The Z50A’s design continued to evolve with features such as dual rear shocks, introduced in 1972.įrom there, Honda’s North America-bound Z50A models evolved into machines bred for off-road riding, while Europe’s Z50J carried the torch as a fun machine for getting around town. Fun, accessible mobility, through a likable design, tiny dimensions, and low weight, had caught on. The trend continued, each Z50A being tweaked to fit the needs of its growing fanbase, and in the process, capturing the hearts of Americans. Outfitted with a headlight and taillight, the 1969-1970 Z50A served as Honda’s quick adjustment to the widespread popularity of the model and opened the door to a wider range of riding. By 1969 its wheels had increased to 8-inch in diameter and from 1970 it gained even greater popularity, when the addition of quick-detach forks meant it would fit into the trunk of a small car. Its popularity was based on a cute, instantly-likable design, tiny dimensions and ultra light weight – which made it a whole load of fun around town. Memories were being made, one ride at a time. The best part? A folding handlebar meant parents could stow the bike in the trunk of a car and drive their children to the local riding spot-and probably even go for a ride themselves. Waiting is the hardest part, but America’s delay for a true Honda mini bike ended in 1968, when the first Z50A was made available in the U.S., complete with 8-inch wheels, knobby tires, adjustable seat, and loveable styling. The craze had started, and it wasn’t long until America would get its first taste of how much fun a mini bike can be.
So popular was the attraction that, in 1964, Honda began producing a street-legal version called the CZ100, for European and Asian countries. So popular amongst guests of all ages and sizes that the bikes quickly earned the nickname of “Monkey,” a term originating from how the larger riders looked while riding around. Originally developed as a 49cc child’s plaything for Tama Tech, an amusement park in Tokyo. There, Honda’s 49cc-powered Z100 was featured as part of an attraction designed to help park goers experience the joys of riding. The Honda Monkey bike is perhaps most widely known as a groovy icon of the 1970s, but it first saw the light of day in 1961. You never know, that next concept bike you fall in love could end up making its way to production.ġ. Customer feedback whether it be at a motorcycle show that Honda attends or online via different social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube etc can have a huge affect so make sure to voice your opinions when you see something you like. Getting a bike past that concept phase isn’t easy and can sometimes be a long road or even a road with a big fat dead-end sign to greet you at its end. You can follow the history of the Monkey 125’s story from concept to production and me discussing whether or not it would eventually release in the USA etc by Clicking Here. Just a few short months ago, Honda made the announcement that it was going to be released in Europe and other misc countries around the world to many people’s surprise. It’s a legit thing for 2019 and is coming to the USA more importantly as I mentioned in this post last week stating we were getting an Official USA Release, Click Here. Let’s get back to the topic at hand though as I’m getting sidetracked on other models. Now if only we can get Honda to build the Grom Scramble Concept One & Grom Scrambler Concept Two we’ll be set – right? If I were to guess, I’d say with how hot the Grom / MSX125 sales turned out to be, they couldn’t turn a cold-shoulder to the idea of building this Monkey concept into a production bike as the internet went crazy when they released it as a concept motorcycle. If you follow the blog, you’ve seen where Honda has been playing around with the idea of building a newer version of the old-school Mini Trail / Monkey bike for quite some time with posts dating back to 2016.
– Detailed 2019 Honda Monkey Mini Bike / Motorcycle Review | USA Buyer’s Guide: Price, Colors, HP & TQ Performance, MPG + More! –