Yamaha RD80LC
Yamaha RD80LC 2
Tuesday, 19 February 2013
Honda's MB/MT/MV/X series motorcycles
In 1979, Honda introduced a very successful series of light motorcycles in the US and in Europe. Honda's productionlines of these models were in Spain, Belgium and Sweden.
Both the Honda MB road-model and the Honda MT offroad-model motorcycles were released in Europe. The MB was made 1979 to 1981 in Europe and in the U.S. in 1982 only. In Europe however the mt50 production would last until 1997.
The result of this move was that sales in Europe greatly increased. The MT series earned its popularity because of the large numbers of original and imitation parts that were available. By means of these parts the owner was able to create a unique state of the art model. Another very important issue was that with a reasonable amount of money it was very easy to gain extra engine power. The result was a tuned up MB or MT easily exceeding the legal engine power.
In parallel with the MB and MT series, Honda released aircooled MBX and MTX 50 & 80 cc models.
In parallel with the MB and MT series, Honda released aircooled MBX and MTX 50 & 80 cc models.
Unlike the MT50 which had a 5 speed gearbox, the MTX50 had a six speed 'box plus a HERP chamber on the exhaust. In 1983, Honda released a watercooled successor to both the MB/MT and aircooled MBX/MTX series, the MTX50/80RFD and the MBX50/80.
In 1985, the MTX50/80RFD was revised cosmetically into the MTX50/80RFF. This, in turn became the MTX50/80RII, a motorcycle based around the existing MTX125/200R motorcycles. Honda's MBX looked like Honda MTX SH(adow).
Because of important law and insurance changes the sales in these types of light motorcycles decreased enormously. As a result production in Spain and Belgium came to a standstill in 1992. MBX production lasted another year and stopped in 1993. Only in Scandinavia a limited production for the local market lasted until 1997. After that Honda's M productions came to an end.
There were 50, 80, 125 variants of both the MBX and MTX as well as a 200c version of the MTX. The MTX125/200R started life in 1983 as RFD models and were ungraded in 1985 into the RFF. Changes includes dropping the drum brake at the front and replacing with a disc, bigger forks, revised graphics, a revised rear shock, revised CDI and, in the case of the 200, a new swingarm. The 125 cc motorcycle come in both restricted and de-restricted form. The de-restricted version and the 200 cc version had ATAC chambers operated by a piston valve attached to a mechanical governor.
The stock MB8 uses a two-ring 45mm piston and 50.8mm stroke – compared to the 41mm stroke of the MB5
There were 50, 80, 125 variants of both the MBX and MTX as well as a 200c version of the MTX. The MTX125/200R started life in 1983 as RFD models and were ungraded in 1985 into the RFF. Changes includes dropping the drum brake at the front and replacing with a disc, bigger forks, revised graphics, a revised rear shock, revised CDI and, in the case of the 200, a new swingarm. The 125 cc motorcycle come in both restricted and de-restricted form. The de-restricted version and the 200 cc version had ATAC chambers operated by a piston valve attached to a mechanical governor.
To complete the 'M' range we have to include the MVX250, with the engine being a V3 two stroke like the NS/RS500 racers of the early 80's. This model was very short lived and suffered engine reliability problems, but is a very good looking motorcycle.
**Source text Wikipedia
My bike: Video, running my bike for the first time this year
I got a Nilox Action Camera via work so I thought I would have a play. Here is a short video of the bike warming up for the first time this year plus some great stills with a 'fish eye' effect.
Road test: Motorcycle Weekly
just picked up this copy of Motorcycle Weekly dated 19th March 1983 with a road test of the Honda MBX80 in it. The feature is called "Movin' into the '80s!" and the test is by some chap called Paul Carroll.... enjoy!
Press Release: Honda MB-8
The daddy of the MBX, here is the original Japanese press release for the 1980 Honda MB-8. The text has gone through google translate so reads a little funny...
February 15, 1980 Honda motorbikes type sports MB-8 (eight) to launch two models simultaneously released with some improvements
Honda Motor (Japan) is a new design of high-performance two-cycle engine, bodywork and fresh unique design technology to load 80 cc sports car, "Honda MB-8" from February 22 release. The 8 MB-Honda, nimble handling and transit point to the primary axis BARANSA, central cooling cylinder head combustion chamber, the combustion chamber bell technologies such as high-power engine (9.5 horsepower), a simple
Honda Motor (Japan) is a new design of high-performance two-cycle engine, bodywork and fresh unique design technology to load 80 cc sports car, "Honda MB-8" from February 22 release. The 8 MB-Honda, nimble handling and transit point to the primary axis BARANSA, central cooling cylinder head combustion chamber, the combustion chamber bell technologies such as high-power engine (9.5 horsepower), a simple
| Items / models | MB-8 MB-8 |
| Standard cash price In the district of Sapporo price | 152,000円 152,000 yen (155,000円) (155,000 yen) |
| Sales Plan (Years, domestic only) | 3,000台 3,000 units |
| Items / models | MB-8(HC01) 8-MB (type HC01) | |
| (m) Wingspan × × Length (m) Height | 1.880×0.655×0.980 1.880 × 0.655 × 0.980 | |
| (m) Wheelbase (m) | 1.220 1.220 | |
| (kg) Vehicle Weight (kg) | 91.82 Maintenance: 91, dried: 82 | |
| (L) Fuel tank capacity (L) | 9.0 9.0 | |
| (km/L) Fuel consumption (km / L) | 60(50km/h 60 (50km / h proving ground test values) | |
| Engine type | Air-cooled two-stroke single-cylinder | |
| (cm 3 ) Exhaust volume (cm 3) | 78 78 | |
| (mm) Lumen diameter (mm) × stroke | 45.0×49.5 45.0 × 49.5 | |
| PS/rpm) Maximum output (PS / rpm) | 9.5/8,000 9.5 / 8,000 | |
| (kg-m/rpm) Maximum torque (kg-m/rpm) | 0.89/7,500 0.89 / 7,500 | |
| Gearbox | 5-speed return | |
| Frame format | Backbone - | |
| Tire size | (前) (Previous) | 2.50-18-4PR 2.50-18-4PR |
| (後) (Post) | 2.50-18-6PR 2.50-18-6PR | |
| Brake format | (前) (Previous) | Hydraulic disc |
| (後) (Post) | Mechanical leading trading ring | |
owners bikes: Erik's MBX50 and 80
These two bikes were sent in by Erik Dekker. Erik is looking for an electronic copy of the workshop manual, I have the manual but not scanned in. Do you have one, can you help him out? Drop me a mail if you have done it?
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| Rothmans MBX50 |
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| MBX80 |
Brochure: 125 street & trail riders
Just picked this brochure up from ebay, it features all of Honda's learner machines of 1985 including the MBX50, 80 and 125. The dealer sticker on the front is from 'Continental Motor Cycles Ltd' Woking, which I believe is now Woking Yamaha!
The MBX 80 text reads;
"Smaller brother to the outstanding MBX125F, this mean machine has many of its striking family characteristics, maching specification yet with all of the insurance advantages of a machine under 100cc. A powerfull 2-stroke liquid cooled engine with low maintenance Capacitor Discharge Ignition and 6-speed transmission are matched with twin hydraulic disc brakes for on the road stopping power."
The MBX 80 text reads;
"Smaller brother to the outstanding MBX125F, this mean machine has many of its striking family characteristics, maching specification yet with all of the insurance advantages of a machine under 100cc. A powerfull 2-stroke liquid cooled engine with low maintenance Capacitor Discharge Ignition and 6-speed transmission are matched with twin hydraulic disc brakes for on the road stopping power."
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