Honda MBX80

The MBX80 FWD-D

The MBX80 was produced to fit the needs of the licencing laws of multiple county's in the 1980's, where riders were restricted to a certain capacity. In the UK learners were restricted to machines up to 125cc and 12hp, the unrestricted 11hp MBX80 offered close to the same performance of the bigger restricted 125's but benefited from a free revving engine in a light-weight chassis and a lower insurance premium making it attractive to young riders. Honda also recognised that 16-18 year old's would benefit from a larger chassis compared to the out-going MB-8 model and also its main competition of the Kawaskai AR80 and Yamaha RD80LC. The sales literature at the time had Honda claiming a 'full sized frame', I wouldn't go that far but it certainly was a better fit if you were taller.

Specification wise Honda had the competition beat with a liquid cooled single cylinder 2 stroke engine with reed valve, 12 volt electrics and an engine balance shaft to smooth out vibration. Suspension was in the form of Honda's 'Pro Link' mono shock and front braking via a twin front hydraulic disc. Adding a handle bar fairing and belly pan completed the picture giving the looks and feel of a lot larger bike. The downside to this was the Honda was a much more expensive bike at £699 compared to the AR80 at £529, RD80LC at £646 and RD80MX at £557 (prices 1983).

The FWD-D was the UK models specific code and was unique in the fact that it has the duel disc brake up front opposed to the single disc Euro model (SWD-D). As well as the twin disc's this model has two single piston sliding calipers and a lever master cylinder to match. Lastly the UK specific bike was only available in Black or White in the first generation colours, although there have been some reports of a few 2 gen colours (the 'rainbow' models) with twin discs being sold in the UK which I had confirmed by a Honda dealer.

Here is what Honda said....

The highest specification yet on an 80cc machine. 
Honda’s MBX 80 offers similar performance to that of restricted 125’s, but provides economies in running costs and insurance, especially for the young enthusiast. Add to that big bike style, size and feel, and you know you’re riding a winner.

Liquid cooled, high performance engine.
Packed with innovations and race proven high technology, this power-house supplies maximum output any time, all the time. Extremes of temperature make not the slightest difference to the even high output thanks to pressure fed liquid cooling. Efficient exhaust port, CD ignition and a vibration-reducing balancer keep it running as sweet as a nut.

PRO-LINK Rear Suspension.
Honda’s unique way of offering ride comfort combined with high-speed cornering precision. Single damper system gives soft damping at low damper piston speeds and gets progressively harder as damper is compressed. No compromise necessary.

Twin-Hydraulic front disc.
Maximum stopping power is provided by twin-hydraulic front discs with dual piston callipers that also give precise rider feedback. The front brakes are well balanced with dependable leading/ trailing drum at the rear.

Big Bike size and style.
The full-size frame and wheels are perfectly complemented by sleekly styled, flow-though tank, side cover and rear tailpiece. Full instrumentation is enclosed within an aerodynamic bikini fairing and the under cowling completes the fully integrated design. There’s a big bike feel as well as big bike looks, helped by no maintenance ComStar wheels.

MBX 80FWD-D Specifications
Engine	79cc, Liquid cooled 2-stoke single
Bore & Stroke	49.5 x 41.4mm
Compression ratio	7.3:1
Max. Horsepower	11.5PS/ 8000rpm (DIN)
Ignition	Capacitor Discharge
Transmission	6-speed
Starter	Primary Kick
Dimensions (LxWxH)	1970 x 675 x 1110mm
Wheelbase	1250mm
Seat Height	780mm
Ground clearance	150mm
Dry weight	95kg
Frame	Semi-double cradle
Suspension Front	Telescopic fork, 115mm travel
Suspension Rear	Pro-Link, box section swing arm/ 85mm axle travel
Wheels	New ComStar
Tyre Front	2.75 - 18 - 4PR
Tyre Rear	3.00 - 18 - 6PR
Brake Front	Twin Hydraulic disc with dual piston callipers
Brake Rear	Drum
Fuel Tank Capacity	12 lit inc 1.2 lit reserve
Colours	Black or White

First generation 1983-1984; colours white, red or black

SWD: Single front disc, head light cowl

SWDD: Single front disc, bikini fairing

SW2D: Single front disc, full fairing

FWDD: Twin front disc's, bikini fairing. UK specification bike only available in black or white.

