October 29, 1985, Press Release: Honda releases the road sports bike "HONDA MBX50F" equipped with a water-cooled, two-stroke engine

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has increased the power output of the Honda MBX50 (from 5.6PS/6500rpm to 7.2PS/8500rpm) and redesigned its color scheme to make it a versatile 50cc road sports bike that can be used for everything from entry-level models to general road touring. The new bike will go on sale on November 1st as the Honda MBX50F.

The engine installed in this MBX50F adopts a four-leaf reed valve with a straightening plate that brings smooth intake to the inlet port (intake hole) , a hemispherical combustion chamber with excellent combustion efficiency, and a large exhaust chamber that enables powerful torque characteristics from low to medium speeds.

The transmission adopts a 6-speed transmission that allows a wide range of appropriate gears to be selected depending on the riding conditions.

The body design has a body size (wheelbase: 1255mm) that allows a relaxed riding posture, and the frame adopts a lightweight, high-rigidity semi-double cradle frame.

The rear suspension is a Pro-Link type that is well-received for its excellent road following performance, and the front wheel brake adopts Honda's original hydraulic disc brake with dual piston caliper. In terms of equipment, the coloring has been renewed, and the appearance of a cowl and under cowl has been added to give it a bold image, and the lightweight boomerang-shaped aluminum Comstar wheels are adopted for the front and rear wheels, making it a fully equipped road sports bike.

*The reed valve is a tongue-shaped valve in the crankcase mixture intake port that opens and closes automatically due to the difference in air pressure. By using a four-leaf type with two straightening vanes on the top and bottom, the flow rate of the mixture is increased, improving intake efficiency.

Sales Plan (Domestic Annual Plan)

15,000 units

National Standard Cash Price

198,000 yen
(Prices for Hokkaido and Okinawa are 5,000 yen higher. Prices exclude some other remote islands.)

Specifications

Model A-AC08
Total length (m) 1.920
Overall width(m) 0.675
Total height (m) 1.105
Wheelbase(m) 1.255
Minimum ground clearance(m) 0.170
Seat height(m) 0.770
Vehicle weight (kg) 94
Dry weight (kg) 82
Passenger capacity (persons) 1
Fuel economy (km/L) 65 (30km/h steady state test value)
Minimum turning radius (m) 2.0
Engine type AC08E (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 (PS/rpm) 7.2/8,500
Maximum torque (kg-m/rpm) 0.65/7,500
Carburetor Type PF16
Starting method Kick Type
Ignition method CDI type magnet ignition
Lubrication Method Separate lubrication type
Lubricating oil capacity (L) 1.2
Fuel tank capacity(L) 11
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
Reduction ratio primary/secondary 4.117/3.071
Caster (degrees) 26°30′
Trail (mm) 72
Tire size Front 2.50-18-4PR | Rear 2.75-18-4PR
Brake Type Front Hydraulic disc | Rear Mechanical Leading Trailing
Suspension Front Telescopic | Rear Swing arm (Prolink)
Frame Format Semi-double cradle

April 20, 1984, Press Release, Honda releases the road sports bike "Honda MBX50" equipped with a water-cooled, two-stroke engine

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will release the Honda MBX50, a road sports bike equipped with a water-cooled, two-stroke, single-cylinder (total displacement: 49 cm3 ) engine, on April 21st, which can be used for a wide range of purposes, from entry-level models to general road touring.

The engine installed in this MBX50 adopts a four-leaf reed valve with a straightening plate that provides smooth intake to the inlet port, a hemispherical combustion chamber with excellent combustion efficiency, and a large exhaust chamber, which together provide powerful torque characteristics from low to medium speeds.

The body design adopts a body size (wheelbase: 1260mm) that allows for a relaxed riding posture. The frame is a lightweight, high-rigidity semi-double cradle frame. The rear suspension is a Pro-Link type that is well-received for its excellent road-following ability, and the front wheel brake is a hydraulic disc brake with Honda's unique dual piston caliper. In addition, the front and rear wheels are equipped with lightweight boomerang-shaped all-aluminum Sports Comstars, making it a fully equipped road sports bike.
Honda's 50cc class sports bikes now include the MTX50R land sports bike, the TLM50 trekking bike, and the MBX50, and are able to meet the needs of a wide range of customers, from on-road to off-road.

