Difference between revisions of "Honda Z50A"

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{{Infobox Motorcycle
{{Motorcycle
|name            = Honda Z50A
|name            = Honda Z50A
|image            = [[Image:1968_honda_Z50k1.jpg|250px|1968 Honda Z50A]]
|photo= 1968_honda_Z50k1.jpg
|aka              =  
|aka              =  
|manufacturer    = [[Honda]]
|manufacturer    = Honda
|parent_company  =  
|parent_company  =  
|production      = 72-81
|production      = 68-81
|model_year      =  
|model_year      =  
|predecessor      =  
|predecessor      = [[Honda Z50M]]
|successor        = [[Honda Z50R]]<br />[[Honda Z50J]]
|successor        = [[Honda Z50R]]<br />[[Honda Z50J]]
|class            =  
|class            =Minibike
|engine          = 49cc
|engine          = 49cc
|bore_stroke      =  
|bore_stroke      =  
Line 17: Line 17:
|torque          =  
|torque          =  
|ignition        =  
|ignition        =  
|spark_plug      = {{sparkplug|C6HSA}} '72-81
|spark_plug      = {{sparkplug|NGK C6HSA}} '72-81
|battery          =  
|battery          =  
|transmission    =  
|transmission    =  
Line 39: Line 39:
|related          = [[Honda QA50]]
|related          = [[Honda QA50]]
|competition      =  
|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 1972 to 1978.
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 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. 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.
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.




Line 80: Line 86:
* The top part of the fuel tank was white and the fenders were chrome
* The top part of the fuel tank was white and the fenders were chrome
* The grips and plastic levers were also white
* The grips and plastic levers were also white
* The early units used a #415 drive chain while the later units used a #420
* The early units used a #415 [[drive chain]] while the later units used a #420
* Engine: 49cc OHC single cylinder
* Engine: 49cc OHC single cylinder
* Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch
* Transmission: 3-speed with an automatic clutch
Line 107: Line 113:


==1970-71==
==1970-71==
<gallery>
Image:honda_Z50ak2a.jpg|Honda Z50A
Image:honda_Z50ak2_2.jpg|Honda Z50A
Image:honda_Z50ak2_3.jpg|Honda Z50A
Image:honda_Z50ak2_4.jpg|Honda Z50A
Image:1971-Honda-Z50A-Blue-0.jpg|1971 Honda Minitrail Z50A in Candy Sapphire Blue
Image:1971-Honda-Z50A-Blue-1.jpg|1971 Honda Minitrail Z50A in Candy Sapphire Blue
Image:1971-Honda-Z50A-Blue-2.jpg|1971 Honda Minitrail Z50A in Candy Sapphire Blue
Image:1971-Honda-Z50A-Blue-3.jpg|1971 Honda Minitrail Z50A in Candy Sapphire Blue


<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"/>


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* 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 featuring rear suspension for the first time.  It was a [[motorcycle]]-type [[swing arm]] with twin rear shocks. <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>
* 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
Line 247: Line 259:


==1978==
==1978==
[[Image:1978_honda_Z50a.jpg|left|thumb|1978 Honda Z50A]]
<gallery mode='packed-hover'>
<br style="clear: left"/>
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


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* 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 ==

Revision as of 19:57, 23 November 2019

1968 honda Z50k1.jpg
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

Brochures ·


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


  • 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

Honda Z50A
1969 Honda Z50AK1 in Candy Blue
1969 Honda Z50AK1 in Candy Blue
1969 Honda Z50AK1 in Candy Blue
1969 Honda Z50AK1 in Candy Blue
1969 Honda Z50AK1 in Candy Blue
1969 Honda Z50AK1 in Candy Blue
1969 Honda Z50AK1 in Candy Blue


  • 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


  • 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

1972 Honda Z50A
1972 Honda Z50A in Light Ruby Red
1972 Honda Z50A in Light Ruby Red
1972 Honda Z50A in Light Ruby Red
1972 Honda Z50A in 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"
  • 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

1973 Honda Z50A


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

1974 Honda Z50A



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

1975 Honda Z50A


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

1976 Honda Z50A
1976 Honda Z50A in Parakeet Yellow
1976 Honda Z50A in Parakeet Yellow


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

1977 Honda Z50A


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

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

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 2019 Western Power Sports Catalog. Western Power Sports. 2019. 
  2. 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



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