Honda Z50A
 Honda Z50A-K1 | |
| Manufacturer | Honda |
|---|---|
| Production | 1968-1978 (US) 1969-1973 (Europe & Japan) |
| Predecessor | Honda Z50M |
| Successor | Honda Z50J (Europe & Japan) Honda Z50R (US) |
| Class | Minibike |
| Engine | 49 cc (3.0 cu in), air-cooled, four-stroke, single |
| Transmission | 3-speed semi-automatic |
| Frame type | Backbone |
The Honda Z50A was produced from 1968-1978 and it was the second generation of Honda's Z50 Series of minibikes.[1] The 1968-1971 Z50As were known as the "Hard Tail" because of their lack of rear shock absorbers.[1] 1968 was also called a K0[1], a 1969 is called a K1[1] and a 1970-71 are referred to as K2s[1]. Rear shock absorbers were added to the Z50A in 1972.[1]
History
The 1968 sometimes referred to as the "High Bar" or the "Slantguard", was the first of the Z50 series to be released to the American market. The bikes had white handgrips and 8 inch wheels. They came in with a two tone paint job.[2] Upon its release, this bike was considered to be a significant leap in technology in comparison to other minibikes on the market at the time. This was partly because of its efficient 49 cc (3.0 cu in) single-cylinder four-stroke overhead cam engine with semi-automatic transmission. Street-legal lighting and lowered bars were added on the 1969/70 K1 "Short Tail", the 1970/71 K2 "Long Tail".[citation needed]
In 1972, after frame cracking became a growing issue, Honda incorporated rear suspension on the bike. The Z50A "Soft Tail" remained on the American market until after model year 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. The Z50JP is still available in Japan and through exporters in the United Kingdom.[citation needed]
External links
References
- ^ a b c d e f Polson`, Jeremy (2016). Honda Mini Trail Enthusiasts Guide (1st ed.). Stillwater MN: Wolfgang Publications Inc. p. 14. ISBN 978-1-941064-32-0.
- ^ Chung, Dennis. "What The Heck Is A Monkey Bike?". Motorcycle.com. VerticalScope Inc. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
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