Description
Additional photos 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.
As with the limited-edition Gold Monkeys, Honda had a habit of resurrecting popular colorways from the past. In 2001, Honda released a blue and yellow model intended to pay tribute to the same livery from 1978.
This example is VIN: AB271112488. The seller purchased the bike from Iconic before it went to auction; it came to us as a Japanese import through GJC Trading.
The odometer shows 1,732 kilometers (1,076 miles).
Maintenance:
The seller reports that he has cleaned the carb.
Modifications:
Aftermarket exhaust.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on IRC Tractor Grip tires with date codes of 2102 and 2802.
The sale includes one key.
The sale also includes the factory tool kit.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Missing side cover.
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. As an import, this bike lacks certain compliance and emissions stickers that the state of California would require to apply for a title. Have any Monkey stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
