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: Z50J2304645. The seller purchased the bike through an Iconic auction approximately a year and a half ago and states, “This example is a rare Japanese market only 1996 Honda Gorilla. The bike have some quality Japanse “tuning” parts such as the aluminium swingarm, and most important the ultra rare Kijima (small Japanse factory) Monkey-Davidson kit.”
The odometer shows 734 KM which is 456 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller reports no recent maintenance.
Modifications:
Kijima Mon-Davi kit. “Only 50 Monkey-Davidson kits have been produced pre-2000, they are ultra rare and collectable nowadays.”
Aftermarket fish-tail mufflers.
Aftermarket foot pegs.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Shinko 46J tires with date codes of 1221 and 1221.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Seattle, Washington, this Honda is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any Z50 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
Additional Information
Location
Seattle, Washington
Year
1996
Make
Honda
Model
Z50
Mileage
N/A
VIN
Z50J2304645
Title
Bill of Sale Only
Title State/Country
N/A
Private Party/Dealership
Private Party
Additional Charges
No
Total Bids Placed: 21
Auction has ended.
Highest bidder was: m******o
Bidder Name
Bidding Time
Bid
Auto
m******o
April 3, 2025 11:22 am PDT
$3,800
m*******i
April 3, 2025 11:22 am PDT
$3,700
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
m*******i
April 2, 2025 4:40 pm PDT
$3,600
jb
April 2, 2025 4:40 pm PDT
$3,500
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
jb
April 2, 2025 4:40 pm PDT
$3,400
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
m*******i
April 2, 2025 4:40 pm PDT
$3,300
jb
March 28, 2025 6:21 pm PDT
$3,100
m*******i
March 28, 2025 6:21 pm PDT
$3,000
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
m*******i
March 28, 2025 9:48 am PDT
$2,100
jb
March 28, 2025 9:48 am PDT
$2,000
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
jb
March 28, 2025 9:48 am PDT
$1,900
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
m*******i
March 28, 2025 9:48 am PDT
$1,800
jb
March 28, 2025 9:47 am PDT
$1,600
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
m*******i
March 28, 2025 9:47 am PDT
$1,500
jb
March 28, 2025 9:43 am PDT
$1,357
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
x***8
March 28, 2025 9:43 am PDT
$1,257
jb
March 28, 2025 7:52 am PDT
$1,101
c***********e
March 28, 2025 7:52 am PDT
$1,001
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
c***********e
March 28, 2025 6:37 am PDT
$750
c*******g
March 28, 2025 6:37 am PDT
$650
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.
Canada: Please inquire though transport@iconicmotorbikes.com and we would love to put together a custom quote for you with our trusted transport / shipping partners.
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.
