Honda CB50 information

First launched in Japan way back in 1971, it was to be some time before Europe saw these attractive little sports roadsters from Honda. This 74kg machine put out a very healthy 6.0bhp @ 10500rpm, and with it’s traditional upright engine and up to the minute styling looked superb. This was the CB50K1 followed by the CB50JX in 1973 followed by the CB50JX-1 with 6.3bhp and now a disc front brake.
This early model had a drum front brake and 5 speed box, but when launched into most countries in Europe in 1978 was fitted with a mechanical disc and for some countries only four speeds!
Power was also down for many markets to allow the model to be classified as a moped, this to allow younger riders under 17. In the U.K, by now, the term moped was a statement of power not enabling the machine to exceed 30mph!
So Honda’s best ever sports 50 was emasculated by legislation! Even in it’s final incarnation as the gorgeous looking ‘Dream 50’ a twin overhead camshaft four valve café racer, was electronically limited in fourth and fifth gears!
If you are lucky enough to own one of the early CB50K1 five speed full power drum brake models, then you have a true collectors item that most Honda enthusiasts would love to own!

top