1964 Honda Monkey

2009 May 4

by Rene'

1964 Honda 50cc CZ100 Monkey

Small is … successful
Marketing genius and mechanical perfectionist Soichiro Honda produced the most profitable vehicle of his career in 1958, with the first C100 Super Cub.

All-Time Bestseller
This big, open-frame 50cc bike won over Asia and the US as well as much of Europe, and became, through its many variants, such as the C110 and CT200, the most popular powered two-wheeler in the world. In 1987, when he celebrated his 50 millionth motorcycle, Honda announced that production of the Cub in all its variants had reached the astronomic total of 17.5 million.

Unpredictable Streak
But Honda wasn’t content with knowing how to make the motorcycles that all the world wanted; he also had that streak of unpredictability that goes with genius and would sometimes pick up off-the-wall projects and run with them. And so the Monkey was born in 1960. Initially intended to teach children to ride, it was a crazy combination, in the smallest possible space, of the indestructible Cub engine topped by the tank of a C110 and mounted between two 5 inch wheels. Astonishingly, it was not only capable of being ridden by an adult but was also efficient, and its humorous look coupled with the proven reliability of its engine ensured its long-term success in the niche market of boat owners, racing drivers and trailer buffs, who fell for this handy little runabout. The original Monkey bike ended up with an ohc engine and was replaced by more developed versions, some with front suspension. There’s still a Monkey bike in the Honda catalogue – the name retains its magic.

SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 49cc (40x39mm) air-cooled horizontal single-cylinder four-stroke; flywheel magneto
Power Rating: 4.5 hp @ 9500 rpm
Valves: overhead
Fuel System: carburetor
Transmission: 3-speed (dual selector also operates clutch), chain final drive
Suspension: none
Brakes: drum (front & rear)
Wheels: 3.50×5 inch (front & rear)
Weight: 93 lb
Maximum Speed: 25 mph

A fashionable Icon of the 1960s, the cheeky Monkey bike is now a collectors’ item, and early examples sell for extremely inflated prices.

This and many other Atlas Editions Classic Motorcycle cards are available for purchase.