Christmas Special: 1986 Honda Z50RD

Special Editions are nothing new to the classic world, with manufacturers devising a seemingly endless list of reasons to send something distinctive to dealerships to entice potential buyers. Honda followed that practice in 1986 with its iconic Z50 Monkey Bike, releasing the Z50RD Christmas Special. The build total was small, and they are highly prized. Our feature Honda isn’t perfect, but it is complete and unmolested. It could be ideal for someone seeking a project but has limited workshop space.

Honda released its Z50RD as a Christmas Special in 1986. The company produced 3,000 of these little gems, with a matched pair sent for free to the 1,500 most successful dealers to sell at a profit. The Z50RD was distinctive because almost anything on these machines that wasn’t made from alloy, rubber, vinyl, or plastic was chrome-plated. Many saw active service, but a few owners and dealers squirreled them away as long-term investments. That strategy was wise because these little Hondas now pack a punch in the classic market. Our feature machine has obviously been used as its creators intended because it wears the marks and scars that confirm it hasn’t always remained in the upright position. The seat vinyl is ripped and torn, but this photo of the fuel tank reveals what could be the greatest challenge facing the new owner if they plan a faithful restoration. The dents are pretty significant, and it is hard to determine whether they could be addressed successfully. That leaves the buyer with a couple of choices. Genuine pristine tanks are rare, and those that hit the market typically sell for around $1,500. The alternative would be to locate a clean standard Monkey Bike tank and send it to the platers. A few other chrome pieces probably require similar treatment, but the good news is that the decals needed to add the finishing touch are readily available. Finding a seat and replacements for the damaged hand grips won’t be as challenging, and with that work complete and the alloy polished, this Honda should present nicely.

The Z50RD may have looked unusual, but its mechanical specifications were pure Monkey Bike. The 49cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine sent its power to the ground via a three-speed transmission with an automatic clutch. That made these machines ideal for young people to cut their teeth on a motorcycle and helps explain their enormous success. Almost anyone who could ride a pushbike could come to grips with these machines because the clutch operation was removed from the equation. The mechanical components have proved robust, and many Z50s have chugged along merrily with nothing beyond regular servicing for decades. Potential buyers should consider this RD a “goer.” The seller says it runs and rides and is ready to give a young person a slice of motoring joy.

While classic Harley-Davidsons are typically the star performers in the motorcycle world, the 1986 Honda Z50RD packs quite a punch for its size. The seller listed it here on eBay in Granbury, Texas. Bidding raced past the reserve, currently sitting at $3,600. I believe the price will go higher, but to what extent will depend on how determined two or more people are to take it home. It won’t match the record price of $51,000 paid for a matched pair still in the crate, but it will be fascinating to monitor this auction for its outcome.