HONDA The Power of Dreams

In 2017, 50 years since the launch of the Monkey Z50M—the first Monkey model sold for road use in Japan—Honda introduced the “Monkey 50th Anniversary” in February to mark the milestone.

This commemorative model was created as a special edition incorporating the color scheme of the Monkey Z50M, expressing Honda’s appreciation to customers who have supported the Monkey series over its 50-year history.

In March 2017, at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show, one of Japan’s largest motorcycle events, another special Monkey model commemorating the 50th anniversary was unveiled as a reference exhibit.

At the press conference, it was also announced that production of the Monkey would end its production in August, surprising many attendees. This decision was driven by the increasing difficulty of meeting future emissions regulations from cost and other considerations.

As the end of production coincided with the 50th anniversary year, the second special model featured extensive chrome plating and was introduced under the name “Monkey 50th Special”.

The announcement of the end of Monkey production drew strong reactions from fans and the public alike. The special model unveiled at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show quickly became a major topic of interest among Monkey enthusiasts, particularly regarding when and how it would be released.

In June of the same year, Honda announced the Monkey 50th Special as the final model of the Monkey series. With production limited to 500 units, a one-month order application period was set from July 21 to August 21. If applications exceeded 500 units, purchasers would be selected by lottery.

The model features chrome plating on components such as the fuel tank and steel front and rear fenders, along with a special emblem on the side cover, creating a distinctive, premium appearance.

The Monkey 50th Special generated significant attention, attracting over 45,000 order entries for just 500 units—an approximate 90-to-1 ratio.

In response, a special Monkey 50th anniversary event was held in August at Honda Welcome Plaza Aoyama. The venue featured a themed exhibition inspired by Tama Tech, the amusement park that originally sparked the creation of the Monkey. The display, filled with creativity and fun, proved popular with children as well.

On August 26, a special talk show celebrating the Monkey’s 50th anniversary and a public lottery for the Monkey 50th Special were held at Honda Welcome Plaza Aoyama.

Many Monkey and motorcycle fans attended, enjoying exhibits that traced the 50-year history of the Monkey and talks by its developers.

The public lottery to select the 500 winners was also live-streamed so that those unable to attend could share the occasion. When winners were announced, cheers erupted from the audience, reflecting the strong passion surrounding the final Monkey model.

First introduced in 1961 as the Monkey Z100 amusement park ride and later launched for sale as the Z50M in 1967, the Monkey evolved with changing times and market environments while carrying forward its compact and charming styling, leading the leisure bike category for 50 years.

Loved and supported by countless customers over the years, the Monkey series can truly be described as a model that brought joy to many.