Honda NS50F, NSR75 and NS1

The NS50 and NS-1 models have the final evolution of the M engine architecture that dates back to the MB5. The NS50F was also sold in some markets as a NSR50, but both are designated as an AC08 model, but with a full fairing and 'of the era' paint schemes. There are is also a full size model variant of the NSR50R (with duel seat and conventional fuel tank, model AC14), not to be confused with the NSR 50/80 Gag bikes.

1987 NS50F

The NS50F / AC08 was introduced as the successor to the previous MBX models and used styling inspired by the CBR 'Aero' models of the era. The NS50F borrows heavily from the MBX not only with the engine but also with the modded chassis to accept new bodywork and a fuel tank that is modded to take the half fairing. Equipped with 17-inch front and rear aluminium cast wheels, a seat cowl with a built-in glove compartment, and bright halogen headlights.

Type 1

1998-90 NS50F 

In 1988, the engine was updated with a new airbox and exhaust to improve usability at medium to low speeds. The following year, in 1989, it gained a dual headlight set up with a more heavily drilled front disc rotor.

Type 2

NS50F Special Edition 1988

AC08 NSR50 version with full fairing and Tiger 2 paint scheme

NSR75 Spanish Market version

The NS50F was also produced in Honda's Montessa factory with a 75cc engine to meet the Spanish licencing laws and confusingly also called it an NSR, this replaced the MBX75.

1990 NS50F (wire wheels)
For the 1990 model year a stripped down version of NS50F was available with some funky (of the era, think Aprilia!) graphics and featured wire wheels and drum brakes. What was interesting is that this bike was sold with optional extras, which included the handlebar fairing, radiator cover and belly pan from the MBX

NS50F fitted with the optional extras

NS50R HRC

HRC launched the NS50R in 1996 when production of the NS50F road bike ended, it featured the familiar single cylinder liquid cooled engine producing 7.2hp at 10,000rpm but running pre-mix fuelling. Other features included alloy rear sets, single seat, 3 spoke wheels and stripped of the road running gear it came in at just 75kg and sold for Y198,000.

1991-94 NS-1

The 1991 NS-1 / AC12 type that appeared as a successor to the NS50F and sold together with the ‘Gag bike’ style NSR50 / 80. 

The NS-1was a full-size sports model styled like a small MC21 NSR250 featuring a 17-inch wheels, single seat unit, full fairing and produced a healthy 7.2hp at 10,000rpm from its single cylinder liquid cooled engine. The NS-1 features an all new pressed steel chassis designed to mimic the alloy chassis's of more expensive bikes, again the engine is an evolution of the MB/X design.

A cool feature of NS-1 was it’s ‘Met-in’space situated where the fuel tank traditionally lived that opens up and is large enough for a full-face helmet with the fuel tank under the seat. Also available were lots of official accessories that even included a rack that fitted on top of the rear seat hump!

Met In

1995-96 NS-1

In 1995 the model was updated with the addition of the RVF style twin headlights and improved electrical system.In 1997 the model featured a blacked out frame and wheels. The NS-1 was very popular despite the fact that it was very expensive, about 300,000 yen.

1995 With twin headlights

1997 NS-1

Colours, solid red, solid silver and HRC

1997 Twin headlights and black chassis

NS-1 - MH80R

As an interesting footnote Moriwaki Engineering, a Honda-based tuning and manufacturing company, sold a racer machine called the "MH80R" which used the NS-1 as a base and fitted the CR80MX engine. The MH80R was used in a one-make race series not only in Japan but also overseas. Check it out on their website here

NSR50R AC14