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.)

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