Monkey bike
Encyclopedia
Monkey bike is the name given by Honda to one of their small, low-powered motorcycles introduced in the 1960s. The first Honda monkey was the 1961 Z100. Later Monkeys were designated Z50, such as the Z50A(US),J,M,R(US) and Z.
These vehicles all had a 2HP 49cc single horizontal cylinder four-stroke engine, and a seat height of less than 22 inches (55 cm). The very first Monkey bikes did not have any suspension but this was soon added to the front forks. By 1974 when the Z50J was introduced (US 1972 Z50AK3) suspension had been added to the rear as well. The first Monkey bikes had 3.5x5" wheels, however later models had 3.5x8" wheels.
Numerous similar designs predate the Honda model, notably the World War II
Welbike
motorcycle used by parachutists. However it wasn't until the introduction of the Honda monkey bike that this type of design became commonplace.
The Honda Dax model is not often considered a Monkey, more a larger, two-seat variant with larger 10" wheels and usually a larger engine. The Dax models have a monocoque stamped sheet metal frame. This also houses the fuel tank, battery and wiring loom.
These vehicles all had a 2HP 49cc single horizontal cylinder four-stroke engine, and a seat height of less than 22 inches (55 cm). The very first Monkey bikes did not have any suspension but this was soon added to the front forks. By 1974 when the Z50J was introduced (US 1972 Z50AK3) suspension had been added to the rear as well. The first Monkey bikes had 3.5x5" wheels, however later models had 3.5x8" wheels.
Numerous similar designs predate the Honda model, notably the World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
Welbike
Welbike
The Welbike was a British single-seat motorcycle devised during World War Two at Station IX — the "Inter Services Research Bureau" — based at Welwyn, UK, for use by Special Operations Executive . It has the distinction of being the smallest motorcycle ever used by the British Armed Forces,...
motorcycle used by parachutists. However it wasn't until the introduction of the Honda monkey bike that this type of design became commonplace.
The Honda Dax model is not often considered a Monkey, more a larger, two-seat variant with larger 10" wheels and usually a larger engine. The Dax models have a monocoque stamped sheet metal frame. This also houses the fuel tank, battery and wiring loom.