Difference between revisions of "Honda Z50A"
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{{Motorcycle | |||
|name = Honda Z50A | |||
|photo= 1968_honda_Z50k1.jpg | |||
|aka = | |||
|manufacturer = Honda | |||
|parent_company = | |||
|production = 68-81 | |||
|model_year = | |||
|predecessor = [[Honda Z50M]] | |||
|successor = [[Honda Z50R]]<br />[[Honda Z50J]] | |||
|class =Minibike | |||
|engine = 49cc | |||
|bore_stroke = | |||
|compression = | |||
|top_speed = 25 mph | |||
|power = | |||
|torque = | |||
|ignition = | |||
|spark_plug = {{sparkplug|NGK C6HSA}} '72-81 | |||
|battery = | |||
|transmission = | |||
|frame = | |||
|suspension = | |||
|brakes = | |||
|front_tire = {{tire|3.50-8}} '72-81 | |||
|rear_tire = {{tire|3.50-8}} '72-81 | |||
|rake_trail = | |||
|wheelbase = | |||
|length = | |||
|width = | |||
|height = | |||
|seat_height = | |||
|dry_weight = | |||
|wet_weight = | |||
|fuel_capacity = | |||
|oil_capacity = | |||
|fuel_consumption = | |||
|turning_radius = | |||
|related = [[Honda QA50]] | |||
|competition = | |||
|manuals = [[:File:Honda Z50 A Mini Trail Z 50 K4 Owners Maintenance Instruction Manual.pdf]] | |||
|final_drive= {{chain|420}} `72-78<ref name="wps_street_2019">{{cite book|title=2019 Western Power Sports Catalog|publisher=[https://www.wps-inc.com/catalogs Western Power Sports]|date=2019}}</ref> | |||
|front_sprocket= 12T ‘72-81<ref name="wps_street_2019">{{cite book|title=2019 Western Power Sports Catalog|publisher=[https://www.wps-inc.com/catalogs Western Power Sports]|date=2019}}</ref> | |||
|rear_sprocket= 37T ‘72-81<ref name="wps_street_2019">{{cite book|title=2019 Western Power Sports Catalog|publisher=[https://www.wps-inc.com/catalogs Western Power Sports]|date=2019}}</ref> | |||
}} | |||
The '''Honda Z50A''' is a [[motorcycle]] produced by [[Honda]] from 1968 to 1978. | |||
The Z50A was the second generation of [[Honda Z-series]] mini bikes. Though its predecessor, the [[Honda Z50M|Z50M]], was available in Europe, Japan and Canada a few years previous. In 1968 Honda introduced two bikes that would have long term impacts for the company, at the beginning of the year they introduced the Honda Z50A and at the very end of the year they introduced the Honda CB750K. The Z50A was the polar opposite of the CB750: the CB750 was the largest displacement bike available from Honda in 1968, while at 49cc the Z50 was among the smallest. The Z50A was one of the longest continuously produced machines remaining in production until 1999 (though in the form of the Z50J). In 1969, the Z50A was the first of the Z50 series to be released to the American market. Upon its release this bike was considered to be a significant leap in technology in comparison to other mini bikes on the market at the time. In 1969 the company sold more than 70,000 Z50s.<ref name="Frank2003">{{cite book|author=Aaron Frank|title=Honda Motorcycles|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=CSxTaoGagKoC|accessdate=9 December 2010|date=12 July 2003|publisher=MotorBooks International|isbn=9780760310779}}</ref> This was partly because of its efficient 50[[cc]] engine with [[semi-automatic transmission]]. The Z50A remained on the American market until 1978 when it was replaced by the [[Honda Z50R|Z50R]]. In Europe and Japan, the Z50A was renamed the [[Honda Z50J|Z50J]] in 1973, and remained on the market until 1999. | |||
