1969 z50

H

hooter ray

Member
IMG_20150619_194146.jpgI just picked up this little bike.I had to have it since its identical to the first bike I had.
Manufacture date 11/69 Z50A. 243461
Engine # Z50AE-242843View attachment 25860View attachment 25860
 
Mini K1

Mini K1

Member
Nice, very nice. Looks like a K2 rear fender and taillight bracket... Maybe a transition phase in the higher number K1?

Not nit-picking at all, for it's really a cutie. Nice find and thanks for sharing.
 
Mini K1

Mini K1

Member
It seems like a higher number K1 Ray, but I'd see what other folks may say as well. I did notice the beefier frame mounted taillight bracket, which is a plus.

Here is a site that give more specifics on the Z50A, Mini Trail lineup. Honda Z50A, Mini Trail

Have fun.


-Doug
 
ez50

ez50

Well-Known Member
Lucky kid. I'm one of those boys that his parents wouldn't get him one.
Nice bike. Can't tell if it's been repainted.
It does have the K2 fender and tail section. I'd be interested in those harder to find K2 pieces. The K1 stuff is easy to locate. I try to keep new ones on hand all the time.
 
cjpayne

cjpayne

Well-Known Member
My daughter's K2 has a manufacture date of 1/70, so yours is definitely a late K1. Is the bike restored or all original? I bet kirrbby can help here with the I.D. questions.
 
kirrbby

kirrbby

Well-Known Member
That's a great lookin Z50 any way you shake it. I does look like a K1 with a K2 rear fender and TL bracket. I don't remember ever hearing of any body part type oddities in the late & early k1 k2 bikes. Some 68 parts went onto the early K1 bikes for sure, so it's certainly possible. I think I'd be lookin to put the k1 parts on there to save a argument. As ez50 said, the K2 parts you have on there are desirable parts that would be best used on a k2. The K1 stuff you need, is easier to come by. They made a ton of K1's.
270236 is what the book shows as the first K2 Z50's frame #.
 
ez50

ez50

Well-Known Member
The changes were made in the K0-K1 runs. K2's are clear cut. It is or it isn't. The only exception would be that you can find K2 motor #'s in K3's.
Your late K1 could have a mix of bolt markings. The early 8 and yours could be far enough along to have all 0's w/ a - in the center.
If that seat has nothing wrong with it, I would encourage you to stash it in a safe place.
 
H

hooter ray

Member
The bike does not appear to have been repainted. It looks all original including the decal on the top of tank showing some wear and tear as well as other places.
So I guess that gives me something to think about 1: leave it as is and not worry about it or
2. Change out k2 parts to k1parts
I would assume one w different year parts wouldn't have the value of an original?
 
H

hooter ray

Member
I looked at the bolts and some are 8 and some are 0.
What are you referring to in the center?
The seat is perfect. I also took a few more pics
Thanks for your help!
IMG_20150620_155656.jpgIMG_20150620_155803.jpgIMG_20150620_155837.jpgIMG_20150620_155718.jpg
 
kirrbby

kirrbby

Well-Known Member
I think what ez is referring to on the bolts is the earlier bolts have a very distinct 8 on the head. The later style kinda looks more like a zero with a dash line going thru the center of the zero, to form a 8. Both are Honda #8 markings, only different styles. They have changed over the years. 4 5 6 8 times?? Not sure.

-- with the seat, maybe another case of too nice to ride. It's easy to crack old vinyl by putting a full grown man on it and then goin bouncing around the hood. There will be no more originals coming along to replace it with when it's gone. Best to get a nice soft new one to use, and save the old.
 
Last edited:
H

hooter ray

Member
kirrbby said:
I think what ez is referring to on the bolts is the earlier bolts have a very distinct 8 on the head. The later style kinda looks more like a zero with a dash line going thru the center of the zero, to form a 8. Both are Honda #8 markings, only different styles. They have changed over the years. 4 5 6 8 times?? Not sure.

-- with the seat, maybe another case of too nice to ride. It's easy to crack old vinyl by putting a full grown man on it and then goin bouncing around the hood. There will be no more originals coming along to replace it with when it's gone. Best to get a nice soft new one to use, and save the old.
Click to expand...

They are about half and half
 
H

hooter ray

Member
What would you recommend putting on the seat to preserve and protect it,armorall or saddle soap or something like that?
I need to find a used one for it so I can ride it a little more before I put it away.Im scared to sit on it now!
 
ez50

ez50

Well-Known Member
New Honda for around 180 or aftermarket for $75. Try NEVC.
303 Aerospace Protectant. It's actually an awesome UV blocker. Ya, those wrinkles will turn into cracks.
I've seen nice seats like that go for $300 + on ebay.
Great little bike
 
H

hooter ray

Member
Ok played around with the z50 a little today... 1.throttle doesn't return to idle as it should. Is there a spring in assembly under the grip that makes it return or is it the one under the cap on carb or do both play a part...2.I have slight exaust leak @ end of exhaust pipe where it goes in the muffler. I was thinking you guys may know of a easy repair
Thanks
 
Top