Description
Additional photos of this 1984 Honda Monkey Gold Edition 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 four-speed gearbox allowed the bike to have plenty of giddyup for its size. In fact, Monkeys are perfectly street-worthy in many parts of the world — they can even be plated should you choose.
Over the course of the Z50’s production life, Honda has released several limited edition — and thus highly collectible — variants. In 1984, Japan got just 5,000 Gold Edition models finished in gold chrome paint and specc’ed with lights and signals.
This example is VIN: Z50J1600407.
The odometer shows 2,236 kilometers (1,389 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us detail the bike. Olly did the work, he notes the following in his condition report:
Tire Life: Front / Rear: 50%
Brake Life: Front / Rear: Drum ~70%
Oil: Ok
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Turn: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Kill: Ok
Horn: Ok
Battery: Ok
Modifications:
This Monkey appears to be completely stock.
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 Bridgestone Trail Wing 2 tires with date codes of 1318 and 1818.
The sale includes one key and the factory tool kit.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Honda Monkey is offered on a bill of sale only. Have any Honda Monkey stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
