Additional photos of this Honda Z50R are available here for your perusal.
Affectionately called the “Monkey” in other markets, the Mini Trail (as branded in the US) started in 1961 as a ride at the Tama Tech amusement park, a former venture owned by a Honda subsidiary that was all about promoting the “joys of driving”.
The name came from the fact that riders looked like monkeys on the diminutive machines, but the bikes were so popular that Honda created a production version in 1964. Japan and Europe got to play with it first, but American riders got their chance in 1968 with a model designated the Z50.
Eventually, demand for mini dirt bikes grew such that Honda introduced the Z50R in 1979. With its sloped tank, BMX-style handlebars, and number plates, the R made for a much more race-specific design than its casual, leisure-oriented predecessors.
The 1980 model was available in Tahitian Red and it had “Z” branding on the side of each seat.
This particular Z50R example (VIN: AB025111137) came to us from a collection in Japan.
Because there is no odometer, true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us detail the bike. Angel did the work, he notes that the brakes are at 95% front/rear, the tires have aged out, and the oil level is OK but it is dark.
Daniel notes that the bike appears quite original – there are no witness marks, the hardware is all matching, and the screws (which are all JIS) do not look like they’ve been tinkered with.
Modifications:
The OEM Honda logo decals on the tank have been replaced with RSC (Racing Service Center Corporation, the predecessor of HRC) decals.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on aged-out IRC Tractor tires.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Honda is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any Z50R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
