The decline in popularity and discontinuation of the Honda C90 Cub line can be attributed to a combination of factors, and the rise of scooters was one of them. While the scooter market experienced significant growth and popularity during the same period, it's not accurate to say that the scooter boom alone ended the long career of the Honda C90 Cub line. Here are some key factors that contributed to the transition:
Evolving Market Demands: Over time, consumer preferences and market demands shifted towards motorcycles with different characteristics and features. The Honda C90 Cub, with its step-through design and semi-automatic transmission, catered primarily to a specific segment of the market that favored simplicity, reliability, and ease of use. As customer preferences evolved, there was a demand for more modern features, such as full-automatic transmissions, larger engines, and varied styling options, which were better addressed by scooters and other motorcycle models.
Regulatory Changes: As emissions and safety regulations became more stringent in various markets, including the European Union, manufacturers had to invest in updating their product lines to meet the new requirements. The C90 Cub, being a long-standing model with a design that had been relatively unchanged for many years, may not have been able to meet the updated regulations without significant design changes and investments.
Product Life Cycle: The C90 Cub had an exceptionally long and successful production run, starting in the 1960s. As with any product, there comes a point where the manufacturer needs to evaluate the viability of continuing production based on market demand, manufacturing costs, and profitability. Honda likely made the decision to discontinue the C90 Cub line due to factors such as declining sales, changing market dynamics, and the need to focus on newer models that aligned better with current market trends.
It's important to note that the Honda C90 Cub line remains iconic and has left a lasting legacy in the motorcycle industry. While the scooter boom and market shifts played a role, it was a combination of factors that led to the discontinuation of the model.