Honda was great at capitalizing on emerging trends and the Z50 as well as its predecessors such as the Trail 50 and the Scrambler series were perfect examples. It was launched during the height of the late 1960s minibike boom, which had begun with the advent of lawnmower-powered kits from companies like Fox and Taco, that advertised in the back of magazines. Honda made sure to equip the Z50 with folding handlebars and small wheels, so that the bike was ultra-portable and could easily be stowed in the trunk of a car, under the seat in a motorhome, or below deck on a sailboat. With its ultra-reliable [[four-stroke]], overhead cam single and front and rear [[drum brake]]s, put it light years ahead of the Tecumseh-powered competition when it came to build quality and sophistication. | |||
==1968-69== | ==1968-69== | ||
<gallery> | |||
Image:honda_Z50ak0.jpg|1968 Honda Z50A | |||
Image:1969-Honda-Z50AK0-Yellow-0.jpg|1969 Honda Z50AK0 in Yellow | |||
Image:1969-Honda-Z50AK0-Yellow-1.jpg|1969 Honda Z50AK0 in Yellow | |||
Image:1969-Honda-Z50AK0-Yellow-2.jpg|1969 Honda Z50AK0 in Yellow | |||
Image:1969-Honda-Z50AK0-Yellow-3.jpg|1969 Honda Z50AK0 in Yellow | |||
Image:1969-Honda-Z50AK0-Yellow-4.jpg|1969 Honda Z50AK0 in Yellow | |||
Image:1969-Honda-Z50AK0-Yellow-5.jpg|1969 Honda Z50AK0 in Yellow | |||
Image:1969-Honda-Z50AK0-Yellow-6.jpg|1969 Honda Z50AK0 in Yellow | |||
Image:1968-Honda-Z50A-Yellow-7112-0.jpg|1968 Honda Mini Trail (Z50A) in Yellow | |||
Image:1968-Honda-Z50A-Yellow-7112-1.jpg|1968 Honda Mini Trail (Z50A) in Yellow | |||
Image:1968-Honda-Z50A-Yellow-7112-2.jpg|1968 Honda Mini Trail (Z50A) in Yellow | |||
Image:1968-Honda-Z50A-Yellow-7112-3.jpg|1968 Honda Mini Trail (Z50A) in Yellow | |||
Image:1968-Honda-Z50A-Red-8984-0.jpg|1968 Honda Mini Trail (Z50A) in Red | |||
Image:1968-Honda-Z50A-Red-8984-1.jpg|1968 Honda Mini Trail (Z50A) in Red | |||
Image:1968-Honda-Z50A-Red-8984-2.jpg|1968 Honda Mini Trail (Z50A) in Red | |||
Image:1968-Honda-Z50A-Red-8984-3.jpg|1968 Honda Mini Trail (Z50A) in Red | |||
Image:1968-Honda-Z50A-Red-8984-4.jpg|1968 Honda Mini Trail (Z50A) in Red | |||
Image:1968-Honda-Z50A-Red-8984-5.jpg|1968 Honda Mini Trail (Z50A) in Red | |||
Image:1968-Honda-Z50A-Red-8984-6.jpg|1968 Honda Mini Trail (Z50A) in Red | |||
Image:1968-Honda-Z50A-Red-8984-7.jpg|1968 Honda Mini Trail (Z50A) in Red | |||
Image:1968-Honda-Z50A-Red-8984-8.jpg|1968 Honda Mini Trail (Z50A) in Red | |||
Image:1968-Honda-Z50A-Brochure.jpg|1968 Honda Z50A Brochure | |||
Image:1968-Honda-Z50A-Brochure-2.jpg|1968 Honda Z50A Brochure 2 | |||
Image:1968-Honda-Z50-Ad.jpg|1968 Honda Z50 Ad | |||
</gallery> | |||
<br style="clear: left"/> | <br style="clear: left"/> | ||
* Model ID: Z50AK0 | |||
* Available two colors: Candy Red and Bright Yellow | |||
* The top part of the fuel tank was white and the fenders were chrome | |||
* The grips and plastic levers were also white | |||
* The early units used a #415 [[drive chain]] while the later units used a #420 | |||
* Engine: 49cc OHC single cylinder | |||
* Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch | |||
* Serial number began: Z50A-100001 | |||
* Spark Plug: NGK [[NGK C6HSA|C6HSA]] | |||
==1969-70== | ==1969-70== | ||