Sales plan (domestic/annual)

10,000 units (planned)

National Standard Cash Price

189,000 yen
(Prices for Hokkaido and Okinawa are 5,000 yen higher. Other, some remote islands are excluded.)

Other key features

○Sporty under-cowl is standard equipment.

○Translucent speedometer and tachometer are used.

○Equipped with a large-capacity (12V3AH) small battery.

Specifications

Model A-AC08
Total length (m) 1.920
Overall width(m) 0.675
Total height (m) 1.000
Wheelbase(m) 1.260
Minimum ground clearance(m) 0.165
Seat height(m) 0.770
Vehicle weight (kg) 93
Dry weight (kg) 81
Passenger capacity (persons) 1
Fuel economy (km/L) 65 (30km/h steady state test value)
Climbing ability (tanθ) 0.46 (approx. 25 degrees)
Minimum turning radius (m) 2.0
Engine type AC08E (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 (PS/rpm) 5.6/6,500
Maximum torque (kg-m/rpm) 0.63/6,000
Carburetor Type PF11
Starting method Primary Kick
Ignition method CDI type magnet ignition
Lubrication Method Separate lubrication type
Lubricating oil capacity (L) 1.2
Fuel tank capacity(L) 12
Clutch type Wet type multi-plate coil spring
Transmission type Constant mesh type 5-stage return
Gear ratios, 1st gear 3.083, 2nd speed 1.882, 3rd speed 1.400, 4-speed 1.130, 5-speed 1.000
Reduction ratio primary/secondary 4.117/3.615
Caster (degrees) 26°30′
Trail (mm) 72
Tire size front 2.50-18-4PR | rear 2.75-18-4PR
Brake Type Front Hydraulic disc | Rear Mechanical Leading Trailing
Suspension method Front Telescopic | Rear Swing arm (Prolink)
Frame Format Semi-double cradle

February 25, 1982, Press Release, Honda releases MBX50, a road sports bike with authentic class and texture

 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will release the Honda MBX50 on March 1st. The new bike has the class and feel of a true road sports bike, and offers a relaxed ride.

The MBX50 has a long wheelbase design (1255mm) that allows for a comfortable ride in a relaxed riding position that reduces fatigue not only in city driving but also in long-distance touring.

In addition, the large 12L fuel tank, front fender with air guide, turn signals integrated with the rear cowl, tail lamp, etc. further emphasize the bike's status as a full-fledged sports bike.

The engine is a newly designed water-cooled two-stroke 49cc engine that uses technologies such as Honda's unique four-leaf reed valve with a straightening plate, which improves ease of use in the low and medium speed ranges. It has excellent fuel economy (73.0km/L, 30km/h constant speed test value), and coupled with the large fuel tank, it makes long-distance touring enjoyable.

In addition, the body uses a high-rigidity semi-double cradle frame using ultra-high tensile steel around the head pipe, and has a lightweight design (dry weight 79kg) that is easy to handle.

The rear suspension is a Pro-Link type that has already been adopted in high-end sports cars and has been highly praised. This, combined with the large diameter 29φ front forks and lightweight aluminum boomerang-shaped Sports Comstar wheels, provides excellent manoeuvrability and ride comfort.

The front brakes use Honda's unique dual piston calipers, providing excellent braking performance.

In addition, the bike is fully equipped with a 12-volt, 3-amp battery, a large rectangular headlamp (35 watts), and a highly visible translucent meter with illuminated needles.

The sales plan is

The planned production volume is 12,000 units per year.

