May 28, 1982, Press Release, Honda MCX50, a new American custom bike with a unique style, goes on sale

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will release the Honda MCX50, a new American-style custom bike with innovative styling and a full range of equipment, on June 1st.

The MCX50 is equipped with a newly designed air-cooled 2-stroke 49cc, 7.0 horsepower engine. It is designed to be easy to use from low to high speeds, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed and comfortable ride in city streets and on tours.

The overall design, with its sharply angled covered handlebars and metallic streamlines from under the tank to the tail that tighten the side view, combined with the subtle curves of the rear cowl, further emphasizes the innovative new American style.

The front is equipped with a hydraulic disc brake (front wheel) that provides excellent braking performance. In addition, it is fully equipped with original design cast wheels, a large 35w/35w square type headlight, a simple and highly visible speed and tachometer, a push-type fuel cap with an automatic locking device, and other features.

This brings the total number of Honda 50cc sports cars to five, including the MCX50, making it a comprehensive series that can meet the needs of a wide range of customers.

The sales plan is

The planned production volume is 20,000 units per year.

Standard cash price is

169,000 yen (Prices in Hokkaido and Okinawa are 3,000 yen higher, and some remote islands are excluded.)

Main Features

Equipped with a newly designed air-cooled, 2-stroke, 49cc, 7 horsepower engine that offers improved tenacity at low and mid-speed ranges.

Adopting an original design cast wheel with a high-quality feel.

The indicator section is separated into square speedometer and tachometer with an easy-to-read layout.

Equipped with hydraulic disc brakes (front wheels) that provide excellent braking performance.

A variety of comprehensive equipment is included.

・Large 7.5L fuel tank.

・35w/35w large square type headlight.

・A compact 12 volt, 3 amp battery.

・Push-type fuel cap with automatic locking device (same type as VF750MAGNA).

・A powerful, thick rear tire designed specifically for the MCX50.

・Handle lock with integrated main switch.

・Oil indicator lamp, high beam indicator lamp.

・A regulator to prevent the battery from overcharging.

Main specifications

Model AC04

Total length (mm) 1.885

Overall width (mm) 0.720

Overall height (mm) 1.110

Wheelbase(mm) 1.220

Minimum ground clearance(mm) 0.155

Seat height(mm) 0.750

Vehicle weight (kg) 86

Dry weight (kg) 78

Passenger capacity (persons) 1

Fuel economy (km/L) 68.0 (30km/h constant speed test value)

Climbing ability (tanθ) 0.46 (approx. 25 degrees)

Minimum turning radius (m) 2.1

Engine type AC04E (air-cooled 2-cycle piston reed valve)

Displacement ( cm3 ) 49

Inner diameter x stroke (mm) 39.0×41.4

Compression Ratio 7.4

Maximum power output (PS/rpm) 7.0/8,000

Maximum torque (kg-m/rpm) 0.65/7,000

Starting method kick

Ignition method CDI

Lubrication Method Separate lubrication type

Lubricating oil capacity (L) 2.1

Fuel tank capacity(L) 7.5

Clutch type Wet type multi-plate coil spring

Transmission type Constant mesh type (5-stage return)

Gear ratio 1st speed, 3.083/2nd speed, 1.882/3rd speed, 1.400/4th speed, 1.130/5th speed, 0.960

Caster (degrees) 29°00′

Trail (mm) 110

Tire size (front) 70/90-19-40P/(back) 100/90-16-54P

Brake Type (Front) Hydraulic disc/(Rear) Mechanical leading/trailing

Suspension method (Front) Telescopic/(Rear) Swingarm

Frame Format Semi-double cradle

October 29, 1985, Press Release, Honda launches 50cc land sports bike "Honda MTX50R" with improved performance

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has improved the power output (from 6PS/6,500rpm to 7.2PS/8,500rpm) of its land sports bike "Honda MTX50R," which is equipped with a water-cooled, two-stroke, single-cylinder (49cc) engine that allows for comfortable riding on rough terrain and in urban areas, and will release the new model on November 1st.

The engine installed in this MTX50R adopts a four-leaf reed valve with a straightening plate that brings smooth intake to the inlet port, a hemispherical combustion chamber with excellent combustion efficiency, and a balancer that reduces the vibrations unique to two-stroke engines, achieving both powerful and smooth riding.