Second generation 1985; colours white, red or black, often called the 'rainbow' colours.

SWDF: Single front disc, bikini fairing

SW2F: Single front disc, full fairing

FWDF: Twin front disc's, bikini fairing

Third generation 1986; colours 'Rothmans' blue or red

Additional info:

MBX80SWD, country Germany, engine No. HC04E-5000071-, frame No. HC04-5000051-, Carburetor ID PF26D

MBX80SWDD, country France & Germany, engine No. HC04E-5000071-, frame No. HC04-5000426-, Carburetor ID PF26D

MBX80FWDD, country UK, engine No. H04E-5008971-, frame No. H04-5008936-, Carburetor ID PF26G

Paint Codes:

1st Generation

NH0 Championship White

NH1 Black

R110 Monza Red

Series Designation Cylinder type   Displacement Bore & Stroke

MBX80 HC04             Liquid cooled     79.9cc                  49.5 x 41.4mm

MBX75                         Liquid cooled     74.9cc                  48.0 x 41.4mm

MBX50 AC03             Liquid cooled     49cc                     39.0 x 41.4mm

MBX50 AC05             Air Cooled         49cc                     39.0 x 41.4mm

Content supplied by:

 
Links:

Nut and bolt restoration by Dan Jones

www.mbx80.co.uk 

mbx80 on facebook

Honda M Club on facebook

See also: Honda MBX50, Honda MB80

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Honda MB8

The MB-8 is an 80cc version of the MB5 road bike produced from 1981 to 1983 specifically to meet licencing laws in France and Germany which favoured learner riders on sub 80cc bikes

By increasing the bore and stroke from 39mm x 41.4mm to 45mm x 49mm an engine size of 78cc was achieved, with power significantly improved to up to 9.5hp at 8000rpm. The MB8 shares the same 49mm stroke as the H100, making a 100cc conversion relatively simple.

Features were the same (not surprisingly!) as the MB5 with the X style frame, single disc brake on the front wheel and a rear drum brake, as well as the popular (for Honda) Comstar wheels. The tank featured a revised graphic with the addition of a stripe running parallel to the frame along the dummy covers edge.
Even though the MB8 was a Euro model, so the head light should dip to the right the headlight is actually the same as a UK MB5 (dip to the left), so this part doesn't need changing for UK roads. I guess with 6 volts the headlight doesn't do that much!
In 1983 it was replaced by the newly developed liquid cooled MBX 80.

Model: MB-8
Type: HC01
Bore and stroke: 45.0 × 49.5
Engine type: Air-cooled two-stroke single-cylinder
Engine Size: 78cc
Maximum output: 9.5hp / 8,000rpm
Maximum torque: 0.89kg-m / 7,500rpm
Gearbox: 5-speed
Frame format: X style backbone
Front Brake: Hydraulic disc
Rear Brake: Mechanical drum
Front Tyre: 2.50-18-4PR
Rear Tyre: 2.50-18-6PR
Length: 1880mm
Width: 655mm
Height: 980mm
Wheelbase: 1220mm
Vehicle Weight (kg): 91kg
Fuel tank capacity: 9L
Colours: Blue/Blue, Black/ Gold, White/Red

Red - R33 Helios Red – code 1138,
Black - NH1 Black – code 1039
White - NH24 Ceramic White - code 1005
Blue - PB109 Neptune Blue - code 1104

Two versions were available, MB8S with handlebar fairing and MB8B without.

There seems to be two European models, one for France and one for Germany. The French MB80F (F means free) is unrestricted, the German MB80SA has a few restrictions in the barrel and CDi.
It doesn't make a big difference though, 80 km/h in stead of 90 km/h for the French MB80.

Brochure

Finally 16 years old!
My bike, finally! A real. A Honda, With a two-seat saddle, 5-speed, a hydraulic disc brake, a fairing. Like the big ones!
Finally the right to practice driving with a simple motorcycle license A1. It would only be to hand over the Moto A2 license later. Or A3. Finally free to align my vitality and that of my MB 80 to show that on 2 wheels too, the value does not wait for the number of years. Neither that of cubic centimetre ...