[[Image:honda_Z50ak1.jpg|left|thumb|Honda Z50A]][[Image:1969-Honda-Z50AK1-Blue-0.jpg|left|thumb|1969 Honda Z50AK1 in Candy Blue]][[Image:1969-Honda-Z50AK1-Blue-1.jpg|left|thumb|1969 Honda Z50AK1 in Candy Blue]][[Image:1969-Honda-Z50AK1-Blue-2.jpg|left|thumb|1969 Honda Z50AK1 in Candy Blue]][[Image:1969-Honda-Z50AK1-Blue-3.jpg|left|thumb|1969 Honda Z50AK1 in Candy Blue]][[Image:1969-Honda-Z50AK1-Blue-4.jpg|left|thumb|1969 Honda Z50AK1 in Candy Blue]][[Image:1969-Honda-Z50AK1-Blue-5.jpg|left|thumb|1969 Honda Z50AK1 in Candy Blue]][[Image:1969-Honda-Z50AK1-Blue-6.jpg|left|thumb|1969 Honda Z50AK1 in Candy Blue]] | [[Image:honda_Z50ak1.jpg|left|thumb|Honda Z50A]] | ||
[[Image:1969-Honda-Z50AK1-Blue-0.jpg|left|thumb|1969 Honda Z50AK1 in Candy Blue]] | |||
[[Image:1969-Honda-Z50AK1-Blue-1.jpg|left|thumb|1969 Honda Z50AK1 in Candy Blue]] | |||
[[Image:1969-Honda-Z50AK1-Blue-2.jpg|left|thumb|1969 Honda Z50AK1 in Candy Blue]] | |||
[[Image:1969-Honda-Z50AK1-Blue-3.jpg|left|thumb|1969 Honda Z50AK1 in Candy Blue]] | |||
[[Image:1969-Honda-Z50AK1-Blue-4.jpg|left|thumb|1969 Honda Z50AK1 in Candy Blue]] | |||
[[Image:1969-Honda-Z50AK1-Blue-5.jpg|left|thumb|1969 Honda Z50AK1 in Candy Blue]] | |||
[[Image:1969-Honda-Z50AK1-Blue-6.jpg|left|thumb|1969 Honda Z50AK1 in Candy Blue]] | |||
<br style="clear: left"/> | <br style="clear: left"/> | ||
Line 24: | Line 108: | ||
* Fenders: chrome | * Fenders: chrome | ||
* Grips and plastic levers: black | * Grips and plastic levers: black | ||
* Engine: 49cc | * Engine: 49cc OHC single cylinder | ||
* Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch | * Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch | ||
* Serial number began: Z50A-120088 | * Serial number began: Z50A-120088 | ||
==1970-71== | ==1970-71== | ||
<gallery mode='slideshow'> | |||
File:1970-honda-z50a-mini-trail-in-candy-sapphire-blue-0.jpg|1970 Honda Z50A Mini Trail in Candy Sapphire Blue | |||
File:1970-honda-z50a-mini-trail-in-candy-sapphire-blue-1.jpg|1970 Honda Z50A Mini Trail in Candy Sapphire Blue | |||
File:1970-honda-z50a-mini-trail-in-candy-sapphire-blue-2.jpg|1970 Honda Z50A Mini Trail in Candy Sapphire Blue | |||
File:1970-honda-z50a-mini-trail-in-candy-sapphire-blue-3.jpg|1970 Honda Z50A Mini Trail in Candy Sapphire Blue | |||
File:1970-honda-z50a-mini-trail-in-candy-sapphire-blue-4.jpg|1970 Honda Z50A Mini Trail in Candy Sapphire Blue | |||
File:honda_Z50ak2a.jpg|Honda Z50A | |||
File:honda_Z50ak2_2.jpg|Honda Z50A | |||
File:honda_Z50ak2_3.jpg|Honda Z50A | |||
File:honda_Z50ak2_4.jpg|Honda Z50A | |||
File:1971-Honda-Z50A-Blue-0.jpg|1971 Honda Minitrail Z50A in Candy Sapphire Blue | |||
File:1971-Honda-Z50A-Blue-1.jpg|1971 Honda Minitrail Z50A in Candy Sapphire Blue | |||
File:1971-Honda-Z50A-Blue-2.jpg|1971 Honda Minitrail Z50A in Candy Sapphire Blue | |||
File:1971-Honda-Z50A-Blue-3.jpg|1971 Honda Minitrail Z50A in Candy Sapphire Blue | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
<br style="clear: left"/> | <br style="clear: left"/> | ||
Line 48: | Line 138: | ||
* plastic levers: silver aluminum | * plastic levers: silver aluminum | ||
* Rear fender: longer than previous models | * Rear fender: longer than previous models | ||
* Engine: 49cc | * Engine: 49cc OHC single cylinder | ||
* Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch | * Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch | ||
* Serial number began: Z50A-270236 | * Serial number began: Z50A-270236 | ||
