Some proof machines That beautiful design is as timeless as the Honda Super Cub. This iconic underbone scooter has been in continuous production since 1958—and in all that time, its aesthetics haven’t changed much. But what if it were different?
That’s the question posed by Bhumemoto. Based in Southern California, the new custom shop is a collaboration between Patrick Razo and James Chung. Their first build was a 1965 Honda Super Cub The C100 is reimagined as a concept car from the 60s.
“The idea behind this build was like a concept bike that was developed alongside the original Super Cub,” Patrick explains. “Something happened that caused the project to be shelved and locked away, unseen for decades, until recently being found and revealed.”
A fascination with design theory is intrinsic to Bhumemoto’s process. Patrick began his career in high fashion, but now works as a concept designer for the entertainment industry, with a client list that includes major film and game studios. James is now an independent producer in the games, animation and toy industries, with a resume that includes working on the popular Call of Duty series and overseeing various projects at Electronic Arts.
Dubbed the ‘Long Long’ (which means ‘Rumble’ in Chinese), Bhumemoto’s Super Cub takes inspiration from early speedsters. But it also retains just enough Super Cub DNA to stay connected to the scooter’s heritage.
Part of the magic lies in the plethora of original Super Cub parts that Bhumemoto tweaked rather than discarded. The wheels are stock, but the rear has been wrapped in a custom disc and uses a slightly chunkier tire than before.
The OEM wheel wells and rear fender are still in place, although the original plan was to shorten them. “Since our goal was to complement the original design as much as possible, we really liked the curve that starts at the front of the bike and goes all the way to the end,” Patrick says. “So after much discussion, we decided to keep it.”
Moving forward, the Super Cub retains the bodywork that drapes over the mid-section of the frame. It has been modified to accommodate the stock fuel tank and free up the front fairings. They are replaced by a pair of fork covers, handcrafted from fiberglass.
The handlebars were found at a junkyard and mounted upside down to create the low, curvaceous effect you see on vintage bikes. Bhumemoto reused the original Super Cub headlight, speedometer, and throttle. The leather and hand-wrapped grips come from Trip Machine in India.
Moving on to the seats, Bhumemoto built a short platform and re-installed the original taillights at the back. With the rust on the original parts, the seats are covered in patchwork leather, making them look like they’ve been broken in from a distance.
Another clever detail is scooter The left side cover is rustic. It not only houses the classic Honda ignition and badge, but is also intentionally circular in shape to mimic the shape of the fuel tank, point cap, and rear wheel cover.
The Super Cub is finished with some quirky graphics and a gorgeous front wheel valve cover, handmade by 38 Silver Works in Japan.
With no changes to the 1965 Honda Super Cub’s engine, suspension, or brakes, it won’t break any speed records. But it’s an interesting study in what might have happened if the Super Cub’s designers had gone in a different direction.
Bhumemoto’s Instagram | Image of I
