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: Z50A202003, engine #: Z50AE19832. The seller acquired the bike through an online auction.
There is no odometer; true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us diagnose an electrical fault with the taillight/brake light. Our service department notes the following in their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: OK
Tire Year Front/ Rear: PRE-DATE CODE
Tire % Front/ Rear: 90/90
Tire Press Front/ Rear: 15/15
Brake % Front/ Rear : 80/80
Front hydraulic fluid: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid: N/A
Oil: OK, LEVEL OK
Coolant: N/A
Low Beam: OK
High Beam: OK
Turn: N/A
Tail Light: FAIL
Brake Light: OK
Plate Light: FAIL
Kill: N/A, IGNITION KEY ONLY
Horn: N/A
Fork: FAIL, LEAKING
Shock/s: N/A
Final Drive: CHAIN, OK
Battery Standing Voltage: 6.7
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 6.7
RECOMMENDED SERVICES:
•OIL/FILTER CHANGE
•REPLACE IGNITION SWITCH – RESULTING IN NON-FUNCTIONING TAILLIGHT
•NEW TIRES
Modifications:
Repainted tank/bodywork.
Acerbis mirror, Scott grips.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on IRC Tractor Grip tires that have aged out.
The sale includes one key.
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 clean California title. Have any Z50A stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