[[File:1972 Z50AK3.jpg|thumb|Chicken feathers and more..]] | |||
==1972== | ==1972== | ||
[[Image:1972_honda_Z50ak3.jpg|left|thumb|1972 Honda Z50A]][[Image:1972-Honda-Z50A-Red-0.jpg|left|thumb|1972 Honda Z50A in Light Ruby Red]][[Image:1972-Honda-Z50A-Red-1.jpg|left|thumb|1972 Honda Z50A in Light Ruby Red]][[Image:1972-Honda-Z50A-Red-2.jpg|left|thumb|1972 Honda Z50A in Light Ruby Red]][[Image:1972-Honda-Z50A-Red-3.jpg|left|thumb|1972 Honda Z50A in Light Ruby Red]] | [[Image:1972_honda_Z50ak3.jpg|left|thumb|1972 Honda Z50A]] | ||
[[Image:1972-Honda-Z50A-Red-0.jpg|left|thumb|1972 Honda Z50A in Light Ruby Red]] | |||
[[Image:1972-Honda-Z50A-Red-1.jpg|left|thumb|1972 Honda Z50A in Light Ruby Red]] | |||
[[Image:1972-Honda-Z50A-Red-2.jpg|left|thumb|1972 Honda Z50A in Light Ruby Red]] | |||
[[Image:1972-Honda-Z50A-Red-3.jpg|left|thumb|1972 Honda Z50A in Light Ruby Red]] | |||
<br style="clear: left"/> | <br style="clear: left"/> | ||
* Available two colors: Candy Gold and Light Ruby Red | * Available two colors: Candy Gold and Light Ruby Red | ||
* Fuel tank was no longer two-tone; instead it had a black panel with large letters "MINI TRAIL" beneath the word "HONDA" | * Fuel tank was no longer two-tone; instead it had a black panel with large letters "MINI TRAIL" beneath the word "HONDA" | ||
* The chassis is an all-new design | * The chassis is an all-new design featuring rear suspension for the first time. It was a [[motorcycle]]-type [[swing arm]] with twin rear shocks. <ref name="Frank2003" /> | ||
* The left side cover is blank | * The left side cover is blank | ||
* Chain guard: chrome | * Chain guard: chrome | ||
* Rear brake pedal: chrome | |||
* Fenders: chrome | * Fenders: chrome | ||
* Grips: black | * Grips: black | ||
* Plastic levers: silver aluminum | * Plastic levers: silver aluminum | ||
* Engine:49cc | * Engine:49cc OHC single cylinder | ||
* Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch | * Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch | ||
* Serial number (which was one digit longer) began: Z50A-1000001 | * Serial number (which was one digit longer) began: Z50A-1000001 | ||
Line 77: | Line 173: | ||
* The word "HONDA" in orange appears on the black stripe | * The word "HONDA" in orange appears on the black stripe | ||
* Chain guard: black | * Chain guard: black | ||
* Rear brake pedal: chrome | |||
* The word "Z50" appears on the left side cover | * The word "Z50" appears on the left side cover | ||
* Fenders: chrome | * Fenders: chrome | ||
* Grips: black | * Grips: black | ||
* Plastic levers: silver aluminum | * Plastic levers: silver aluminum | ||
* Engine: 49cc | * Engine: 49cc OHC single cylinder | ||
* Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch | * Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch | ||
* Serial number began: Z50A-3000001 | * Serial number began: Z50A-3000001 | ||
==1974== | ==1974== | ||
Line 96: | Line 192: | ||
* Fuel tank stripe: yellow and black with the word "HONDA" | * Fuel tank stripe: yellow and black with the word "HONDA" | ||
* Chain guard: black | * Chain guard: black | ||
* Rear brake pedal: chrome | |||
* The word "Z50" appears on the left side cover | * The word "Z50" appears on the left side cover | ||
* Fenders: chrome | * Fenders: chrome | ||
* Grips: black | * Grips: black | ||
* Plastic levers: silver aluminum | * Plastic levers: silver aluminum | ||