Video

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrLJ0dvlI3T/

German bike to full power

A common question is how do you de-restrict a German model to full power, this is done via an un-restricted exhaust, free-flow air filter, re-jet and an ignition mod. Now the bike is full power you need to add the speed and this is done via a gearing change. See bellow for the recommended items.

1/ full power un-restricted exhaust,

2/ Generator back plate fast MB50/80, MT50/80 AC01, HC01, AD01, HD02
HP. Gives more power in combination with tuning cylinders, but also with stock cylinders!

3/ High flow air filter

4/ Bigger main jet: Jet main 12-18mm carburettor #120

5/ 38T rear sprocket to add more speed!

Links
Honda M Club on facebook

See also: Honda MB5 Honda MBX80

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Honda MB5

Launched in 1980 into the hotly contested sports moped market, Honda broke with their four stroke tradition with the MB50. In it’s unrestricted form this by any 50cc standards of the day was pretty quick, as was the popular trail version. Honda listed this as well a the more traditional SS50 at the same time, to ensure they kept alive their traditional sales to four stroke die hards!

The three spoke wheels and spine type tubular frame were exactly what youngster of that time were looking for, and the model was hugely successful for Honda, and today has now achieved classic status, although never to the same degree as the machine this model was bought out to beat, which it didn’t, the hugely popular then (and now) Yamaha FS1E “fizzy” still selling well after a 10 year run, with only minor changes.

Interestingly early in its development it was originally called the CB-X5 as you can see from these Honda development sketches kindly shared by M Club page member Ian Foster.

Image: Ian Foster

Image Ian Foster

Image Ian Foster

UK and European model

The Honda MB5 (MB50) was produced in Europe from 1979 to 1981. They came in black, red, and white with a blue stripe. It also gained a nose fairing around the headlight and Clip-on style handlebars.

It featured a relatively unusual design in that the fuel tank stretched underneath the seat so that it could leave some room for the 2-stroke oil tank which is situated at the front of the fuel tank.
Typical for Honda the engine is a little over engineered as it features a balancer shaft to reduce vibration and this feature was retained in all of the M series engines.

Specifications (UK)
Engine: Air cooled, single cylinder, 2-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 39mm x 41.4mm
Displacement: 49cc
Compression Ratio: 5.9:1
Carburettor: Piston valve type
Starting System: Primary kick
Max. Horsepower: 2.55ps/ 6000rpm (DIN)
Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh
Clutch: Wet multi-plate
Ignition: Fully transistorised
Frame: Cross line backbone design
Suspension front: Telescopic (travel 125mm)
Suspension rear: Swing arm (travel 90mm)
Tyres front: 2.50 x 18-4 PR
Tyres rear: 2.50 x 18-6 PR
Brakes front: Disc
Brakes rear: Internal expanding shoe (drum)
Length: 1880mm
Width: 655mm
Height: 1160mm
Wheelbase: 1220mm
Seat Height: 750mm
Ground Clearance: 160mm
Fuel Capacity: 9 Litre
Curb Weight: 90kg

Colours / paint codes:
Red - R33 Helios Red – code 1138,
Black - NH1 Black – code 1039
White - NH24 Ceramic White - code 1005
Blue - PB109 Neptune Blue - code 1104

What Honda said:

"Honda's MB50 will give you all the excitement of motorcycling right from the start. Says Ron Haslam, 1979 World TT Formula 1 champion.
Exciting looks. Packed with brilliant new engineering developments. Made to give super smooth, trouble-free ride in the true Honda tradition. That's the MB50.
It's a machine that will set new standards, a machine to be proud of. what better way can there be to get the feel of two wheels!
The MB50 features a hydraulic disc brake on the front carefully balanced by a dependable drum on the read, to give sure, safe stopping power. The disc fluid reservoir is clear so you can see the level at-a-glance- you won't have to put off those vital checks until you have a spare moment!
It has 'big Honda' Comstar wheels, which combine the flexibility and strength of spoked wheels with the style of solid cast alloy wheels, and contribute in no small way to the MB0's excellent handling properties.
It has non glare speedo and tacho instruments - easy to see even in harsh lighting conditions - well positioned controls, and a low centre of gravity, all of which help make riding easier and safer.
As Ron Haslam said when he saw the machine: "This must be the ultimate road bike for the new rider - it's got so much much going for it."