Standard cash price is

186,000 yen

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

MBX50 Main Specifications

Total length (m) 1.920
Overall width (m) 0.675
Height (m) 1.000
Wheelbase (m) 1.255
Dry weight (kg) 79
Seat height (mm) 770
Frame Format Semi-double cradle
Tire size (front) 2.50-18-4PR | (rear) 2.75-18-4PR
Engine type AC03E 2-stroke single cylinder
Cooling Method Water Cooling
Caster/Trail (m/m) 26°30′/72
Total displacement (cm 3 ) 49
Inner diameter x stroke (mm) 39.0×41.4
Maximum power (PS/rpm) 7.2/8,500
Maximum torque (kg-m/rpm) 0.65/7,500
Compression Ratio 7.3
Starting method Kick Type
Ignition method CDI with 2-stage retard
Fuel tank capacity (L) 12.0
Transmission type 6-speed return
Gear ratios, 1st gear 3.545, 2nd speed 2.333, 3rd speed 1.722, 4-speed 1.380, 5-speed 1.173, 6-speed 1.041
Shock absorber, Front Telescopic | (rear) Pro Link
Carburetor PF15
Battery YB3L 12V-3AH

Press Release, January 20, 1989 - Honda releases two types of road sports bike "Honda NS50F" with dual headlights

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will release an even more fearless version of the Honda NS50F, a popular road sports bike with a large body and full-fledged equipment despite being 50cc, with dual headlights that give it an even more aggressive look and a new color scheme from February 15, 1989, and a Rothmans color specification (limited edition) from January 21 of the same year.

The new NS50F engine is a water-cooled, two-stroke, single-cylinder engine that is easy to handle from low and mid-range to high-range and has a powerful output characteristic (7.2PS/10,000rpm). The half fairing equipped on the large frame body is newly equipped with a lens-integrated dual headlight (pale yellow krypton bulb, 18W/18W x 2). In addition to the basic design suitable for long-distance touring, it has also improved usability for night driving.

The coloring design is set to two colors: "Red & White" inspired by HRC racers and "Dark Blue Metallic" color of the Seed Racing Team. At the same time, "Blue & White" color of the Rothmans Honda team is set as a limited coloring model, further enhancing the authentic sports mood.

Sales plan (domestic/annual)
20,000 units (including 4,000 limited editions)

National Standard Cash Price
225,000 yen

(Excluding Hokkaido and Okinawa, which are 5,000 yen higher, and some other remote islands.)

Specifications 

Model A-AC08
Overall length x overall width x overall height (m) 1.855×0.630×1.065
Wheelbase(m) 1.260
Minimum ground clearance(m) 0.170
Seat height(m) 0.760
Vehicle weight/dry weight (kg) 92/79
Passenger capacity (persons) 1
Fuel economy (km/L) 50km/h constant speed test value 61.5
Minimum turning radius (m) 2.4
Engine type AC08E (water-cooled 2-stroke single cylinder)
Total displacement (cm 3 ) 49
Inner diameter x stroke (mm) 39.0×41.4
Compression Ratio 7.2
Maximum power (PS/rpm) 7.2/10,000
Maximum torque (kg-m/rpm) 0.65/7,500
Carburettor Type PF70
Starting method Kick Type
Ignition type CDI type magnet ignition
Lubrication Method Separate lubrication type
Lubricating oil capacity (L) 1.2
Fuel tank capacity(L) 10.0
Clutch type Wet type multi-plate coil spring
Transmission type Constant mesh 6-speed return
Gear ratios: 1st gear 3.545 | 2nd speed 2.333 | 3rd speed 1.722 | 4-speed 1.380 | 5-speed 1.173 | 6-speed 1.041
Reduction ratio (primary/secondary) 4.117/2.928
Caster(degrees)/Trail(mm) 25°30′/70
Tire size Front 2.75-17-4PR | Rear 3.00-17-4PR
Brake Type Front Hydraulic disc | Rear Mechanical Leading/Trailing
Suspension method Front Telescopic Type | Rear Swing arm type
Frame Format Semi-double cradle

Honda NSR125R JC20

The NSR 125-R type JC20 , was Honda's response to the ever increasingly popular 125 class and increased completion not only from its fellow Japanese rivals but more so from the Italian brands like Aprilia with its AF1 series, Cagiva's Freccia and Mito, and Gilera with its SP models. Customers were no longer interested in small, budget bikes but desired real motorcycles with big bike features that just so happened to be 125cc. It is characterised by its full fairing and was offered alongside the NSR-F with which it shares the chassis and engine.