* Engine: 49cc | * Engine: 49cc OHC single cylinder | ||
* Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch | * Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch | ||
* Serial number began: Z50A-5000001 | * Serial number began: Z50A-5000001 | ||
==1975== | ==1975== | ||
Line 118: | Line 210: | ||
* Fuel tank stripe: orange, yellow, and black with the word "HONDA" | * Fuel tank stripe: orange, yellow, and black with the word "HONDA" | ||
* Chain guard: black | * Chain guard: black | ||
* Rear brake pedal: chrome | |||
* The word "Z50" appears on the left side cover | * The word "Z50" appears on the left side cover | ||
* Fenders: chrome | * Fenders: chrome | ||
* Grips: black | * Grips: black | ||
* Plastic levers: silver aluminum | * Plastic levers: silver aluminum | ||
* Engine: 49cc | * Engine: 49cc OHC single cylinder | ||
* Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch | * Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch | ||
* Serial number began: Z50A-6000001 | * Serial number began: Z50A-6000001 | ||
==1976== | ==1976== | ||
[[Image:1976_honda_Z50a.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda Z50A]][[Image:1976-Honda-Z50A-ParakeetYellow-0.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda Z50A in Parakeet Yellow]][[Image:1976-Honda-Z50A-ParakeetYellow-1.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda Z50A in Parakeet Yellow]] | [[Image:1976_honda_Z50a.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda Z50A]] | ||
[[Image:1976-Honda-Z50A-ParakeetYellow-0.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda Z50A in Parakeet Yellow]] | |||
[[Image:1976-Honda-Z50A-ParakeetYellow-1.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda Z50A in Parakeet Yellow]] | |||
<br style="clear: left"/> | <br style="clear: left"/> | ||
Line 137: | Line 230: | ||
* Fuel tank stripe: orange, yellow, and black with the word "HONDA" | * Fuel tank stripe: orange, yellow, and black with the word "HONDA" | ||
* Chain guard: black | * Chain guard: black | ||
* Rear brake pedal: chrome | |||
* The word "Z50" (in red and white) appears on the left side cover | * The word "Z50" (in red and white) appears on the left side cover | ||
* Fenders: chrome | * Fenders: chrome | ||
* Grips: black | * Grips: black | ||
* Plastic levers: silver aluminum | * Plastic levers: silver aluminum | ||
* Engine: 49cc | * Engine: 49cc OHC single cylinder | ||
* Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch | * Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch | ||
* Serial number began: Z50A-6100001 | * Serial number began: Z50A-6100001 | ||
Line 154: | Line 248: | ||
* Fuel tank stripe: dark blue with the word "HONDA" and a flying wing above it | * Fuel tank stripe: dark blue with the word "HONDA" and a flying wing above it | ||
* Chain guard: black | * Chain guard: black | ||
* Rear brake pedal: black | |||
* The word "Z50" (in red and white) appears on the left side cover | * The word "Z50" (in red and white) appears on the left side cover | ||
* Fenders: chrome | * Fenders: chrome | ||
* Grips: black | * Grips: black | ||
* Plastic levers: silver aluminum | * Plastic levers: silver aluminum | ||
* Engine: 49cc | * Engine: 49cc OHC single cylinder | ||
* Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch | * Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch | ||
