Affectionately called the “Monkey” in other markets, the Mini Trail (as branded in the US) started 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 were so popular that Honda created a production version in 1964. Japan and Europe got to play with it first, but American riders got their chance in 1968 with a model designated the Z50.
Eventually, demand for mini dirt bikes grew such that Honda introduced the Z50R in 1979. With its sloped tank, BMX-style handlebars, and number plates, the R made for a much more race-specific design than its casual, leisure-oriented predecessors.
The 1980 model was available in Tahitian Red and it had “Z” branding on the side of each seat.
This particular Z50R example (VIN: AB025111137) came to us from a collection in Japan.
Because there is no odometer, true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us detail the bike. Angel did the work, he notes that the brakes are at 95% front/rear, the tires have aged out, and the oil level is OK but it is dark.
Daniel notes that the bike appears quite original – there are no witness marks, the hardware is all matching, and the screws (which are all JIS) do not look like they’ve been tinkered with.
Modifications:
The OEM Honda logo decals on the tank have been replaced with RSC (Racing Service Center Corporation, the predecessor of HRC) decals.
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 aged-out IRC Tractor tires.
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 Z50R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
Additional Information
Location
Santa Monica, California
Year
1980
Make
Honda
Model
Z50
Mileage
True Mileage Unknown
VIN
AB025111137
Title
Bill of Sale Only
Title State/Country
N/A
Private Party/Dealership
Private Party
Additional Charges
No
Total Bids Placed: 25
Auction has ended.
Highest bidder was: j******1
Bidder Name
Bidding Time
Bid
Auto
j******1
September 15, 2022 9:54 am PDT
$2,400
t****r
September 15, 2022 9:52 am PDT
$2,300
j******1
September 15, 2022 9:30 am PDT
$2,200
s****z
September 15, 2022 9:30 am PDT
$2,100
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
s****z
September 15, 2022 9:29 am PDT
$1,950
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
j******1
September 15, 2022 9:29 am PDT
$1,850
s****z
September 15, 2022 9:19 am PDT
$1,700
t****r
September 15, 2022 12:25 am PDT
$1,600
f**********l
September 13, 2022 10:11 am PDT
$1,500
s*****1
September 13, 2022 10:11 am PDT
$1,400
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
s*****1
September 13, 2022 9:54 am PDT
$1,350
f**********l
September 13, 2022 9:54 am PDT
$1,250
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
f**********l
September 10, 2022 6:55 pm PDT
$1,200
j******1
September 10, 2022 2:52 pm PDT
$1,100
f**********l
September 10, 2022 12:12 am PDT
$1,000
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
t****r
September 10, 2022 12:12 am PDT
$951
f**********l
September 9, 2022 3:16 pm PDT
$851
p********r
September 9, 2022 8:34 am PDT
$751
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
t****r
September 9, 2022 8:34 am PDT
$700
p********r
September 9, 2022 8:32 am PDT
$600
t****r
September 9, 2022 8:32 am PDT
$500
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
t****r
September 9, 2022 8:16 am PDT
$400
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
Continental US: Iconic has several private shipping partners that criss-cross the country for us. Please email transport@iconicmotorbikes.com or fill out the form at the bottom of this page to request a quote.
California/Nevada/Arizona We are located in Santa Monica, California 90405. On a case-by-case basis, we can transport motorcycles in our van. Please email transport@iconicmotorbikes.com or fill out the form at the bottom of this page to request a quote.
$2,000 for Los Angeles, CA to Canada is a ROUGH ballpark, please contact TFX for an exact quote including shipping and customs.
Europe and Asia: Please inquire though transport@iconicmotorbikes.com and we would love to put together a custom quote for you with our trusted transport / shipping partners.
