Honda Z50 Monkey Bike

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The Honda Z50 was launched in March 1964 as a machine for children to use in Japanese amusement parks.

Fitted with a beautifully designed 50cc OHC engine and 3-speed transmission, it became such a popular general-purpose form of transport thanks to its light weight and convenient size that Honda decided to offer the bike to a wider audience, eventually introducing it to European customers in 1967.

It soon became known as a ‘Monkey’ or ‘Gorilla’ bike because its diminutive frame-size meant that its riders had to adopt an ‘ape-like’ riding position.

This nice original example has spent its recent life in Ireland, the vendor using it regularly for local trips until relocating to nearby Hay on Wye. It has always proved an easy starter and dating from 1971 means that it is a genuine Honda-built item.

Not to be confused with the myriad cheap Chinese copies on the market, this super little machine would make the coolest of paddock bikes or even the perfect Christmas present. Nice early examples in original condition such as this are hard to find and are starting to command serious money.