The transmission is a six-speed transmission that allows a wide range of appropriate gears to be selected depending on the riding conditions. The suspension is a telescopic type for the front wheel and a popular Pro-Link type for the rear wheel. In addition, the cushion stroke is 200mm for the front wheel and 170mm for the rear wheel, providing excellent road-following performance from rough ground to paved roads.

The frame is a full-fledged semi-double cradle frame that maintains high rigidity even when subjected to strong shocks when riding on rough terrain. In addition, the slim body has good foot placement, and the seat is laid out all the way to the top of the tank, allowing the rider to ride in an appropriate position depending on the road conditions.

Sales plan (domestic, annual plan)

8,000 units

National Standard Cash Price

189,000 yen

(Prices for Hokkaido and Okinawa are 5,000 yen higher, and some remote islands are excluded.)

Main specifications

Model A-AD06

Total length (m) 2.070

Overall width(m) 0.805

Total height (m) 1.130

Wheelbase(m) 1.350

Minimum ground clearance(m) 0.230

Seat height(m) 0.830

Vehicle weight (kg) 97

Dry weight (kg) 87

Passenger capacity (persons) 1

Fuel economy (km/L) 70.0 (30km/h constant speed test value)

Minimum turning radius (m) 2.0

Engine type AD06E (water-cooled 2-stroke single cylinder)

Total displacement (cm 3 ) 49

Inner diameter x stroke (mm) 39.0×41.4

Compression Ratio 7.3

Maximum power output (PS/rpm) 7.2/8,500

Maximum torque (kg-m/rpm) 0.65/7,500

Carburetor Type PF16

Starting method Primary Kick

Ignition method Non-contact CDI

Lubrication Method Separate lubrication type

Lubricating oil capacity (L) 1.2

Fuel tank capacity(L) 8

Clutch type Wet type multi-plate coil spring

Transmission type Constant mesh 6-speed return

Gear ratio　 1st gear 3.545

2nd speed 2.333

3rd speed 1.722

4-speed 1.380

5-speed 1.173

6-speed 1.041

Caster (degrees) 26°30′

Trail (mm) 96

Tire size before 2.50-21-4PR

rear 3.00-18-4PR

Brake Type　 before Mechanical Leading Trailing

rear Mechanical Leading Trailing

Suspension method　 before Telescopic

rear Swing arm (Prolink)

Frame Format Semi-double cradle

December 9, 1983, Press Release, Honda releases the land sports bike "HONDA MTX50R" equipped with a water-cooled, two-stroke engine

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will release the Honda MTX50R, a land sports bike equipped with a water-cooled, two-stroke, 49cc, single-cylinder engine that allows for comfortable riding on rough terrain and in urban areas, on December 10th.

The engine of this MTX50R uses Honda's unique hemispherical combustion chamber with excellent combustion efficiency. In addition, it is equipped with HERP (Honda Torque Amplifier Resonator), which demonstrates powerful output characteristics at medium and low speeds, and a balancer that reduces vibrations unique to two-stroke engines, achieving both powerful and smooth riding.

The front wheel suspension is telescopic and the rear wheel suspension is the popular Pro-Link type. In addition, both the front and rear wheels have the longest cushion stroke in the 50cc class (front: 200mm / rear: 170mm), which allows it to exhibit excellent road following performance from rough ground to paved roads.

The frame is a full-fledged semi-double cradle frame that maintains high rigidity even with strong impacts when riding on rough ground. In addition, the slim body with good foot placement, combined with the seat laid out to the top of the tank, allows you to obtain an appropriate riding posture depending on the road conditions.

*HERP: Honda Energy Resonance Pipe

Sales plan (domestic/annual)

10,000 units (planned)

National Standard Cash Price

185,000 yen

(Prices for Hokkaido and Okinawa are 3,000 yen higher. Prices exclude some other remote islands.)

