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Hardtail Survivor: 1970 Honda Z50A-K2 Mini Trail

Honda used the Z50 as sort of a gateway drug, a way to get young people hooked on Hondas so as they got older, they’d keep moving up with bigger and bigger Hondas. It seemed to work. The seller has this 1970 Honda Z50A-K2 Mini Trail listed here on eBay in Concord, North Carolina, there is no reserve, and the current bid is $2,475.

I have yet to own a Z50A but this one would be almost exactly what I’d be looking for – a nice original bike. Although, I would prefer a 1972 or later model with a rear suspension. These early versions are known as hardtails because there was no bounce other than the air in the tires, the softness of the seat, and the size of the rider’s “seat”. That led to many cracked frame issues but this one is all original other than the NOS gas cap and is in excellent condition, according to the seller.

The Honda Z50 came out in 1968 and could still be purchased in the US until 1978. A great friend in North Carolina just bought a brand new one for his wife as Honda just reintroduced a modern version and they’re much nicer, of course. There’s something about old vehicles though, as we all know. They were referred to as monkey bikes due to how an adult looked while riding one, sort of hunched over like a monkey riding a circus bike.

The seller says that this one was purchased from the original owner which is pretty cool and amazing that they held onto it for so long and kept it in such outstanding condition. The gas cap was replaced years ago with a new one but otherwise, it’s reportedly in all-original condition. They say that it was tuned up in 2006 but hasn’t even had gas it in for years and they don’t mention if it’s currently in operating condition or not.

The engine is Honda’s 49cc four-stroke air-cooled single which had 3 horsepower and this bike sure looks great. Yellow would be my color of choice, too. I have several Hondas with 49 cc engines and would love to have a Z50A, but two of my bikes are currently in the shop being “gone through” (one Honda, one Suzuki) so I’ll have to wait. Have any of you owned a Honda Z50?

Comments

  1. Avatar Melton Mooney

    Lol, A blue Z50 was my first ride way back in 1969, when you could ride just about anywhere and nobody got bent about it.

    Like 10
  2. Avatar Rw

    We had one same color early 70s,first Motor bike I ever rode.

    Like 2
  3. Avatar stillrunners

    Dad bought my sister – his first born – one in either 1968 or 69 in the blue color. Wish I had a picture of it but it wasn’t used much by her – my brother snuck it so much I think dad got wise and got rid of it. Have a little over a half dozen including a blue and yellow on I hope to have her a blue one to ride – maybe on her 75th birthday ? It’s coming up but I’ve been saying that for more than 10 yrs now. Price’s getting really crazy on these…..

    Like 3
  4. Avatar Howard A Member

    Didn’t the McCrary twins, Billy and Benny ride these?
    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/130534089176363027/

    Like 1
    • Avatar Scotty Gilbertson Staff

      Hey, I resemble those guys… er…

      Like 3
  5. Avatar marlon w smith

    I had its twin Good Times

    Like 1
  6. Avatar Steve P

    I have a 69 Z50A all original, same color, no electrics

    Like 1
  7. Avatar Fupa

    Sorry, but these things sucked. Maybe not as bad as a QA50. Bad boys had a Benelli Volcano.

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Howie Mueler

    Yes i had one when i was young, $3,250 now.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Scotty Gilbertson Staff

      I’d be surprised if this one goes for less than $5,000, they’re going up in value like crazy.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Scotty Gilbertson Staff

        I could be wrong, there’s only an hour left and it’s still at $3,250.

        Like 0
  9. Avatar JC

    Got one for Christmas, December 1972… It was blue. A heck of a lot of fun for a 10yr old back then. I kept it a long time but it was stolen from a shed and vandalized in the ’90’s. I found it in the woods not far from my house. Sold it to a guy who took the time to restore it and rehome it. I think back in the day it was $700 brand new. Big ticket item for my dad who was just a TSGT in the AF.

    Like 1
  10. Avatar Howie Mueler

    Sold $4,827.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Scotty Gilbertson Staff

      Thanks, Howie!

      Like 1
      • Avatar Howie Mueler

        Scotty you are welcome. When i had mine and sold it i doubt i got over $200 for it, but that was many moons ago.

        Like 1

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