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 specced with lights and signals.
This example is VIN: Z50J2304036.
The odometer shows 104 kilometers (64 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us drain the old fuel, flush the carbs, service the chain, and replace the battery.
Yonni did the work, he notes the following in his condition report:
Tire Life – Front: 100%; Rear: 50%
Brake Life – Front: 75%; Rear:80%
Oil – Level: Ok; Quality: Ok
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Turn: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch/Ignition: Ok
Horn: 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 IRC Tractor Grip tires.
The sale includes one key.
The sale also includes the factory tool kit.
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 Gold Edition stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
Additional Information
Location
Santa Monica, California
Year
1984
Make
Honda
Model
Monkey Gold Edition
Mileage
64
VIN
Z50J2304036
Title
Bill of Sale Only
Title State/Country
N/A
Private Party/Dealership
Private Party
Additional Charges
No
Total Bids Placed: 33
Auction has ended.
Highest bidder was: n*******2
Bidder Name
Bidding Time
Bid
Auto
n*******2
February 1, 2023 12:01 pm PST
$5,321
s*******5
February 1, 2023 11:59 am PST
$5,221
n*****s
February 1, 2023 11:59 am PST
$5,121
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
s*******5
February 1, 2023 11:59 am PST
$5,050
n*****s
February 1, 2023 10:48 am PST
$4,900
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
n*******2
February 1, 2023 10:48 am PST
$4,800
n*****s
January 31, 2023 2:09 pm PST
$4,700
s*******5
January 31, 2023 12:02 pm PST
$4,600
n*****s
January 31, 2023 12:02 pm PST
$4,567
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
n*****s
January 30, 2023 10:07 am PST
$4,500
Reserve
s*******5
January 30, 2023 10:07 am PST
$4,200
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
s*******5
January 30, 2023 10:07 am PST
$3,778
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
n*****s
January 30, 2023 10:07 am PST
$3,678
s*******5
January 27, 2023 1:39 pm PST
$3,450
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
p****s
January 27, 2023 1:39 pm PST
$3,350
s*******5
January 26, 2023 4:10 pm PST
$3,200
s**********a
January 26, 2023 4:10 pm PST
$3,100
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
s**********a
January 26, 2023 3:12 am PST
$2,600
c*****e
January 26, 2023 3:12 am PST
$2,500
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
c*****e
January 25, 2023 7:51 pm PST
$2,150
r***********r
January 25, 2023 7:51 pm PST
$2,050
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
c*****e
January 25, 2023 7:51 pm PST
$2,000
r***********r
January 25, 2023 7:51 pm PST
$1,600
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
c*****e
January 25, 2023 7:51 pm PST
$1,500
r***********r
January 25, 2023 7:47 pm PST
$1,325
c*****e
January 25, 2023 7:47 pm PST
$1,225
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
c*****e
January 25, 2023 6:32 pm PST
$1,100
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
p****s
January 25, 2023 6:32 pm PST
$1,000
c*****e
January 25, 2023 2:36 pm PST
$601
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
1*******g
January 25, 2023 2:36 pm PST
$501
c*****e
January 25, 2023 12:14 pm PST
$223
n*****s
January 25, 2023 12:14 pm PST
$123
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
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