Motorcycle [Honda 50 Scooter]
Maker and role
Honda Motor Company Ltd, Manufacturer
Production date
1971
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
2006.328
Maker
Production period
Description
Honda 50 motorcycle scooter originally owned by Helen Clark. Front and back painted red, middle painted white. Black and grey vinyl saddle, chrome handle bars, metal extension at back, two long pronged mirrors at front attached to handle bars. Lights at handle bars and at back above wheels.
Specifications:
Engine type: Petrol, 2-valve 4-stroke air-cooled
Engine capacity: 49cc
Top speed: 80 km per hour (50 miles per hour)
Gearbox: Manual, 3 forward speeds
Weight: 75 kg
Specifications:
Engine type: Petrol, 2-valve 4-stroke air-cooled
Engine capacity: 49cc
Top speed: 80 km per hour (50 miles per hour)
Gearbox: Manual, 3 forward speeds
Weight: 75 kg
Brief History
This Honda 50 Stepthru was bought new by former New Zealand Aotearoa Prime Minister, Helen Clark, in 1971 “for around $349 I recall” and used when she was at University. She would ride it from her flat in Grey Lynn into the city every day. Ms Clark used it until she went into Parliament in 1981. After that her husband Peter Davis rode it until it was donated to MOTAT in the late 1990s. Helen Clark also donated her helmet, goggles and gloves. It has been restored while at MOTAT and given fresh paint and a new seat.
The Honda 50, also known as the Super Cub or Cub, is the most popular motor vehicle of all time. First produced in 1958, over 50 million Honda 50s have sold worldwide, making it the biggest selling motor vehicle in history. They are still in production today. They are popular because they are inexpensive to buy, cheap to run, easy to ride and they carry heavy loads - in some developing countries they are used to transport livestock, produce or the whole family - they are good in heavy traffic, strong and durable and spare parts are easy to obtain.
The Honda 50, also known as the Super Cub or Cub, is the most popular motor vehicle of all time. First produced in 1958, over 50 million Honda 50s have sold worldwide, making it the biggest selling motor vehicle in history. They are still in production today. They are popular because they are inexpensive to buy, cheap to run, easy to ride and they carry heavy loads - in some developing countries they are used to transport livestock, produce or the whole family - they are good in heavy traffic, strong and durable and spare parts are easy to obtain.
Marks
HONDA 50 Maker's Plate
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Honda Motor Company Ltd. 1971. Motorcycle [Honda 50 Scooter], 2006.328. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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