Honda Z50RD

Last updated
Honda Z50RD
Honda Z50RD vr TCE.jpg
Manufacturer Honda
Also calledChristmas Special
Production1986
Predecessor Honda Z50A
Successor Honda XR50R
Class Minibike
Engine 49 cc (3.0 cu in), OHC, air cooled, four stroke, single
Transmission 3-speed semi-automatic transmission
Frame type Backbone
Brakes Drum
Tires 3.50-8
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 [lower-alpha 1] , it is considered to be rare.

Contents

Specifications

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

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

Note

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

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References

  1. 1 2 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. 1 2 3 4 5 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.