Pure Kreativität aus dem Hause Deus!
via Deus!
Meet The Firefly – the Residence of Impermanence’s first and latest
build by Deus Japan’s Director of Motorcycle Operations, Matthew Roberts
– a venerable 1961 Honda Super Cub that pushes the engineering and
styling envelope like none before.. A modern interpretation of the raw functional beauty of small capacity GP and TT steeds of the 1950’s and ’60’s Its long, low lines, run uninterrupted from headlight to tail but for the riders perch – a spartan tuck-roll offering in Oxblood red, stitched by local moto upholstery master Miauchi-san -. and the original C105 speedometer, a nod to the machine’s heritage Its execution so harmonious as to have historians running to the archives in search of reference to a long lost racing prototype.
A modified frame and epoxy composite monocoque body of Roberts’ own design and construction, afford the Firefly its striking silhouette while saving precious kilograms. The inspiration drawn from the Cubs unique front suspension. The exceptionally slim top bridge and frame allowed the creation of a body . 105mm at its widest point, while entry in local pre 1964 race series provided the performance motivation As a neat twist, racing mandatories quick release to reveal the machine’s road going necessities – headlight and discrete illumination elsewhere – meaning the Firefly can compete on the track at the foothills of Mount Fuji on a Sunday and hit the streets of Tokyo on a Monday.
Removing the
body reveals fuel cell, battery, coil and electrics laid out with
surgical precision along a slender modified back bone. Polished and
trued original C105 hubs now sport made in Japan DID alloy rims, custom
spokes and 2.75 x 17 rubber shoe-horned to fit inside the narrow forks
and rear fender. Bespoke and hand-made accoutrements pepper the
Firefly’s form, such as alloy top bridge, stop light, rear set foot
controls, fully adjustable alloy race shocks and externally mounted
front fork rebound unit.“With Japan the birth place of the Super Cub, stepping up to customize one here means delivering a design that punches well above its weight in every aspect” admits Roberts, referring to his striking yet reverent re-imagining. “A concept that stops people in their tracks is one thing, but its the deep connection and respect to the original machine’s DNA that gives the Firefly endearing timeless character ”
The Honda Cub may be the best selling vehicle in internal combustion history, 60 million plus worldwide, but performance components are scarce for the first series overhead valve single. Every nut, bolt, bearing and bush, from engine components to front suspension internals, have been re engineered, redesigned or improved from decades old factory blue prints. “Mill and lathe have kissed enough of this lithe steed to leave a HRC factory team envious” smiles Roberts.
Half century old engines require as much art as science to coax reliable power increases, so friend and local engine guru Ted’s Special, who’s work graces Honda’s own race collection hall, handled over-sizing and tuning the petite donk to race series regulation maximum 20% capacity increase.
Open carb mouth gleefully gulped in cool mountain air for the run-in and secret shakedown session. Test pilot Yamamoto-san confirmed planted, confidence inspiring handling that holds a line unlike any Cub he’s ever ridden and ergonomics that beg for speed and welcome cornering velocity . Gearing set and Jetting sorted, the Firefly Went on to Break cover and début at the Battle of Bottom Link RACE Series.
We doubt Soichiro Honda’s original team would have ever imagined their humble first series Super Cub transformed into a pole-position-ready racer over half a century later … though we do know they would be proud.