The R featured a unique warning light bridge that extended from the fuel tank, over the top yoke where it met the bodywork under the clocks. The ignition was relocated to a special panel inside the right side of the clocks.

Warning lights with the ignition obscured by the front brake cylinder

Following the success of the NS125 (an earlier model to the NSR), the NSR125 JC20 was designed and assembled by Honda Italia Industriale S.p.A. in Rome, Italy. Grimeca was contracted to produce the aluminium cast frame (2-piece, die-cast, bolt together construction), wheels and brake assemblies. The engine was manufactured by Gilardoni with Dell'Orto supplying the carburetor. Marzocchi supplied forks and suspension while Pagani provided instrumentation and lighting. The Grimeca rear wheel was 18 inch in diameter, while the front was 17 inch and shod in Pirelli MT-45 tires.

The R was an immediate success in sales and on the track where it took over from the F which, despite the absence of the fairing, achieved good success in the '88 edition of the Sport Production championship. Followed on the track directly by the Honda Italia Racing service , the new R conquered the top positions in the rankings on many occasions and in 1989 it won the title in the over 21 category .

The NSR125R follows the same multi-spoke wheel and fender updates as the F model and in 1991 and 1992 two special versions dedicated to the Sport Production championship were also put on sale and could be purchased freely with or without a driver's license.

The NSR125R remained in production until the very early months of 1993 , when it was replaced by the new NSR-R JC22 .

Motor Single cylinder, 2 stroke, liquid cooled
Displacement 124.8cc
Bore x Stroke 54 x 54.5 mm
Maximum Power 21.3 kW
Clutch Multi-disc in oil bath
Start-up Electric
Chassis Die-cast aluminum alloy
Front suspension Telescopic hydraulic fork
Rear suspension Swingarm with hydraulic monoshock
Front brake Hydraulic disc
Rear brake Swingarm with hydraulic monoshock
Weight (dry) 132 kg.

Pre-production drawings of paintwork studies

NSR125 RK 1989

Red/ White/ Blue

Red/ White

White/Blue/ Aqua/ Pink

NSR125 RL 1990

New Grimeca six spoke wheels and a front mudguard with a thinner profile

Red/ White/ Blue, 'HRC' style

White/ Blue/ Red/ Aqua

NSR125 RM 1991

Black, Purple, Aqua, Pink

NSR125 RN 1992

Red/ White/ Blue, 

Black/ Bronze

NSR125 R3M SP91

Produced in 1991, the NSR 125 R3M, or SP91, is a special version designed to race in the Sport Production '91 championship, where Honda had achieved great success in previous editions. Featuring updated suspension, centre stand delete. New cylinder, piston, compression ratio, ignition, gearbox, Arrow exhaust kick start only

SP91

NSR125 R3N SP92

SP92

Honda NSR125 F JC20

Making its debut in 87 (on sale 88) the first generation of the NSR125F was a step forward over the proceeding NS model and series and again like the NS it assembled in Rome, Italy, by Honda Italia Industriale.

The all new NSR125 JC20 featured a unique 'Allcast' aluminium frame by Grimeca made in two halves and then bolted together, a new single cylinder two-stroke engine with the RC-valve power valve system and electric start, producing an extremely healthy 31hp. Suspension was by Marzocchi and new cast alloy wheels again by Grimeca.  

The NSR125 JC20 remained largely unchanged during its production run, with only minor updates coming in 1990 with multi spoke wheels and colour changes. In 1992, it was replaced by the NSR 125 F Raiden  model, which featured a new frame design derived from the Japan only CBR400 NC29.   

Technical Specs

Motor: Single cylinder, 2 stroke, liquid cooled with RC valve 
Bore x stroke: 54 x 54.5 mm
Displacement: 124.8cc
Maximum Power: 31hp / 21.3 kW @10500rpm
Clutch: Multi-disc in oil bath
Start-up: Electric
Chassis: Die-cast alloy by Grimeca
Front suspension: 35mm Marzocchi hydraulic fork
Rear suspension: Prolink with Marzocchi shock
Front brake: 316mm Hydraulic disc, twin piston calliper
Rear brake: 220mm Hydraulic disc, single piston calliper 
Front Tyre: 100/80 -17
Rear Tyre: 130/70-18
Seat Height: 800mm
Weight (dry): 132 Kg.

