Honda MT50

The Honda MT5 or MT50 was the sister machine to the MB5 but with revised off road styling but still shared many of the MB's features like  the air cooled single cylinder engine with the ballancer shaft in a visually similar steel back bone frame but with longer travel suspension, wire wheels and knobbly tyres the MT5 looked ready for the dirt. Like all Honda's it was heavily restricted and was rather unfairly criticised for being slow against the competition of the time, but keep in mid the legal limit was just 30mph! European models fared better and were much faster, there was also a pedal version (like the MB5) sold for the Dutch market.

Originally introduced in 1979 and was initially replaced in 1982 with the MTX50 the MT was re-introduced in 1985 and ran all the way to the model year 1996 for some of the Scandinavian countries.

Because of the length of production and popularity of the model spare parts are plentiful making it a prime model for restoration.

What Honda said:

"With Honda's MT50S Sports Moped, 16 year old's can enjoy all the performance that comes from Honda's experience from thier race winning Motocross world team.
Looking just like a smaller version of the World Champion Dave Thorpe's bike, Honda MT50S is a true motocross styled machine, yet it's entirely street legal for 16 year old's.
The MT50S has a 49cc air-cooled 2-stroke engine that is fitted with a balancer to help minimise vibration levels. Maintenance is kept remarkably simple thanks to the ultra reliable Capacitor Discharge Ignition. And to eliminate an automatic oil injection system. A close ratio, 5-speed transmission means that you can always be in the right gear at the right time.
To keep you ahead round the corners or when the going gets rough, the MT50S has hydraulic front forks with a full 135mm of travel with twin hydraulic dampers on the rear giving 125mm of axle travel. Plenty of safe stopping power is provided by the leading/ trailing drum brakes fitted front and rear.
To complete the exciting specifications of ths motocross styled machine, the MT50S has fitted indicators, twin rear view mirrors, a rectangular headlamp with cowl and some striking new colours and graphics for 1986.
Following in the tracks of Honda's successful motocross bikes, the MT50S also has a competitive price to complement its competitive performance."

Honda MT5 S-G Specifications
Engine – Air cooled, single cylinder, 2-stroke, reed valve induction
Capacity – 49cc
Bore x stroke – 39 x 41.4mm
Compression Ratio – 7.4:1
Carburetion – 13mm Keihin PF05B
Max Power – 2.55bhp @ 6500rpm
Torque – 2ft-lbs @ 6000rpm
Ignition – CDI
Transmission – 5-Speed, wet clutch, chain final drive
Frame – steel spine
Suspension – 27mm forks, twin dampers adjustable for preload
Wheels – 2.50 x 19, 3.00 x 16
Brakes – 110mm single leading shoe front and rear
Wheelbase – 1240mm
Seat Height - 790mm
Weight – 78kgs
Fuel capacity – 6.8ltrs inc 1ltr reserve
Top speed – 30mph

Honda MT50 Timeline

1980 MT50 S-A – Chassis number starting AD01-5000882
MT50F 1980 (A) AUSTRIA
MT50F 1980 (A) EUROPEAN DIRECT SALES
MT50FE 1980 (A) EUROPEAN DIRECT SALES
MT50FE 1980 (A) SOUTH AFRICA
MT50P 1980 (A) NETHERLANDS (with pedals)
MT50S 1980 (A) BELGIUM
MT50S 1980 (A) BELGIUM
MT50S 1980 (A) ENGLAND
MT50S 1980 (A) GERMANY
MT50S 1981 (B) BELGIUM
MT50S 1981 (B) BELGIUM
MT50S 1982 (C) NORWAY
MT50S 1982 (C) NORWAY
MT50S 1982 (C) SWITZERLAND / TYPE 2
MT50S 1984 (E) AUSTRIA
MT50S 1984 (E) BELGIUM
MT50S 1984 (E) ENGLAND
MT50S 1984 (E) NORWAY
MT50S 1984 (E) NORWAY
MT50S 1984 (E) SWEDEN

