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 four-speed gearbox allowed the bike to have plenty of giddyup for its size. In fact, Monkeys are perfectly streetable in many parts of the world — they can even be plated should you choose.
This example is VIN: Z50J2200429. It came to us directly out of a collection in Japan.
The odometer shows 463 kilometers (287 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, we flushed the fuel and checked the oil. We also replaced the gas cap (please note that we used a substitute for the listing photography — the sale includes a new OEM part).
Olly did the work, he notes the following in his condition report:
Tire Years – Front / Rear: 2005
Brake Life – Front: 80%; Rear: 50%
Oil: Ok
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Turn: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Ok
Battery:Ok
Modifications:
Aftermarket air filter.
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 two keys.
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!