* Serial number began: Z50A-6200003 | * Serial number began: Z50A-6200003 | ||
* However, don't be misled by the engine number which does not seem to correspond | * However, don't be misled by the engine number which does not seem to correspond | ||
* It starts | * It starts Z50AE-6114616 | ||
==1978== | ==1978== | ||
<gallery mode='packed-hover'> | |||
< | File:1978-honda-z50-in-tahitian-red-0.jpg|1978 Honda Z50 in Tahitian Red | ||
File:1978-honda-z50-in-tahitian-red-1.jpg|1978 Honda Z50 in Tahitian Red | |||
File:1978-honda-z50-in-tahitian-red-2.jpg|1978 Honda Z50 in Tahitian Red | |||
File:1978-honda-z50-in-tahitian-red-3.jpg|1978 Honda Z50 in Tahitian Red | |||
File:1978-honda-z50-in-tahitian-red-4.jpg|1978 Honda Z50 in Tahitian Red | |||
File:1978-honda-z50-in-tahitian-red-5.jpg|1978 Honda Z50 in Tahitian Red | |||
File:1978_honda_Z50a.jpg|left|thumb|1978 Honda Z50A | |||
</gallery> | |||
1978 Honda Z50A'78 Mini Trail bike | 1978 Honda Z50A'78 Mini Trail bike | ||
Line 173: | Line 274: | ||
* Fuel tank stripe: yellow, orange, red, and black with the word "HONDA" on the black and a flying wing above it | * Fuel tank stripe: yellow, orange, red, and black with the word "HONDA" on the black and a flying wing above it | ||
* Chain guard: black | * Chain guard: black | ||
* Rear brake pedal: black | |||
* The word "Z50" (in orange, red, and white) appears on the left side cover | * The word "Z50" (in orange, red, and white) appears on the left side cover | ||
* Fenders: painted red | * Fenders: painted red | ||
* Grips: black | * Grips: black | ||
* Plastic levers: silver aluminum | * Plastic levers: silver aluminum | ||
* Engine: 49cc | * Engine: 49cc OHC single cylinder | ||
* Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch | * Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch | ||
* Serial number began: Z50A-6300003 | * Serial number began: Z50A-6300003 | ||
==References== | |||
{{reflist}} | |||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
*[http://www.hondaminitrail50.com The Honda Mini Trail 50 Motorcycle Information Website] | *[http://www.hondaminitrail50.com The Honda Mini Trail 50 Motorcycle Information Website] | ||
{{motorcycle-stub}} | |||
<br> | |||
{{Honda}} | |||
[[Category:Honda motorcycles|Z50A]] | [[Category:Honda motorcycles|Z50A]] | ||
[[Category:1960s motorcycles]] | |||
[[Category:1970s motorcycles]] | |||
[[Category:Dual purpose motorcycles]] | |||
[[Category:50cc displacement motorcycles]] | |||
[[Category:50cc 4-stroke motorcycles]] | |||
[[Category:Single cylinder motorcycles]] | |||
[[Category:Single cylinder 4-stroke motorcycles]] | |||
[[Category:4-stroke motorcycles]] | |||
[[Category:Honda Z series]] |
Latest revision as of 05:26, 26 April 2021
Honda Z50A | |
Manufacturer | |
---|---|
Production | 68-81 |
Class | Minibike |
Predecessor | Honda Z50M |
Successor | Honda Z50R Honda Z50J |
Engine | 49cc |
Top Speed | 25 mph |
Spark Plug | NGK C6HSA '72-81 |
Final Drive | Chain: 420 `72-78[1] |
Front Sprocket | 12T ‘72-81[1] |
Rear Sprocket | 37T ‘72-81[1] |
Front Tire | 3.50-8 '72-81 |
Rear Tire | 3.50-8 '72-81 |
Weight | |
Related | Honda QA50 |
Manuals | File:Honda Z50 A Mini Trail Z 50 K4 Owners Maintenance Instruction Manual.pdf More Manuals |
The Honda Z50A is a motorcycle produced by Honda from 1968 to 1978.
