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Honda Monkey Bike 50cc Honda Z series Monkey bike is the name given by Honda to one of their small, low-powered motorcycles introduced in the 1960s. The first Honda monkey was the 1961 Z100.[1] Later Monkeys were designated Z50, such as the Z50A(US),J,M,R(US) and Z.[2] The Honda Z-Series refers to the lineage of mini bikes manufactured by Honda Motorcycles. Though Honda's official model designations are typically Z50A, Z50J, Z50M, Z50R and ZB50, they are more commonly referred to as the "Monkey" or "Gorilla" because of the way people are said to look when riding one of such bikes. Sales of the bike began in March 1964 with the Z50M model. These vehicles all had a 4.5hp 49cc single horizontal cylinder four-stroke engine, and a seat height of less than 22 inches (55 cm). The very first Monkey bikes did not have any suspension but this was soon added to the front forks. By 1974 when the Z50J was introduced (US 1972 Z50AK3) suspension had been added to the rear as well. The first Monkey bikes had 3.5x5" wheels, however later models had 3.5x8" wheels. Numerous similar designs predate the Honda model, notably the World War II Welbike motorcycle used by parachutists. However it wasn't until the introduction of the Honda monkey bike that this type of design became commonplace. The Honda Dax model is not often considered a Monkey, more a larger, two-seat variant with larger 10" wheels and usually a larger engine. The Dax models have a monocoque stamped sheet metal frame. This also houses the fuel tank, battery and wiring loom. Most Z-series bikes are small, light, collapsible motorcycles made for convenience and ease of transportation. Their outstanding feature is a 50 cc four-stroke engine with an over head camshaft. Some have a centrifugal clutch and three gear manual transmission, while others have a three-speed semi-automatic easy-shift transmission for learners. The original model of the Honda Z-series was originally produced as a children's ride at a Japanese amusement park, but was eventually refined and put into mass production, hitting the European market in 1967.[citation needed] Since then Honda has produced a wide variety of Honda Z-series mini bikes, with annual model updates still in effect. Starting from 2008, the well-known 50 cc engine will be adapted and fitted with an injection kit instead of carburetor. Today, cheaper replica versions of this bike are being manufactured in China.