Engineering:Honda Z50RD
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| Manufacturer | Honda |
|---|---|
| Also called | Christmas Special |
| Production | 1986 |
| 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.
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
- ↑ The D in the name of the Z50RD stands for dealer.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Branch, Ben (28 November 2020). "One Of The Rarest Original Monkey Bikes: The Honda Z50R Christmas Special". Silodrome. https://silodrome.com/honda-z50r-christmas-special/.
- ↑ Walneck's Classic Cycle Trader, June 2005. Southfield, Michigan: Causey Enterprises LLC. June 2005. p. 157. https://books.google.com/books?id=FvBn2GPbLrgC&dq=honda+z50rd&pg=RA1-PA157. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Polson`, Jeremy (2016). Honda Mini Trail Enthusiasts Guide (1st ed.). Stillwater MN: Wolfgang Publications Inc.. pp. 112–116. ISBN 978-1-941064-32-0.
- ↑ Frank, Aaron P. (2003). Honda motorcycles. Osceola, Wis.: MBI Publishing. p. 76. ISBN 978-0760310779. https://books.google.com/books?id=CSxTaoGagKoC&dq=honda+z50+chrome+edition&pg=PP82. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
- ↑ "1986 Honda Z50RD/Z50 LTD ED". J.D. Power. https://www.nadaguides.com/Motorcycles/1986/Honda/Z50RD-Z50-LTD-ED/Values.
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