One question that a motorcycle driving school is often asked by people who are at the very start of their riding journey is regarding the best motorcycle to learn on.

Whilst there will be preferences for the best bike to own depending on the particular needs of the rider, the best bike to learn on is one which is the most intuitive, fast but not so fast as to be uncontrollable, affordable and easy to handle.

For over six decades that bike has often been the Honda Super Cub, the most widely sold motor vehicle in history. A big reason for that is the result of a song that managed to fundamentally change biking culture.

Prior to 1964, motorcycles were typically perceived by the general public as being only for “bikers”, who were stereotyped as outlaws. It was a hobby and a dedication rather than a vehicle.

The Super Cub changed this partly through its ease of use, partly because most of its components were hidden behind the bodywork, but also thanks to some of the most fortunate timing in marketing history.

In 1964, Brian Wilson and Mike Love of the Beach Boys released the song Little Honda. Despite turning out to be one of the most effective advertising jingles in history, it was not paid for by Honda and just happened to be released at the same time as Honda’s “nicest people” campaign.

Proclaiming that the Honda Super Cub was “not a big motorcycle” but instead was simply a “groovy little motorbike”, it solidified that motorcycling was not exclusively for hobbyists but for everyone, and sales skyrocketed when the song was covered by manufactured band The Hondells.

The Hondells released a follow-up song which was used by Honda in advertising called “You Meet The Nicest People On A Honda Bike”, which provided a warm welcome to anyone who wanted to ride a bike.