Lot details
Frame No: ST50-134182
Engine No: ST50E-106010

The concept of the "mini motorcycle" was not a new one, with machines such as the Corgi in the UK and the Mustang in the States achieving varying degrees of popularity. With the introduction of the Monkey Bike, Honda did with the mini bike concept what they were to do so well in other areas of motorcycle design, they took an idea and refined it to the point where it became accessible to non motorcyclists. The C100 power unit was both refined and reliable requiring little in the way of maintenance and was housed in a simple rigid frame with unsprung forks riding on five inch diameter wheels. A thickly padded single seat provided adequate comfort for the short trips the machine was intended to undertake and a simple electrical system was fitted, whilst the provision of folding handlebars meant that the little machine could be tucked away when not in use. The CZ 100 Monkey bike quickly established itself and led to the development of the Z range that are still available today. During the early seventies Honda announced a slightly larger variant of the mini bike in the form of the ST range. The new models employed a pressed steel frame which incorporated the fuel tank and were equipped with a swinging arm rear suspension and was fitted with a dualseat. Small diameter wheels and folding handlebars were used ensuring that the machine could be carried on a camper, boat or in a race transport, but the larger size provided extra stability and enabled the carriage of pillion.
This example of the ST50, dating from 1972 is finished in blue has been used as a paddock bike. It is offered in good original condition and is accompanied by a green log book.