Lot 01: Easy Rider M50 Millenium Monkey Bike
Goodness knows where the inspiration came from for the name or the idea of a miniature motor bike but motorcycle genius Soichiro Honda's original design, the CZ100 'Mini Bike', still has an enthusiastic following, and an original example will now set you back a few thousand sovs. AKA the 'Monkey Bike', by which it was and will be forever known, the first of the line had a 49cc pushrod engine, rigid forks, single seat and 5'' wheels. Soon upgraded to the CZ50M, a sort of de-luxe version, with ohc engine from the step-thru C50 and tartan twin folding seat. Next up was the Z50A which had tele forks, 8'' wheels with knobblys, high level exhaust and you could have a red, blue or yellow colour scheme. That model then morphed into the Z50AK2 which was almost exactly the same and named, after its tank badges, the 'Mini-Trail'. Ironically the Far East motorcycle industry has spent the last four decades cloning Mr Honda's designs, some official others not, and there are many copies of the Monkey Bike available on the market today. Indeed the term has become somewhat generic now and can apply to any miniature motorcycle.
The bike on offer would appear to be of Oriental origin branded Jincheng ''Easy Rider Monkey Bike'' and looks to be a very good replica of the Honda Z50AK2. A 2000 'Millennium Edition' it has only 98 miles on the odometer and looks to be in very good condition. It has a V5, together with expired MOT certificates to 2007 and is fitted with many extras. Ideal for mounting on the back of your motor home.
| Auction |
Motorcycles H&H Sales Limited, The Imperial War Museum, Duxford |
|---|---|
| Type | Motorcycle |
| Lot Number | 01 |
| Estimate | £300-£500 |
| Outcome | SOLD |
| Hammer Price | - |
| Hammer Price (inc premium) | £450 |
| Year | 2000 |
| Condition rating | 3 |
| Registration number | X571NYG |
| Mileage | - |
| Chassis number | 1000177 |
| Engine number | 100058 |
| Engine capacity (cc) | 49 |
| Engine - cylinders | |
| Number of doors |