Honda C70 Specifications: What You Need to Know

The Honda C70 is a 72 cc air‑cooled, single‑cylinder SOHC step‑through motorcycle (Super Cub family) with a 3‑speed semi‑automatic transmission, drum brakes, 17‑inch wheels, and typically 6‑volt electrics; most models make roughly 5.5–6.5 hp, reach about 75–85 km/h (47–53 mph), return exceptional fuel economy (often 110–150 mpg US / 1.6–2.2 L/100 km), and weigh around 75–85 kg dry, with a fuel tank of approximately 4.0 liters. While specifications vary slightly by market and year (late 1960s through early 1980s), the core mechanicals are consistent across the lineup.

Overview

Introduced as a larger‑displacement sibling to the globally dominant Super Cub, the Honda C70 combined ultra‑simple maintenance with remarkable durability. Produced primarily from 1969 through the early 1980s (with the “C70 Passport” name used in the U.S. circa 1980–1983), it features Honda’s horizontal single‑cylinder engine in a pressed‑steel step‑through frame, making it practical, light, and economical for commuting and delivery use.

Core Mechanical Specifications

The following lists the core components and systems common to most Honda C70 models worldwide; small differences exist by country and production year.

• Engine: 72 cc air‑cooled, 4‑stroke, single‑cylinder, SOHC, 2‑valve (horizontal layout)
• Bore × stroke: approximately 47.0 mm × 41.4 mm (71.8 cc)
• Compression ratio: typically around 8.8:1 (varied slightly by market/year)
• Fuel system: Keihin carburetor (factory jetting varied by emissions requirements)
• Starting: kick‑start
• Transmission: 3‑speed semi‑automatic (centrifugal clutch) with heel‑toe shifter
• Final drive: chain
• Ignition/electrics: mostly 6‑volt; early models used contact points; some later-market versions adopted CDI
• Frame: pressed‑steel step‑through monocoque with integrated leg shield
• Front suspension: leading‑link (earlier/most C70s); some market updates used telescopic types
• Rear suspension: twin shocks, swingarm
• Brakes: drum front and rear
• Wheels/tyres: 17‑inch spoked wheels; typical tyres 2.25–17 (front) and 2.50–17 (rear)
• Fuel tank: about 4.0 liters (varies by market; some list ~4.0–4.3 L including reserve)

Taken together, these components define the C70’s signature simplicity and robustness, with most parts interchangeable across C50/C70/C90 families and numerous market variants.

Performance and Economy

Performance was tuned for reliability and efficiency rather than speed. Figures below reflect typical factory claims and period testing, with real‑world results depending on rider weight, load, tune, altitude, and gearing.

• Power output: approximately 5.5–6.5 hp (4.1–4.8 kW), generally peaking around 8,500–9,500 rpm
• Torque: roughly 5.0–5.5 N·m (3.7–4.1 lb‑ft) around 6,000–7,000 rpm
• Top speed: typically 75–85 km/h (47–53 mph)
• Fuel consumption: commonly 1.6–2.2 L/100 km (110–150 mpg US; 132–180 mpg UK)
• Range (typical tank): roughly 180–250 km (110–155 miles), depending on riding conditions

These figures made the C70 a benchmark for low running costs and dependable daily transportation worldwide.

Dimensions and Weights

Dimensions vary slightly across production runs and regional versions, but the C70’s compact footprint and approachable ergonomics remained consistent.

• Wheelbase: about 1,170–1,200 mm (46–47 in)
• Seat height: approximately 740–760 mm (29–30 in)
• Ground clearance: around 120–135 mm (4.7–5.3 in)
• Overall dimensions (L × W × H): approximately 1,830–1,875 × 660–700 × 990–1,050 mm
• Dry weight: typically 75–85 kg (165–187 lb); wet weight a few kilograms higher

The low seat height and light mass contribute to the C70’s ease of use for new riders and its agility in congested urban settings.

Year and Market Differences

Honda built the C70 for multiple markets over more than a decade, resulting in modest mechanical and cosmetic differences. The items below highlight the most notable changes enthusiasts encounter.

• Early production (circa 1969–1977): 6‑volt electrics with contact‑point ignition, leading‑link front suspension, drum brakes, and classic round headlamp styling.
• Late‑1970s updates (often labeled C70Z/Z2 in some markets): minor styling, lighting, and carburation changes to meet evolving regulations; continued 6‑volt systems.
• U.S. “C70 Passport” (circa 1980–1983): 72 cc engine, 3‑speed semi‑auto, 6‑volt electrics, kick‑start, drum brakes, 17‑inch wheels; period U.S. materials commonly quoted ~50 mph top speed and standout fuel economy.
• Regional electrics/ignition: while most C70s remained 6‑volt with points, some later regional models adopted CDI; 12‑volt systems became more common on successor models and other Super Cub variants rather than on the core C70.

These running changes did not alter the C70’s fundamental character; most mechanical parts interchange readily with C50/C90 relatives, easing restoration and maintenance.

Commonly Referenced Specs at a Glance

For quick identification or comparison, enthusiasts often refer to the following headline specifications.

• Engine: 72 cc SOHC single, air‑cooled
• Transmission: 3‑speed semi‑auto, chain final drive
• Electrics: mostly 6 V (points; some CDI later by market)
• Brakes: drum (front/rear)
• Wheels/Tyres: 17 in; approx. 2.25–17 (F), 2.50–17 (R)
• Power: ~5.5–6.5 hp; top speed ~75–85 km/h
• Fuel economy: ~1.6–2.2 L/100 km (110–150 mpg US)
• Weight: ~75–85 kg dry
• Fuel tank: ~4.0 L (incl. reserve)

These figures capture the C70’s blend of efficiency, simplicity, and everyday usability that made it one of Honda’s enduring icons.

Summary

The Honda C70 pairs a 72 cc SOHC single with a 3‑speed semi‑automatic gearbox, 6‑volt electrics, drum brakes, and 17‑inch wheels to deliver about 6 hp, an 80 km/h‑class top speed, and exceptional fuel economy in a compact, durable package. While small market‑year differences exist—particularly in ignition, lighting, and minor chassis details—the core specification remained consistent from the late 1960s through the early 1980s, ensuring easy ownership and broad parts interchangeability across the Super Cub family.

How many gears does a Honda C70 have?

The Honda C70 Super Cub has, at its heart, an air-cooled, four-stroke, 72cc, single cylinder engine paired to a three-speed semi-automatic transmission with a chain final drive and can produce a claimed 6 horsepower and 5 Nm of torque.

What’s the top speed of a Honda 70?

The Honda 70 had a rectangular speedometer with gear range markings and a maximum calibration of 60 mph (97 km/h). The claimed top speed was 58 mph (93 km/h).

How much horsepower does a Honda C70 have?

6 bhp

How fast does a Honda C70 go?

This Honda c70 is the perfect motorcycle for either a beginner with its Semi-Automatic shifting or a seasoned rider looking for a fun nostalgic bike to cruise around town on with an estimated maximum speed of 50mph. Being almost 40 years old this Honda starts right up and is ready to ride.