The Z50A was the second generation of Honda Z-series mini bikes. Though its predecessor, the Z50M, was available in Europe, Japan and Canada a few years previous. In 1968 Honda introduced two bikes that would have long term impacts for the company, at the beginning of the year they introduced the Honda Z50A and at the very end of the year they introduced the Honda CB750K. The Z50A was the polar opposite of the CB750: the CB750 was the largest displacement bike available from Honda in 1968, while at 49cc the Z50 was among the smallest. The Z50A was one of the longest continuously produced machines remaining in production until 1999 (though in the form of the Z50J). In 1969, the Z50A was the first of the Z50 series to be released to the American market. Upon its release this bike was considered to be a significant leap in technology in comparison to other mini bikes on the market at the time. In 1969 the company sold more than 70,000 Z50s.[2] This was partly because of its efficient 50cc engine with semi-automatic transmission. The Z50A remained on the American market until 1978 when it was replaced by the Z50R. In Europe and Japan, the Z50A was renamed the Z50J in 1973, and remained on the market until 1999.
Honda was great at capitalizing on emerging trends and the Z50 as well as its predecessors such as the Trail 50 and the Scrambler series were perfect examples. It was launched during the height of the late 1960s minibike boom, which had begun with the advent of lawnmower-powered kits from companies like Fox and Taco, that advertised in the back of magazines. Honda made sure to equip the Z50 with folding handlebars and small wheels, so that the bike was ultra-portable and could easily be stowed in the trunk of a car, under the seat in a motorhome, or below deck on a sailboat. With its ultra-reliable four-stroke, overhead cam single and front and rear drum brakes, put it light years ahead of the Tecumseh-powered competition when it came to build quality and sophistication.
1968-69[edit | edit source]
- Model ID: Z50AK0
- Available two colors: Candy Red and Bright Yellow
- The top part of the fuel tank was white and the fenders were chrome
- The grips and plastic levers were also white
- The early units used a #415 drive chain while the later units used a #420
- Engine: 49cc OHC single cylinder
- Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch
- Serial number began: Z50A-100001
- Spark Plug: NGK C6HSA
1969-70[edit | edit source]
- Model ID: Z50AK1
- Available three colors: Candy Red, Bright Yellow, and Candy Blue
- The top part of the fuel tank was silver
- Fenders: chrome
- Grips and plastic levers: black
- Engine: 49cc OHC single cylinder
- Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch
- Serial number began: Z50A-120088
1970-71[edit | edit source]
- Available three colors: Candy Ruby Red, Mexican Yellow, and Candy Sapphire Blue
- The top part of the fuel tank was white
- Fenders: chrome
- Grips: black
- plastic levers: silver aluminum
- Rear fender: longer than previous models
- Engine: 49cc OHC single cylinder
- Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch
- Serial number began: Z50A-270236
1972[edit | edit source]
- Available two colors: Candy Gold and Light Ruby Red
- Fuel tank was no longer two-tone; instead it had a black panel with large letters "MINI TRAIL" beneath the word "HONDA"
- The chassis is an all-new design featuring rear suspension for the first time. It was a motorcycle-type swing arm with twin rear shocks. [2]
- The left side cover is blank
- Chain guard: chrome
- Rear brake pedal: chrome
- Fenders: chrome
- Grips: black
- Plastic levers: silver aluminum
