HIGHLIGHTS
- Honda Gorilla bike in unused condition
- Just 1 mile from new
- Always kept as part of a private collection on the Isle of Man
- Remarkable, unused condition
THE APPEAL
Honda has created many legendary bikes during its history of motorcycle manufacturing, but while it’s the high-performance sports bikes that have always grabbed the headlines, among aficionados of the brand there’s one absolute legend that truly stands out.
The ‘Monkey Bike’, or Z50 to give it its correct designation, was originally produced as a children's ride at the Tama Tech Japanese amusement park in 1961 – its pint-sized proportions being ideal for juniors. It was eventually refined and put into mass production, hitting the European market in 1964 and sold in a configuration where an adult could ride it, earning the Monkey Bike nickname becaue fully grown humans riding one looked like monkeys because of the bum-down, knees-up seating position.
This one is the beefier variant of the Z50, nicknamed ‘Gorilla’ because it was like a monkey bike, but chunkier and more purposeful, just as a gorilla is to a monkey.
It was bought new by a collector in 1989, and in 1992 went to become part of a private collection. Whilst registered in the Isle of Man, hence the ‘GMN’ registration plate, it has never been ridden on the public road and has always been a collector’s piece, hence the mileage of just one mile from new, accrued from it being pushed around in storage rather than actually used. Therefore, it’s as close as you’ll ever find to a brand new, unused example. There won’t be another.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Built in 1989 and exported to the Isle of Man in 1992
- In a private collection ever since
- Currently wears an Isle of Man registration and will require UK registration – a simple process from the IoM
- Never used – 1 recorded mile from being moved around in storage
- Original Honda manual
- Invoice from monkey bike specialist documenting the purchase of multiple Gorilla parts to upgrade it
THE CONDITION
- Superb overall condition
- Some crazing to the white paint on the fuel tank
- Otherwise unused and presented ‘as-new’
- Some light surface rust to springs and some nuts and bolts from being stored over 30 years
THE MECHANICS
- 49cc single cylinder OHV
- Compression kick-start ignition
- Will require fresh fuel but engine turns over freely and builds compression
- Never used so should be in fine running order with gentle recommissioning
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