1985 MT50 S-F chassis number starting AD01-5109771
MT50S 1985 (F) NETHERLANDS
MT50S 1985 (F) NETHERLANDS

1986 MT50 S-G chassis number starting AD01-5200034
MT50S 1986 (G) ENGLAND
MT50S 1987 (H) BELGIUM

1988 MT50 S-J chassis number starting AD01-5400001

1990 MT50 S-L chassis number starting AD01-5500002
MT50F 1990 (L) EUROPEAN DIRECT SALES
MT50S 1990 (L) BELGIUM
MT50S 1990 (L) ENGLAND
MT50S 1990 (L) NETHERLANDS
MT50S 1990 (L) NORWAY
MT50S 1990 (L) SWEDEN
MT50S 1991 (M) SWEDEN
MT50F 1993 (P) GENERAL EXPORT / KPH
MT50S 1993 (P) NORWAY
MT50S 1993 (P) SWEDEN
MT50S 1996 (T) NORWAY
MT50S 1996 (T) SWEDEN

1980 MT50P (pedals) for the Netherlands

1990, note single seat and no rear foot pegs

MT50 fitted with aftermarket Fast Arrow 'radiator' covers (left side) - Pic Rasmus Steinwall

With Fast Arrow covers (right side) - pic Christoffer Thorstensson

See also
Honda MB5
Honda MT80

Links:

Review https://classic-motorbikes.net/honda-mt5/
Swedish site MB/MT50: http://www.hondamb5sweden.n.nu/fakta-om-svensksalda-mt50

Honda MVX250

Produced for just one year for the model year 1983, the MVX 250 was Honda’s first two-stroke road bike and was built to capitalise on Honda’s success in GP racing with Freddie Spencer’s title winning NS500. Like the NS500 it had a V3 engine, but, unlike the grand prix machine, the cylinder arrangement was the opposite, with the two outer cylinders laying forward horizontally and the middle cylinder standing vertically.

The MVX produced 40bhp and came in at 138kg dry, which was a little conservative when compared to the ground breaking 83 Suzuki RG250 which offered 45hp/ 131kg and an alloy frame. The MVX also featured Honda’s quirky in board front disc brake, handle bar fairing, belly pan and single seat converter.

The V3 engine featured a 1 vertical piston and two horizontal pistons (like the NS400R) which was the opposite of the race bike it was trying to emulate. To counteract vibration Honda made the vertical con rod thicker and heavier than the horizontal rods to act as a engine balancer. A series of engine failures saw the bike quickly retired and replaced with the much more advanced NS250, however the engine lived on with its issues resolved in the NS400R.

Maker	HONDA
Model name	MVX250F
Type · Grade	-
Engine Operation	2 stroke
Model	MC09
Displacement	249 cc
Release year	1983
Fuel Efficiency by Catalog	-
Fuel Tank Capacity	-
Fuel Supply	Carburettor
Engine Type	2-stroke/Piston Lead Valve/Water-cooled/90-degree V-type 3-cylinder
Engine Starting Method	-
Maximum Output (ps)	40ps(29kw)/9000rpm
Maximum Torque (kgf/m)	3.2kg・m(31.4N・m)/8500rpm
Vehicle Weight (Dry Weight)	138 kg
Vehicle Weight (Curb Weight)	155 kg
Length(mm)・Height(mm)・Width(mm)	1155 x 735 x 2010
Seat Height	-
Front Tire Indication	100/90-16 54S TL
for Rear Tire Indication	110/80-18 58S TL

Brochures:

Magazine: Practice Sportsbike Readers Restoration

Model kit by Tamiya

LINKS

MC NEWS AU

MVX 250 Blogspot

HMC Honda M Club stickers

I have a few of the new logo HMC Honda M Club stickers available, perfect for your bike, back of your car, toolbox or mobile phone case!

£3 a pair posted 1st class in the UK
£4 a pair posted in the EU
£4.70 a pair posted in the rest of the world

Contact me!

Honda MBX50

"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.

MBX 50S-D Specifications
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.

2 Stroke High-Power Engine
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.

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."

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).

left hand foot peg mount

luggage rails

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!