1979 Honda NC50 Express

Summary:

Quirky throwback, too slow for modern traffic, for eccentrics only

Faults:

Continually blocked pilot jet.

Corroded stanchions.

Loose spokes.

General Comments:

Bizarre wind up kick starter adds interest; you pump the kick starter three times, then pull the rear brake lever to start the engine, nice. Does 25 mph standard and 27 with some mild tuning (wow). Very slow off the mark, but picks up nicely thereafter with a two stroke scream.

Incredibly light, and therefore quite fun in a bouncy sort of way, but too slow for modern roads.

Has autolube, which is a nice feature on a bike this old, but the pilot jet is so small it continually blocked; partially solved with a tank flush and in-line filter.

It's a BMX with an engine. For eccentrics and rural hops only

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd January, 2014