Honda C50

**SMOKEU** · 9th March 2009, 23:16

Are they a good option to use as a cheap runaround? And are they reliable and easy to get parts for?

**xwhatsit** · 10th March 2009, 00:14

Well you're in Christchurch where there's fookin' millions of them. Why are they all in Christchurch? Looked for one in ages and had to get one shipped up in the end... all the parts seem to be there too.

They're the world's #1 bike in most senses of the world and certainly as picked on some Discovery television show. Reliable? You can't get much better. It ran and started nicely with used fish & chip oil instead of engine oil in the sump... So simple there's bugger all to go wrong. Engine seems to fail gracefully after decades of intense abuse with redlining for hours, no warm up, never an oil change (or even checking the oil level). What can go wrong? Drum brakes so no worries about hydraulics... points ignition so no blown-up CDI... leading-link forks so forget about fork seals... enclosed chain... FFS why did we go so far backwards after 1959?!?!

It is the very definition of the ideal commuter, provided you can deal with 50cc performance. And if you can't chuck a Loncin 110cc motor in, or a C90 motor...

Very easy to get parts for. They're the world's longest-running and most-sold bike model ever. Plus, it's a Honda. Still very popular in SE Asia; I got a complete set of reproduction plastics for under $150 shipped.

Dooooo it. You won't regret it. Semi-auto gearbox is the only drawback, I'd like one with a clutch.

**Paulo** · 10th March 2009, 10:43

I did 300 km on red dirt roads through Cambodia about 6 years ago on a c50, Those things just go and go and go...... there is a reason they are EVEYWHERE in asia, they work are reliable and easy to fix.

**PeteJ** · 10th March 2009, 12:59

I have a '61 C102, the first electric start Honda 50 stepthru. I fire it up about once a year at present. Never fails, never gums up. I did use it for commuting a few years ago. Snail-like pace, but never missed a beat.

**xwhatsit** · 10th March 2009, 22:40

Originally Posted by PeteJ

I have a '61 C102, the first electric start Honda 50 stepthru. I fire it up about once a year at present. Never fails, never gums up. I did use it for commuting a few years ago. Snail-like pace, but never missed a beat.

Blimey Pete, you've got just about every interesting motorcycle that was ever made. Teach me how!

**PeteJ** · 11th March 2009, 08:56

Originally Posted by xwhatsit

Blimey Pete, you've got just about every interesting motorcycle that was ever made. Teach me how!

Well, Tom, first you graduate...then you work 100 hour weeks for 25 years, taking next to no holidays either, then you never sell a bike so as to buy another.

I have sold a lot of interesting bikes; you know, the ones with "character" and "soul" ie unreliable, uncomfortable, poor-handling PoSs.

**xwhatsit** · 11th March 2009, 12:53

So you're saying I should sell my 250RS and my Cub then?

**PeteJ** · 11th March 2009, 15:29

Originally Posted by xwhatsit

So you're saying I should sell my 250RS and my Cub then?

No, not at all; who wouldn't prefer a Cub to a Desmo Duck?

**SMOKEU** · 11th March 2009, 17:03

I took one out for a test ride just before and it tops out at around 32mph. Surely it should do at least 40mph?

**xwhatsit** · 11th March 2009, 21:25

Mine was pretty ratty when I got it (engine blew smoke when started and exhaust leak -- hopefully have it sorted once I finish painting) but it will do an indicated 70kph, which is ~43mph according to Google.

Don't think the speedos are particularly accurate though.

You did use all the gears?! They rev like crazy!

**SMOKEU** · 11th March 2009, 21:31

Yup I sure did use all the gears, seems to accelerate very slowly compared to my Melody 50cc. I might just get a SJ50QT instead, I think I'll die from boredom with a 50cc 4 stroke.

**PeteJ** · 12th March 2009, 08:16

Mine'll still do an indicated 40+mph, but on steep hills it has to scream up in 1st gear.

I have no doubt that it does not have the arm-pulling power of a post-1980 50 scooter. Better 'n a BSA Winged Wheel, though.

**foamy** · 26th March 2009, 19:10

I've heard that C50 parts are still available, is there a place in NZ or is it all mail order from o/seas. I need leg guards and a seat, Trademe is ok at times but I'll die of old age waiting for the right bits to come up for sale.

**xwhatsit** · 26th March 2009, 23:00

Originally Posted by foamy

I've heard that C50 parts are still available, is there a place in NZ or is it all mail order from o/seas. I need leg guards and a seat, Trademe is ok at times but I'll die of old age waiting for the right bits to come up for sale.

Yes indeed. You can try Econohonda, but for new stuff (aftermarket usually, but very good quality) will all be from Asia.

I went through this guy on eBay http://stores.ebay.com/VintageAvenueShop

When the exchange rate was good, I got a new legshield, new sidecovers (with the retainers), new gorgeous blue front guard, and a few other random plastic bits and bobs shipped to my door for <$NZ150. Good quality, not OEM but good fit and finish. Singapore-based.

Shame the exchange rate has turned to poo.

There's other places outside of eBay, there's one crowd in Indonesia that seems to have good prices and vast range, recommended by a few people online, if I remember the website I'll post it up here.

**Bumblebeeman1150** · 28th March 2009, 01:15

There's other places outside of eBay, there's one crowd in Indonesia that seems to have good prices and vast range, recommended by a few people online, if I remember the website I'll post it up here.

Please do. I'm restoring a blue 1972 C50 and will need plastics, among other things. What year is your C50?