TheScooterScoop

(You can look, but you can’t touch if you live the USA. No 2008 monkey for YOU!)

Australia is getting “hooked-up” next month with the reintroduction of the Honda Z50M, where “M” is for “Monkey”.

If you’re bored and wanna see how much Honda thinks we’re the red headed stepchild, I recommend reading the press release:

When Honda wanted to develop a bike in the early 1960’s specifically to introduce Japanese kids to motorcycling, they called on the same engine used to power the highly successful Cub. The motor was considered to be bullet proof and, importantly, could be fitted into a tiny chassis.

Over the past four decades, the Monkey bike has come in a number of distinguished guises. Its popularity has proved unwavering with a cult following of devotees always ready for the next incarnation.

The Monkey 40th Anniversary Special has been produced in a similar fashion to the original Monkey Z50M launched and features the check-patterned “tartan” seat made popular by the original model. This time stylish studs have been added to give it an even more unique look.

The 4.5 litre (1.2 Gal) fuel tank offers a refined feel through the use of graphite black detailing whilst the frame and front and rear wheels are painted in a specially prepared Monza Red finish.

A commemorative 40th Anniversary Logo also features on the top section of the fuel tank, the side cover and the main key areas. Further, a special coating has been applied to the head light case, the exhaust pipe cover, the chain case and the 3D fuel emblem to ensure that this is truly a luxurious, special edition model.

The Monkey Bike is powered by a 49cc air cooled, 4 stroke OHC single cylinder, and also features telescopic forks, a convenient carry rack, an ‘old school’ swingarm and much more.

This new Z50 will no doubt attract a whole fresh legion of followers, similar to those who came on board when it first appeared as a ride at the “Tama Tech” theme park in Hirano city, Tokyo all those years ago.

The Australian release of the Z50M will be available from Honda Dealers nationally early September at a retail price of $3490.00 (that $2842 US Clams)

Information and specifications will be available shortly.

That’s it. Sounds fun, eh? You know… Honda used to love us back in the days. Where did it all go wrong? Remember the Trail 70, the Trail 90? We used to get the Monkey too. Where have all the quirky bikes gone?

Cheers to our friends down under at scootersales.com.au for the scoop!