Main specifications

Model AD06
Overall length x overall width x overall height (m) 2.070×0.805×1.130
Wheelbase(m) 1.350
Minimum ground clearance(m) 0.230
Seat height(m) 0.830
Vehicle weight (kg) 97
Dry weight (kg) 87
Fuel economy (Km/L) 65.0 (30km/h constant speed test value)
Climbing ability (tanθ) 0.46 (approx. 25 degrees)
Engine type and total displacement (cm 3 ) AD06E・49
Maximum power output (PS/rpm) 6.2/6,500
Maximum torque (kg-m/rpm) 0.69/6,000
Starting method Primary Kick
Ignition method Non-contact CDI
Fuel tank capacity(L) 8
Transmission type Constant mesh type 5-stage return
Tire size 　 front 2.50-21-4PR | rear 3.00-18-4PR
Brake type: front and rear Mechanical Leading Trailing

March 19, 1982, Press Release, Honda releases the "Honda MTX50," a land sports bike with full-scale specifications and equipment.

 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will release the Honda MTX50, a two-stroke land sports bike with full-fledged size and equipment that can be enjoyed in a wide range of situations, from city driving to suburban and off-road driving, on March 20th.

The MTX50 is equipped with Honda's unique Pro-Link rear suspension, which has already been adopted in high-end land sports models and has been highly praised. Combined with the front fork with a high-rigidity 31mmφ large-diameter pipe, it exhibits outstanding road-following ability and excellent maneuverability.

The engine (49cc, 2-cycle single cylinder) uses the newly developed (※) "H.E.R.P" (Honda Energy Resonance Pipe) system, which aims to improve power output at medium and low speeds. In addition, the two-stage retard (electronic retard) system prevents a sudden drop in power output at high speeds, and the balancer reduces the engine vibration unique to 2-cycles, making it easy to use and comfortable to ride as a land sports bike.

*"HERP" is a revolutionary system developed to further improve the efficiency of filling the combustion chamber. It is set in the exhaust pipe, and the expansion wave from here and the reflected wave and composite wave from the expansion chamber push the mixture back from the exhaust boat to the combustion chamber. This widens the power band and improves power output in the mid- and low-range.

The transmission is a 6-speed transmission that allows the rider to select the optimum gear ratio depending on the road conditions.

The body is a highly rigid semi-double cradle frame with a high-tensile steel head pipe that can withstand full-scale rough terrain driving.

In addition, it is equipped with a large-diameter round speedometer and tachometer with trip meter, a large-capacity (9.5 liter) fuel tank, a rear carrier, and other features that allow for long-distance driving. It also features a skid plate that protects the crankcase from unevenness in the road surface, and rear indicator stays that are difficult to break or bend even in the event of a fall, and many other useful features. The

long wheelbase design provides a comfortable riding position whether riding on paved roads or rough terrain, and the meter visor and side cover with number plate and the tank design combine to create the image of a full-fledged land sports bike.

The front brake is a single hub type that is light and effective, and the new variable grip tires mounted on the large diameter wheels (front: 2.50-21, rear: 3.00-18) provide excellent off-road performance.

With the release of the MTX50, the Land Sports Bike series has been enriched to five models in addition to the four models already on the market, the 4-cycle XL series (XL250R, 125R, 80S, 50S), and can meet a wide range of user needs.

The sales plan is

The plan is to sell 8,000 units per year in Japan.

Standard cash price is

165,000 yen

(Prices in Hokkaido and Okinawa are 3,000 yen higher, excluding some remote islands )

MTX50 Main Specifications
Model AD04
Total length (m) 2.060
Overall width(m) 0.810
Total height (m) 1.145
Wheelbase(m) 1.335
Minimum ground clearance(m) 0.250
Seat height(m) 0.820
Vehicle weight (kg) 98
Dry weight (kg) 89
Passenger capacity (persons) 1
Fuel economy (km/L) 68 (30km/h constant speed test value)
Climbing ability (tanθ) 0.50 (approx. 26 degrees)
Minimum turning radius (m) 2.0
Engine type AD01E (air-cooled 2-cycle piston reed valve)
Displacement ( cm3 ) 49
Inner diameter x stroke (mm) 39.0×41.4
Compression Ratio 7.4
Maximum power output (PS/rpm) 6.5/7,500
Maximum torque (kg-m/rpm) 0.64/7,000
Carburetor Type PF15
Starting method Primary Kick
Ignition method Non-contact CDI
Lubrication Method Separate lubrication type
Lubricating oil tank capacity (L) 2.1
Fuel tank capacity(L) 9.5
Clutch type Wet type multi-plate coil spring
Transmission type Constant mesh 6-speed return
Gear ratio 1st speed, 3.545 2nd speed, 2.333 3rd speed, 1.722, 4th speed, 1.380 5th speed, 1.173 6th speed, 4.041
Caster (degrees) 28°00′
Trail (mm) 107
Tire size (Front) 2.50-21-4PR (Rear) 3.00-18-4PR
Brake Type (Front) Mechanical leading/trailing | (Rear) Mechanical leading/trailing
Suspension method (Front) Telescopic
(Rear) Pro-Link swingarm
Frame Format Semi-double cradle frame

