Description
Additional photos of this Honda Monkey are available here for your perusal.
Affectionately called the “Monkey” in other markets, the Mini Trail (as branded in the US) started life 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 proved so popular that Honda created a production version in 1964. Between the small wheels and the ultra-compact wheelbase, riders of any size could swing a leg over knowing that they’d be in for a good time. Japan and Europe got to play with it first, but American riders got their chance in 1968 with a model designated the Z50.
For the engine, Honda borrowed the same, proven 49cc four-stroke single as found in the C100 step-thru. Though it made a mere 4.5hp, the semi-automatic gearbox allowed the bike to be approachable to riders of all skill levels while giving it plenty of giddyup for its size.
This example is VIN: Z50J2005419. It came to Iconic directly out of a collection in Japan.
The odometer shows 2,003 kilometers (1,244 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us replace the battery, clean the petcock, clean and tune the carb, and remove the rust from the fuel cap. We also flushed the fuel tank with vinegar and gave the bike a detailing. Our service department notes the following in their condition report:
Gas Tank Condition: Ok, some rust
Tire Years – Front: 0722; Rear: 0722
Tire % – Front: 99%; Rear: 99%
Tire Pressure – Front: 15PSI; Rear: 15PSI
Brake % – Front: Drum; Rear: Drum
Engine Oil – Level: Ok; Quality: Dark
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: NA
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok, Only has rear switch
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: N/A
Horn: Ok
Fork: Ok
Shock/s: N/A
Final Drive: Ok
Battery:
OCV: 6.0V, New
Charging: 6.8V
Test Ride: 1/8 miles, unit operates as designed
REPAIRS RECOMMENDED
-Engine oil
Modifications:
Aftermarket exhaust.
Aftermarket clip.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Trail Wing-2 tires.
The sale includes two keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
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 Monkey stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
