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Difference between revisions of "Honda Z50A"
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The '''Honda Z50A''' is a [[motorcycle]] produced by [[Honda]] from 1968 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 Z40 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. | ||
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* 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 | ||
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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" | * 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 | ||