"Only 50cc, but with the looks, fell and specification of a big bike." Launched in 1984 the MBX50 was a direct replacement to Honda's first 2 stroke sports bike, the MB5. The MBX50 featured a full cradle 'full size' style frame with much larger fuel tank for a bigger bike feel, 12v electrics and Pro-Link suspension. It was offered in both 'S' (air cooled) and 'F' (liquid cooled) variants depending on the market, with the UK market bike was the SD with an air-cooled, 5 speed engine with the now tried and tested balancer shaft to reduce vibration.
The UK version was heavily restricted including cast in veins to restrict reed valve opening so most bikes were very slow. Some of the easiest performance gains were from altering the gearing.
The basic layout of the original bike lasted well in to the late 90's with the HRC built NS50R.
Engine: 49cc, 2-stoke, air cooled single
Bore & Stroke: 39 x 41.4mm
Compression ratio: 7.3:1
Max. Horsepower:
Ignition: Capacitor Discharge
Transmission: 5-speed
Starter: Primary Kick
Dimensions (LxWxH): 1970 x 675 x 1110mm
Wheelbase: 1250mm
Seat Height: 775mm
Ground clearance: 170mm
Dry weight: 87kg
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: 2.50 - 18 - 4PR
Tyre Rear: 2.75 - 18 - 6PR
Brake Front: Twin Hydraulic disc
Brake Rear: Drum
Fuel Tank Capacity: 12 lit inc 1.2 lit reserve
Colours: Black, White, Red
What Honda said
"Only 50cc, but with the looks, fell and specification of a big bike.
Owning a Honda 2-stroke means being a part of the Honda legend. A legend of world-dominating expertise. The MBX50 has everything. Including a host of innovations and unique Por-Link suspension system. MBX50. It's the winner's way.
Owning a Honda 2-stroke means being a part of the Honda legend. A legend of world-dominating expertise. The MBX50 has everything. Including a host of innovations and unique Por-Link suspension system. MBX50. It's the winner's way.
2 Stroke High-Power Engine
Packed with Honda's race-winning technology. 4-petal reed valve. CDI and vibration-reducing engine balancer.
Packed with Honda's race-winning technology. 4-petal reed valve. CDI and vibration-reducing engine balancer.
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 pisotn speeds and gets progressively harder as damper is compressed. No compromise necessary.
Honda's unique way of offering ride comfort combined with high-speed cornering precision. Single damper system gives soft damping at low damper pisotn speeds and gets progressively harder as damper is compressed. No compromise necessary.
Duel-Piston Caliper Front Disc
Bred to perfection on Honda's world-dominating racing machines. Gives improved stopping power and precise rider feed-back. Wheels are lightweight, no maintenance New ComStar performers.
Big-Bike Sizing and Looks
Displacement may be 50cc, but specification is the same as our big bikes. Wheels, frame, riding position etc. are equivalent to many 125cc machines, and flo-through tank, side cover and rear tailpiece styling are of eye catching design."
Bred to perfection on Honda's world-dominating racing machines. Gives improved stopping power and precise rider feed-back. Wheels are lightweight, no maintenance New ComStar performers.
Big-Bike Sizing and Looks
Displacement may be 50cc, but specification is the same as our big bikes. Wheels, frame, riding position etc. are equivalent to many 125cc machines, and flo-through tank, side cover and rear tailpiece styling are of eye catching design."
Model variants
MBX50FWDF BELGIUM
MBX50SWDF BELGIUM
MBX50FWD AUSTRIA
MBX50FWDD BELGIUM
MBX50SWDD BELGIUM
MBX50FWDD SWITZERLAND
MBX50SWDD SWITSERLAND
MBX50FWDG SWITZERLAND
MBX50FWF SOUTH AFRICA
MBX50FWDD SOUTH AFRICA
MBX50FWDF SOUTH AFRICA
MBX50FWD SOUTH AFRICA
MBX50FWD GENERAL EXPORT
MBX50SD 1987 (H) GERMANY
MBX50S 1985 (F) ENGLAND
MBX50SD 1985 (F) GERMANY
Japanese home market version
The Japanese home market MBX50 featured some small differences to the frame. Firstly the bike has a single seat so the usual pillion part of the dual seat is more pronounced and the bike doesn't have any pillion foot pegs. The frame retains the RH foot peg mount but is used purely as the exhaust mount, on the LH side this section of frame is missing and it has a small section of frame used purely for the front foot peg. The frame differs also with some luggage rails running parallel along the rear bodywork instead of the usual external bolt on rear carrier and the bodywork doesn't have the holes for the external carrier. Honda also offered it as a fully faired Integra model (see brochures).
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| left hand foot peg mount |
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| luggage rails |
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| MBX50 from the Honda Collection Hall |
Brochures
Links:
Facebook group
Honda M Club (UK)
See also: Honda MB5 Honda MBX80
**** If anybody owns this model and would like to share some pictures or would like to add to this feature please get in touch!
