The Honda Z series, or Monkey Bike, was a line of minibikes with model numbers starting with Z. The original was the 1961 prototype Z100, produced as a children’s ride at the Tama Tech amusement park in Japan and eventually refined and put into mass production, reaching the European market in 1964.
Honda Z50 at a glance
| Maker | Honda |
|---|---|
| Series | Z, known as Monkey Bike |
| First model | Z100 prototype, 1961 |
| First use | children’s ride at Tama Tech park |
| European market | 1964 |
| Main models | Z50A, Z50J, Z50M, Z50R and Z50Z |
| Engine | 49 cc four-stroke single, overhead cam |
| Power | 4.5 hp (3.4 kW) |
| Seat height | under 22 inches (560 mm) |
| Gearbox | three-speed semi-automatic or manual three/four speeds |
| Early wheels | 3.5 x 5 inch |
| Later wheels | 3.5 x 8 inch |
| Rear suspension | from 1974, with the Z50J |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Z series.
History of the Honda Z50
From amusement park to showroom
The original Z-series model was the 1961 prototype Honda Z100, originally produced as a children’s ride at the Tama Tech Japanese amusement park. It was refined and mass-produced, reaching Europe in 1964. Monkey bike is the name given to the small, low-powered motorcycles Honda introduced in the 1960s, the first being the 1961 Z100; later Monkeys were designated Z50, such as the Z50A in the US, the J, M, R and Z.
Design
Most Z-series bikes are small, light, collapsible motorcycles made for convenience and ease of transportation. They have 50 cc four-stroke overhead-cam engines; some have a centrifugal clutch with a three-speed manual foot-shift lever, making a semi-automatic transmission, while others have a conventional manual clutch and a three- or four-speed gearbox. All had a 4.5 hp 49 cc horizontal single and a seat height under 22 inches.
Suspension and wheels
The first Monkey bikes had no suspension, but front suspension was soon added. By 1974, when the Z50J was introduced, US 1972 Z50AK3, suspension had been added at the rear as well. The first bikes had 3.5-by-5-inch wheels, later models 3.5-by-8-inch. Early Z-series Mini Trails remain highly popular decades after production ended, often selling for several times their original price, with refurbishment and upgrade parts widely available. The low power of the 49 cc engine has led to many upgrades, including replacement with larger modern Honda horizontal engines.
Design and features
- Collapsible design: light and easy to transport.
- 49 cc four-stroke: 4.5 hp with an overhead cam.
- Low seat: under 22 inches (560 mm).
- Collector appeal: early Mini Trails sell for multiples of their original price.
Honda Z50 versions
- Z100 (1961): the amusement-park prototype.
- Z50A: the US Monkey.
- Z50J (1974): the model that added rear suspension.
- Z50M, Z50R and Z50Z: later variants.
The Z50 is Honda’s original minibike beside the Dax and the CT90. More Hondas are in the Honda collection.
Sources
- Honda Z series, English Wikipedia: origins, design, suspension, wheels, collecting
