Honda Z50RD

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Honda Z50RD
ManufacturerHonda
Also calledChristmas Special
Production1986
PredecessorHonda Z50A
SuccessorHonda XR50R
ClassMinibike
Engine49 cc (3.0 cu in), OHC, air cooled, four stroke, single
Transmission3-speed semi-automatic transmission
Frame typeBackbone
BrakesDrum
Tires3.50-8
Related

The Honda Z50RD, also known as the Christmas Special or the Chrome Edition, is an all-chrome Honda Z series minibike released in 1986. A limited edition of the Honda Z50R[a], it is considered to be rare.

Specifications[edit]

The Z50RD has the same specifications as the 1986 Honda Z50R: a 49 cc single-piston engine, three-speed transmission, and drum brakes. The distinguishing feature of the Z50RD is that most of its visible parts—including the fuel tank, fenders, exhaust, forks, frame, wheels, and handlebars—are chromed.[1][2] The wheel hubs, and the parts of the motor that are not chromed, are polished and clear-coated.[3]

History[edit]

Z50RDs were manufactured in July or August 1986, and shipped to Honda dealers in December.[3] The combined total of Z50Rs and Z50RDs shipped by Honda in 1986 was 11,652, but the total number for Z50RDs alone is unknown.[3] Nor is it known how many dealers were allowed to purchase Z50RDs, but some collectors believe that each dealer could buy 2; there were 805 Honda dealers in the United States in the 1980s.[1]

The Z50RD received the nicknames "Christmas Special"—because it was shipped in December 1986, and had a decal on its fuel tank reading "Special"—and "Chrome Edition", after its extensive use of chrome.[3] Upon its release, it did not sell quickly, but by 2016, it had become highly sought after by collectors as a rarity.[3][4] The 2021 National Automobile Dealers Association guide valued a Z50RD in excellent condition at $9,385.[5]

See also[edit]

Note[edit]

  1. ^ The D in the name of the Z50RD stands for dealer.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Branch, Ben (28 November 2020). "One Of The Rarest Original Monkey Bikes: The Honda Z50R Christmas Special". Silodrome. Archived from the original on 16 December 2021. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  2. ^ Walneck's Classic Cycle Trader, June 2005. Southfield, Michigan: Causey Enterprises LLC. June 2005. p. 157. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  3. ^ a b c d e Polson`, Jeremy (2016). Honda Mini Trail Enthusiasts Guide (1st ed.). Stillwater MN: Wolfgang Publications Inc. pp. 112–116. ISBN 978-1-941064-32-0.
  4. ^ Frank, Aaron P. (2003). Honda motorcycles. Osceola, Wis.: MBI Publishing. p. 76. ISBN 978-0760310779. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  5. ^ "1986 Honda Z50RD/Z50 LTD ED". Nada Guides. J.D. Power. Archived from the original on 16 December 2021. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
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