May 27, 1980, Press Release, Honda releases the "Honda MB5" with semi-up handlebars that allow for a comfortable riding position

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will add a new semi-up handlebar model to its popular Honda MB50 two-stroke 50cc road sports bike and release it on June 2nd.

The MB50 is a sports bike with a unique body design and a high-performance two-stroke engine, and since its release in April last year, it has been well-received for its light running and maneuverability, and by adding a new semi-up handlebar model, it can now be used for a wide range of purposes.

The MB5 offers a comfortable riding position for city streets and long-distance riding, and allows you to enjoy a relaxed ride. It also comes with a convenient storage compartment.

Domestic sales plan

The planned production volume is 8,000 units per year.

Standard cash price is

142,000 yen (excluding some remote islands, Hokkaido price is 3,000 yen higher)

Main specifications

Model AC01
Overall length x overall width x overall height (m) 1.880×0.705×1.025
Wheelbase(m) 1.215
Weight (kg) Maintenance: 87, Drying: 78
Fuel economy (km/L) 65 (30km/h steady state test value)
Climbing ability (tanθ) 0.36 (approx. 20 degrees)
Engine type AC01E (air-cooled 2-cycle piston reed valve)
Total displacement (cm 3 ) 49
Maximum power (PS/rpm) 7.0/9,000
Maximum torque (kg-m/rpm) 0.56/8,000
Starting method Kick Type
Ignition type CDI
Lubrication Method Separate lubrication type
Fuel tank capacity(L) 9.0
Transmission type Constant mesh type, forward 5-speed return type
Tire size (front and rear) 2.50-18-4PR
Brake type (front/rear) Front: Hydraulic disc, Rear: Leading/trailing
Frame Format backbone

April 17, 1979, Press Release, Honda releases its first 2-stroke 50cc road sports bike, the Honda MB50.

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will release the Honda MB50, a 50cc road sports bike, on April 18th. The bike is equipped with a newly designed high-performance two-stroke engine and features a fresh and unique body design never before seen.

The Honda MB50 is Honda's first two-stroke road sports bike, designed for light handling and riding comfort, with a high-output (7 horsepower) engine incorporating new technologies such as a centralized cooling cylinder head and a bell-shaped combustion chamber, and a simple and highly rigid X-shaped backbone frame, all with a new design sensibility. It is an innovative bike designed to be enjoyed in a wide range of riding conditions, from city riding to long distance riding. (Complies with 1979 noise regulations)

Production plans are

The company will start with domestic production, and when it goes into full operation, including exports, it plans to produce 80,000 units per year.

Standard cash price is

136,000 yen (excluding Hokkaido and some remote islands).

Honda's 50cc road sports bikes consist of two models, the Honda CB50JX-I (equipped with a four-stroke engine) and the Honda MB50 (equipped with a two-stroke engine), each with its own characteristics and ease of use to cater to a wider range of users.

Main features of the Honda MB50

engine

・Single-shaft primary balancer: A mechanism that uses one balancer shaft to balance the primary inertial force of the reciprocating part, reducing the vibrations specific to two-stroke engines.

・Combustion chamber centralized cooling cylinder head: The cylinder head is designed to concentrate more of the airflow around the combustion chamber while driving, effectively dissipating heat generated by the engine and reducing performance changes.

・Bell-shaped combustion chamber: Compared to the general hemispherical type, this chamber has a greater effect on stirring the air-fuel mixture during the compression process, ensuring stable combustion from low to high speeds and preventing carbon clogging of the spark plugs.

・Separate oil supply system: Measures the throttle opening and supplies the ideal amount of oil according to engine speed.

・CDI ignition system = An ignition system that provides reliable ignition and improved starting performance, and is easy to maintain.

