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.
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: Z50J1608733. It came to Iconic as an import from Japan. Prior history is not known.
The odometer shows 3,348 kilometers (2,080 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us replace the battery, change the engine oil, replace the rear inner tube, replace the left-hand cam cover, replace the chain, and give the bike a thorough detailing. Our service department notes the following in their condition report:
Gas Tank mCondition: Ok
Tire Years- Front: 1714; Rear: 1714
Tire % – Front: 90%; Rear: 80%
Tire Pressure – Front: 14 PSI; Rear: 14 PSI
Brake % – Front: 50%; Rear: 60%
Engine Oil -Level: Ok; Quality: New
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: NA
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Ok Fork: Both Leaking
Shock/s: Ok
Final Drive: New
Battery: OCV: 6.0V
Charging at Idle: 6.15V
Charging at approx. 2.5KRPM: 6.47V
Modifications:
This Monkey appears to be stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Roadmaster tires with date codes of 1912 and 1714.
The sale includes three 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 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!
