Faults:

Currently the main and most important problem is a problem in the gear box. It is difficult to down shift into first gear from second gear while moving. So to compensate I down shift into second gear from third, and start from off the line in second gear. If I need the first gear I can get to it after I completely stop.

The trick to shifting the bike from third into second is to shift it down between 15 - 20 MPH. Shifting the bike is tricky, and even after two thousand miles I have to say I'm still learning. Eventually I will go into the gear box and fix the problem.

Another thing it does is if the gear does not catch just right, it will pop out of third gear into second and a re-tap of the gear shifter will put it into third again.

I do not think this bike is a beginners bike because you can get in trouble on it quickly. One thing I learned the hard way is if the bike is in third gear and I'm on a hill, shifting into second at a low speed will bring the front wheel up into an instant wheelie.

The original neutral switch broke; I replaced it and the part was shorter and it currently does not work. I currently use a alligator clip and clip it to a bolt end to use the electric start. The kick starter works great if the electric start is not working.

General Comments:

This bike is a great hill climber and is geared just right for that. The top speed is around 43 MPH, which is fast enough for this bike.

I replaced the brakes, and it stops on a dime.

One quality about the bike is how it feels on the road, and the only way to describe it is it's sticky.

I like the bike and will continue to ride it as far as I can.

Faults:

Front luggage rack broke at the base screw.

Leg shield was cracked beyond repair.

General Comments:

I fell in love with these little Cubs on a recent trip to the DR. When I got home I looked everywhere till I found one semi-locally. When I picked it up it was in rough shape with a busted up leg shield and rusted out muffler. The leg shield had to be trashed and I replaced the muffler with a new aftermarket one.

I spent many fun hours detailing and going over the bike with a fine tooth comb. Underneath all that dirt was a pristine '81 Passport in Monza Red. I changed the oil, new plugs, new fuel lines and cleaned and flushed the tank. Put on a new carb and the bike starts on the first kick every time even without the choke. Replaced all the instrument lights and added a new front tire. Bike is in perfect working order, except the electric start doesn't work which doesn't bother me cause it starts up so easy with a quick kick.

Bike runs great and I've topped it out at 42 mph, but on that little bike you feel like you're going 90. I look for any excuse to ride it and it gets tons of looks where ever I go. A lot of people stop to ask me about it. These old Cubs are just proof that you don't need 1000cc to have fun on a bike.

Thank you Mr. Honda... it truly is the greatest motorcycle ever made.

Faults:

Nothing. Have changed tires due to age and cracking, but just routine care is all that has been necessary.

Discovered the hard way that the battery acts as a voltage regulator for the headlight. Original headlights are over 75.00, but knock-offs from Malaysia can be had for under 20.00 delivered.

General Comments:

I looked that the "bike" very indignantly when my father bought it in 1982, but have gained a healthy respect for it since. He put 5,000 miles on it delivering meals-on-wheels to older citizens, and I have put another 5,000 on it since I had to give up larger bikes due to physical disability.

This thing just keeps running and running... starts immediately and is so easy to maintain. The fact that it gets over 100 mpg makes it quite attractive with current gas prices. I've turned down some nice offers to sell the bike -- it has sort of grown on me!

Parts are easy to come by online. I've replaced a muffler and a headlight and two tires in 8 years.