engine. It produced 1 horsepower at 3,500 rpm. The engine weighed 6 kg alone. The price at the time was 25,000 yen.
The handlebars are from an old-fashioned bicycle. The throttle lever, choke lever (right) and clutch and decompression lever (left) are attached to them. The owner installed the turn signals.
The large carriage carrying the wicker trunks is reminiscent of the peddler style of the Showa era.
Nikken Kabster (1953?)
The Cub F, released in 1952, was sold not as a vehicle but as engine parts. The engine was then attached to a bicycle for riding. However, there was also a model sold as a complete vehicle, with a Cub F engine mounted on a unique chassis. This was the Cub Star, manufactured and sold by Nikken Kogyo. It was the
rarest model at this year's Cafe Cub Meeting, and it attracted a lot of attention. The Cub F engine was mounted on a frame manufactured by Nikken Kogyo and covered with an iron body cover, giving it the appearance of a scooter equipped with pedals. The arm-type turn signals evoke a sense of the era, and just looking at them is heartwarming. Naturally, parts were difficult to obtain, and it's not difficult to imagine the owner's painstaking restoration. In any case, it is certainly an extremely rare model, even among the many Cubs available.
Although it has pedals, the overall body style is similar to the Rabbit scooter of the time. It has a very classic and charming feel.
The Cubster was sold by Nikken Kogyo with a Cub F engine attached to the original body.
The original steel frame is fitted with a Cub F engine, and is covered with an iron body cover.
In the 1950s, both cars and buses used semaphore-type turn signals like this one. The owner of this Cubster also installed Apollo semaphore-type turn signals himself. They also have built-in lamps.