- Engine:49cc OHC single cylinder
- Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch
- Serial number (which was one digit longer) began: Z50A-1000001
1973[edit | edit source]
1973 Honda Z50AK4 Mini Trail bike
- Available two colors: Hawaiian Blue Metallic and Candy Orange
- Fuel tank no longer had the black panel; instead it had a wide black stripe outlined with thin white striping
- The word "HONDA" in orange appears on the black stripe
- Chain guard: black
- Rear brake pedal: chrome
- The word "Z50" appears on the left side cover
- Fenders: chrome
- Grips: black
- Plastic levers: silver aluminum
- Engine: 49cc OHC single cylinder
- Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch
- Serial number began: Z50A-3000001
1974[edit | edit source]
1974 Honda Z50AK5 Mini Trail bike
- Available two colors: Candy Sapphire Blue and Candy Topaz Orange
- Fuel tank stripe: yellow and black with the word "HONDA"
- Chain guard: black
- Rear brake pedal: chrome
- The word "Z50" appears on the left side cover
- Fenders: chrome
- Grips: black
- Plastic levers: silver aluminum
- Engine: 49cc OHC single cylinder
- Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch
- Serial number began: Z50A-5000001
1975[edit | edit source]
1975 Honda Z50AK6 Mini Trail bike
- Available color: Candy Ruby Red
- Fuel tank stripe: orange, yellow, and black with the word "HONDA"
- Chain guard: black
- Rear brake pedal: chrome
- The word "Z50" appears on the left side cover
- Fenders: chrome
- Grips: black
- Plastic levers: silver aluminum
- Engine: 49cc OHC single cylinder
- Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch
- Serial number began: Z50A-6000001
1976[edit | edit source]
1976 Honda Z50A'76 Mini Trail bike
- Available color: Parakeet Yellow
- Fuel tank stripe: orange, yellow, and black with the word "HONDA"
- Chain guard: black
- Rear brake pedal: chrome
- The word "Z50" (in red and white) appears on the left side cover
- Fenders: chrome
- Grips: black
- Plastic levers: silver aluminum
- Engine: 49cc OHC single cylinder
- Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch
- Serial number began: Z50A-6100001
1977[edit | edit source]
1977 Honda Z50A'77 Mini Trail bike
- Available color: Tahitian Red
- Fuel tank stripe: dark blue with the word "HONDA" and a flying wing above it
- Chain guard: black
- Rear brake pedal: black
- The word "Z50" (in red and white) appears on the left side cover
- Fenders: chrome
- Grips: black
- Plastic levers: silver aluminum
- Engine: 49cc OHC single cylinder
- Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch
- Serial number began: Z50A-6200003
- However, don't be misled by the engine number which does not seem to correspond
- It starts Z50AE-6114616
1978[edit | edit source]
1978 Honda Z50A'78 Mini Trail bike
- Available color: Tahitian Red
- Fuel tank stripe: yellow, orange, red, and black with the word "HONDA" on the black and a flying wing above it
- Chain guard: black
- Rear brake pedal: black
- The word "Z50" (in orange, red, and white) appears on the left side cover
- Fenders: painted red
- Grips: black
- Plastic levers: silver aluminum
- Engine: 49cc OHC single cylinder
- Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch
- Serial number began: Z50A-6300003
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 2019 Western Power Sports Catalog. Western Power Sports. 2019.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Aaron Frank (12 July 2003). Honda Motorcycles. MotorBooks International. ISBN 9780760310779. http://books.google.com/books?id=CSxTaoGagKoC. Retrieved 9 December 2010.
External links[edit | edit source]
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