With the launch of the CZ100 in 1960, Honda created the class of machine known as ‘monkey bikes’, so called because of their diminutive stature. The power unit was the C100 step-thru’s reliable four-stroke single. An ultra-short wheelbase, small wheels and a vestigial fuel tank were all features of a machine which, in the case of the folding handlebar version, could be fitted into the boot of a car. An important milestone in Monkey development was reached in 1974 with the launch of the Z50J, which featured front and rear suspension like a ‘proper’ motorcycle while retaining the overhead-camshaft engine and 8” wheels, first seen on the Z50M and Z50A respectively. In 1978 the Z50J Monkey was heavily revised with a larger fuel tank, front and rear racks, 12-volt CDI ignition, manual clutch and four-speed box, becoming the more aggressive looking ‘Gorilla’. Immensely popular as paddock transport the world over, Monkeys are currently much in vogue, with a flourishing owners club in the UK. With Honda in Japan ceasing production of the existing Monkey and Gorilla in 2007, pending the arrival of new fuel-injected models for 2008, original examples of these charismatic little machines can only become increasingly collectible. This Z50J Gorilla was privately imported into the UK in late 1979 and has seen little use since. Kept garaged, it displays a total of only 1,807 kilometres on the odometer. The machine benefits from a recent general service and is offered with the relevant invoice (dated 21.04.06) and Swansea V5 registration document.
With the launch of the CZ100 in 1960, Honda created the class of machine known as ‘monkey bikes’, so called because of their diminutive stature. The power unit was the C100 step-thru’s reliable four-stroke single. An ultra-short wheelbase, small wheels and a vestigial fuel tank were all features of a machine which, in the case of the folding handlebar version, could be fitted into the boot of a car. An important milestone in Monkey development was reached in 1974 with the launch of the Z50J, which featured front and rear suspension like a ‘proper’ motorcycle while retaining the overhead-camshaft engine and 8” wheels, first seen on the Z50M and Z50A respectively. In 1978 the Z50J Monkey was heavily revised with a larger fuel tank, front and rear racks, 12-volt CDI ignition, manual clutch and four-speed box, becoming the more aggressive looking ‘Gorilla’. Immensely popular as paddock transport the world over, Monkeys are currently much in vogue, with a flourishing owners club in the UK. With Honda in Japan ceasing production of the existing Monkey and Gorilla in 2007, pending the arrival of new fuel-injected models for 2008, original examples of these charismatic little machines can only become increasingly collectible. This Z50J Gorilla was privately imported into the UK in late 1979 and has seen little use since. Kept garaged, it displays a total of only 1,807 kilometres on the odometer. The machine benefits from a recent general service and is offered with the relevant invoice (dated 21.04.06) and Swansea V5 registration document.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