NSR125FJ 88

Blue/ Black

Green/ Black

Red/ White/ Green

NSR125FK 1989

White/ Blue/ Pink

Red/ White

NSR125FL - known as the F11 - 1990

The FL is a lightly updated version of the F and features:

New air intakes called AIS (Air Intake System) which improve engine breathing by channelling fresh air directly to the airbox.
NEW instrumentation graphics with black background.
Slimmer profile front fender.
New alloy wheels

Black/ Aqua

Red

NSR125FM 1991

This version is the first NSR F officially imported in to the UK and available in two colours.

Black/ Red

White/ Pink

Black/ Red/ Silver

Silver/ Black

NSR125FN 1992

Blue/ Red

Honda NS125F, R and R2

NS125F

The Honda NS125 was first presented at the Bologna Motor Show in December 1984 and went on sale in April 1985. The engine is a liquid cooled, 124.5 cc (7.60 cu in), two-stroke which used Honda's ATAC system (Automatically Controlled Torque Amplification Chamber). The NS was Honda's first attempt at the high end 125cc sports bike market in Italy; therefore it was built in Atessa, Italy and many of the parts used were made by well known Italian brands such as Dell'Orto for the carburettor, Marzocchi forks and single rear shock and Grimeca wheels and front disk brake. Honda, Japan supplied the spec sheets and a few parts like the electrics, piston and barrel. Colours are White and Silver or Red and Grey.

Specs

Type: Single cylinder, two-stroke, reed valve induction, liquid cooled
Displacement: 124.5 cm3
Bore X Stroke: 56 x 50.6mm
Compression Ratio: 6.5:1
Fuel System: 26 mm Dell`Orto PHBH 26 FS
Horsepower: 12ps @ 7000rpm (25 HP)
Gearbox: 6-speed
Final Drive: Chain
Starter: Kick
Front Suspension: Telescopic fork 35 mm
Rear Suspension: Pro-link monoshock hydraulic
Front Brake: Single disc 245 mm
Rear Brake: Drum 86.4 mm
Dimensions: w 2010mm x w 720mm x h 1140mm
Seat Height: 780mm
Wheelbase: 1349 mm
Dry Weight: 107kg
Fuel Capacity: 14.4 L
Tyres specs: Front: 3.25-16 - Rear: 3.50-18

The NS125F 1986 model, type TC01, was offered in the UK market for the first time with a heavily restricted 12bhp engine and without the ATAC power vlave system. Colours are Blue, White and Red and Red and Grey.

The 1987 model featured revised alloy 'rear set' foot pegs for the rider and pillion opposed to the welded frame style of the previous version. UK colours remained the same with Red and White with white wheels offered in Europe.

Racing + Trofeo kit

The NS-F competed in the 1986 Italian 125 sport production class, which due to its infancy and lack of competitors it easily won. Honda Italia organised a single brand 'Trophy' race with over 100 entrants and offered a 'Trophy' (Trofeo) Kit which included side and fork covers which was sold as an aftermarket add on.

NS125F with the addition of the Trofeo kit

NS125R

Presented in January 1987 and marketed soon after, the NS-R, also TC01 type, is the faired version of the NS-F presented two years earlier and with which it shares chassis and engine.

The UK (restricted) versions were offered in VFR750 colours of plain White or plain Red to accentuate its big bike looks and feel, indeed the NS was considerably larger than its main Japanese rivals. To go along with the 'VFR' style the bike featured 'NSR' on the fairing often causing confusion that this model was a NSR rather than a NS - R,!

NS125R - UK spec

The R model was offered in White with Red stripe in Europe

NS125R2

The R2 model had twin front disc brakes and was offered in Rothmans and Parisienne (Cornu) and finally the Adriatico in the colours of the Italian flag which was made for the Japanese market.

Rothmans

Parisienne - Jacques Cornu replica

Adriatico