Once a preferred platform for those learning to ride a motorcycle, Honda’s Z50A “monkey bike” hasn’t been offered to U.S. consumers since 1979, when the model was replaced by the off-road-only Z50R. That changes in October, as Honda recently announced its aptly named 2019 Monkey will be sold through U.S. dealers, and available with or without anti-lock brakes.
Named for the way a fullsize rider looks astride a half-scale bike, Honda’s original 49cc Z100 monkey bike debuted in 1961 at the company’s Tama Tech amusement park in Tokyo, Japan. Part of an attraction meant to demonstrate the joy of riding to park visitors, the bikes proved popular enough that Honda put them into production in 1964 as the CZ100, sold in Asian and European markets (though Canada received the Z50M monkey bike shortly after). In 1968, the Z50A debuted in the United States, quickly gaining popularity for its affordability and ease of operation – especially among young riders new to the sport.
OK, I'm in. Who's next in line for Honda's next-gen minibike?
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