Why can't the Honda Little Turtle be licensed?
3 Answers
Honda Little Turtle cannot be licensed because it belongs to the green license plate motorcycle category, and under the latest policy, fuel-powered mopeds have been phased out, making it ineligible for licensing. Below is an introduction to the Honda Little Turtle: Overview: The Honda Little Turtle is a scooter, not an electric vehicle, with a displacement of only 50CC. It features an all-aluminum frame, making it very lightweight, suitable for female riders, and extremely fuel-efficient. Anti-theft features: The lock can be completely sealed to prevent thieves from forcibly prying it open. There is also an additional frame lock under the seat; once engaged, the main kickstand cannot be moved, providing excellent anti-theft functionality.
I've been riding motorcycles for almost twenty years, and classic models like the Honda Super Cub hold a special place in my heart. However, the fundamental reason they can't be registered in many places is due to overly strict emission standards. China's emission regulations, such as the China VI standard, require engines to be clean and efficient, but the Super Cub's engine, designed last century, simply can't keep up with modern exhaust treatment requirements—it fails emissions tests every time. Additionally, major cities like Beijing and Shanghai have implemented 'motorcycle bans,' directly prohibiting motorcycle registration, making it impossible to register new or used bikes. Last year in Shenzhen, I tried to register a friend's Super Cub, but without the factory certificate and invoice, it was a lost cause no matter how hard we tried. If you're really into these retro bikes, I recommend finding specialized legal import channels or purchasing a used bike that already has a license plate to avoid wasted effort. For daily riding, safety comes first, and it's often more hassle-free to opt for a new bike.
Over the years of repairing cars, I've seen many issues with Honda Cubs. Most of them can't be registered due to technical and regulatory hurdles: the engines are too old, emissions don't meet current standards, and they lack modern electronic control systems, failing inspection tests right away. Safety is also a concern, with outdated lights and braking systems that don't meet new domestic crash test requirements. I often see customers bringing in Cubs for modifications, trying to pass inspections with new parts, but inspection stations are too sharp, and registration still fails. The root problems—manufacturers may have discontinued production, imported models lack complete certificates, or local policies restrict two-wheelers in urban areas. If you really want to try, it's best to buy a new bike directly from an authorized dealer and avoid smuggled goods to prevent trouble. For maintenance, I also advise everyone that keeping the original structure intact can extend the bike's lifespan.