Body

・Heavy-weight concentrated design: Heavy weights such as the engine, fuel tank, and electrical equipment are located near the center of gravity, resulting in light maneuverability. Electrical equipment is also concentrated in front of the fuel tank, improving maintainability.

・X-shaped backbone frame: A simple frame constructed in an X-shape to reduce weight and increase rigidity, allowing for unique vehicle designs.

・Hydraulic disc brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes are used on the front to improve braking performance.

・Comstar Wheel = A lightweight and flexible Comstar Wheel with a T-shaped chrome plated rim and three points.

・Integrated handlebars = Sporty handlebars that integrate the top bridge and handlebars.

・    Switches and meters: The switches for the turn signals, headlights, etc. are concentrated on the left side of the handlebars for improved operability.

The meters combine the speedometer and tachometer into one unit and are located in the center for easy viewing.

Honda MB50 main specifications

Model name: Honda AC01
Total length (m) 1.880
Overall width (m) 0.655
Height (m) 0.980
Wheelbase (m) 1.215
Vehicle weight (Kg) Maintenance: 87, Drying: 78
Minimum turning radius (m) 1.8
Fuel tank capacity (L) 9.0
Fuel consumption rate (km/L)
(30km/h constant speed test value) 65
Climbing ability (tamθ) 0.36
Engine type Air-cooled 2-stroke single cylinder
Valve mechanism Reed valve type and piston valve type combined
Total displacement (cm 3 ) 49
Inner diameter x stroke (mm) 39.0×41.4
Compression Ratio 7.9
Maximum power (PS/rpm) 7.0/9,000
Maximum torque (Kg-m/rpm) 0.56/8,000
Starting method Primary kick type
Ignition system CDI
Lubrication Method Separate lubrication type
Lubricant Capacity (L) 2.1
Primary reduction ratio 4.117
Gear ratio 1st gear 3.083, 2nd speed 1.882, 3rd speed 1.400, 4-speed 1.130, 5-speed 0.960
Final Drive Ratio 3.307
Frame Format Backbone Type
Suspension system (front) Telescopic Type | Suspension system (rear) Swing arm type
Caster (degrees) 25°00′
Trail (mm) 70
Tire size (front) 2.50-18-4PR | (rear) 2.50-18-4PR
Brake Type (front) Hydraulic disc | (rear) Mechanical Leading Trailing

March 17, 1983, Press Release, Honda releases MBX125F, a lightweight sports bike with a high-performance, water-cooled, two-stroke engine

 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will add the Honda MBX125F, a lightweight, high-performance road sports bike equipped with a water-cooled, two-stroke, single-cylinder engine, to its 125cc class sports bike series and release it on March 18th.

The Honda MBX125F was developed with the aim of being a lightweight, slim, compact, high-performance road sports bike. The engine is a water-cooled, two-stroke, 124cc, single-cylinder engine that incorporates Honda's two-stroke engine technology cultivated in road racing and motocross racing, and produces a maximum output of 22 horsepower. In addition, Honda's unique ATAC mechanism and Venturi-type exhaust chamber are actively used and controlled to actively utilize and control the exhaust pulsation unique to two-stroke engines, improving the efficiency of filling the combustion chamber with the mixture, resulting in a high output of 22 horsepower and easy-to-handle output and torque characteristics from low and medium speed ranges to high speed ranges.

*ATAC mechanism: Auto-Controlled Torque Amplification Chamber (automatic torque amplification exhaust system)

The body design was developed in pursuit of excellent maneuverability and ease of handling through slimness and light weight. The adoption of a lightweight, high-rigidity semi-double cradle frame, a 16-inch front wheel born from Honda's extensive racing experience both in Japan and overseas, and Honda's unique Pro-Link rear suspension make it possible to achieve outstanding maneuverability and a lightweight design (96 kg: dry weight).

As a result, Honda's 125cc class sports bikes are available in seven models and nine types, with two-stroke and four-stroke engines, from on-road to off-road and trekking, and can now cater to a wider range of users.

Sales plan (domestic, annual, planned)

12,000 units

National Standard Cash Price

279,000 yen

(Prices for Hokkaido and Okinawa are 5,000 yen higher, and some other remote islands are excluded.)