View source for Honda Z50A

{{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==
<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"/>

* 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==
[[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"/>

* 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==

<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>

<br style="clear: left"/>

* 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==
[[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"/>

* 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. <ref name="Frank2003" />
* 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==
[[Image:1973_honda_Z50ak4.jpg|left|thumb|1973 Honda Z50A]]
<br style="clear: left"/>
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==
[[Image:1974_honda_Z50ak5.jpg|left|thumb|1974 Honda Z50A]]
<br style="clear: left"/>


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==
[[Image:1975_honda_Z50ak6.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda Z50A]]
<br style="clear: left"/>

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==
[[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"/>

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==
[[Image:1977_honda_Z50a.jpg|left|thumb|1977 Honda Z50A]]
<br style="clear: left"/>

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==
<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

* 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==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
*[http://www.hondaminitrail50.com The Honda Mini Trail 50 Motorcycle Information Website]
{{motorcycle-stub}}
<br>
{{Honda}}

[[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]]