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
It seems Honda was not finished with the V3 MVX and developed it in to a 400cc bike to take on proposed big-bore models from Yamaha and Suzuki. The MVX400 was almost production ready when Yamaha launched the RD (RZV)500 a real GP500 replica bike that caused such a stir that Honda pulled the bike and re-developed the bike into the NS400R. All we know about the MVX400 is that Honda produced a dealer flyer which occasionally come on the market.
"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.
"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).
Group member Chris Bronstijnm is a keen collector (and trader) of little Honda's and he wanted to share two MT8's from his collection. The first red bike is is a restored French model and the second white model is a rather incredible NEW OLD STOCK German bike.