The MB50. What a great way to start."

note the optional panniers

US version: MB50C

Officially only imported as an 82 model, the colours were black body and frame and a red stripe, and red body and frame with a blue stripe. This model differed to the Euro bike as it didnt have a handlebar fairing, it had higher rise conventional handle bars and had a different single style seat unit with no pillion foot pegs. Unusually the USA version ran 12v electrics (UK had 6V) and also had a high beam warning light.

Honda MB50 Bol d'Or

The Dol d'Or was a Belgium market special edition with the addition of a frame mounted half fairing, this is the original brochure text translated in to English.

"The Bol d'Or. The Honda Prestige for youth fairs, a complete range of resistance, performance, road-holding and braking power, A mono-cylinder 2-stroke engine with air cooling, equipped with a balanced crankshaft to make the whole vibration free. Disc brake voorann, wide tires (80/90 x 18), kilometre equipment speedometer, tachometer, quartz clock (as an option) and a windshield that continues the great tradition of his glorious predecessor and gives the whole a young, classy view.

The Bol d'Or is supplied by the factory in the legal moped version, but there is a kit to make it on your 18th a real engine with a remarkable performance."

Dutch MB50P (1980)

In The Netherlands the MB5 was available with a 'pedals' kit, this turned the bike in to a traditional moped meaning you can pedal the bike like a bicycle. The pedal cranks axle ran in parallel behind the swing arm axle via a unique swingarm with a secondary chain linking the pedalling sprocket to a secondary front drive sprocket. The pedals would of been disengaged for motorised running. 

European MB50 - 1984-1992

Produced in Belgium for the Dutch market the MB5 continued with some styling additions, most notably the addition of the lower frame cradle to modernise the bikes looks. The final models included the addition of MBX ComStar alloy wheels. Colours were white/ blue and white/red.
Thanks to M Club member Michael Vogels for his help on this model.

Colour options for 1984-1985 (with Comstars)

without frame cradle rails but with original type wheels

The future? 
As a foot note, Kar design re-imagined the MB5 for the modern era. Honda won't build this but it's nice to think that if they did it might look something like this.

Brochure selection

Video

Model Kit by Tamiya:

Model/ country codes:
MB50F MB5 1980 (A) AUSTRIA
MB50F MB5 1980 (A) SWITZERLAND
MB50F MB5 1980 (A) EUROPEAN DIRECT SALE
MB50F MB5 1984 (E) EUROPEAN DIRECT SALES
MB50F MB5 1984 (E) SOUTH AFRICA
MB50PA MB5 1979 (Z) NETHERLANDS
MB50S MB5 1980 (A) BELGIUM
MB50S MB5 1980 (A) ENGLAND
MB50S MB5 1980 (A) GERMANY
MB50S MB5 1980 (A) NORWAY
MB50S MB5 1980 (A) SWEDEN
MB50 MB5 1982 (C) USA
MB50 MB5 1979 (Z) JAPANESE HOME MARKET
MB50P 1980 (A) NETHERLANDS
MB50P 1981 (B) NETHERLANDS
MB50P 1982 (C) SOUTH AMERICA
MB50P 1984 (E) NETHERLANDS, SOUTH AMERICA
MB50S2 1982 (C) SWITZERLAND
MB50S 1980 (A) BELGIUM
MB50S 1981 (B) BELGIUM
MB50S 1982 (C) SWITZERLAND
MB50S 1984 (E) NORWAY
MB50S 1985 (F) NETHERLANDS
MB50S 1986 (G) NETHERLANDS
MB50S 1987 (H) BELGIUM

For more info on this model please also check out:

UK MB5 site http://www.mb5.co.uk/index.html
USA MB5 site http://www.hondamb5.com/info

Facebook groups

Honda M Club (UK)
Honda MB/MT Bikes
Honda MB5 owners

See also: Honda MB8

**** Please get in touch if you have any additional info on this model
******* Please post bellow a picture and tell us about your bike