My Bike, Stafford Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show 2025

 A Weekend with the MBX: Memories, Motorcycles, and Magic at Stafford

The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show at Stafford is always a highlight of the year, but this October 11th and 12th felt different. This time, my little Honda MBX80 wasn’t just another bike on the floor – it was part of something bigger: the Retro Mopeds Club stand.

A bit of backstory: I co-admin a Facebook group called ‘Retro Mopeds 70’s–90’s’ with my friend Andrew Longley. The page is a haven for enthusiasts of all bikes under 90cc, whether standard or wildly modified. Last year, Andrew and I displayed our bikes as private entries, and while sharing stories with fellow fans, we hatched an idea – a club stand. Fast forward to this year, and our vision had become reality.

The stand was a small but mighty showcase. Andrew brought three bikes: an MT5, MB5, and RD50. Steve Mawson contributed a jaw-dropping custom MBX80, and my own MBX80 completed the lineup. Standing back and seeing the five machines together, I felt a surge of pride – this wasn’t just my bike, it was part of a movement celebrating a generation of two-wheelers.

I’ll admit, I had a twinge of doubt. The MBX had been on show the past two years – would people still care? From the moment the doors opened, all doubts vanished. Enthusiasts flocked to the stand, eager to chat, share stories, and snap photos. Conversations flowed – memories of rides, modifications, and teenage adventures – and for the first time, my MBX wasn’t just a display piece; it was a bridge connecting strangers through shared passion.

Then came Sunday morning – a moment I’ll never forget. The winners’ names were posted, and my friends Tony and Steve nudged me excitedly. Could it be? Scanning the list, my heart leapt. There it was: 2nd Best 1980s Bike, runner-up to a Kawasaki Z1300! My MBX80, a humble 80cc two-stroke, would be receiving recognition on the main stage.

The day became a blur of excitement. Andrew’s MT5 and my Aprilia AF1 each received a ‘Highly Commended’ award. And then it was time. Walking onto the stage, the buzz of the crowd mixing with my racing heartbeat, I was handed my award by none other than Wayne Gardner, 1987 500cc World Champion and one of my heroes. When he asked about the bike, I replied, “It’s a little Honda MBX80 2-stroke.” He grinned and said, “Ripper!” – and just like that, a childhood dream collided with reality.

This year’s show was more than just an exhibition; it was an experience, a celebration of community, passion, and the joy of two wheels. The club stand added a layer of camaraderie and fun that I’ll be chasing for years to come. Stafford 2025 wasn’t just another show – it was a weekend of memories I’ll cherish forever.

For more on the Aprilia on display, see here:

shaking hands with Wayne Gardner

Dan Jones, Steve Mawson, Tony Mawson, Andrew Longley

Honda MBX80 Buyers Guide in Classic Motorcycle Mechanics magazine

In the August 2025 edition of the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics magazine they features a MBX80 Buyers guide spread over four pages. The bike featured was the excellent restoration by Steve Mawson that was displayed on the VJMC stand at the 2024 Stafford show  

You can buy a copy of this magazine here. or pick one up at your local news agents.

A big thank you to the writer who gave this website and facebook page a shout out! 👍

Here is another look at Steve's bike

My original MBX80 - B784 BFE

Back in the mists of time — 1988, to be exact — my first proper bike was a black Honda MBX50. To a sixteen-year-old me, it was pure magic. That little 50cc two-stroke meant freedom, independence, and a ticket to explore the world beyond the end of my street. Sure, it was a restricted moped, and its performance was more “spirited enthusiasm” than outright speed, but at that age, it felt like a rocket.

When I turned seventeen at the tail end of ’88, the world opened up again. I could now legally ride a 125cc bike with up to 12 horsepower — a huge leap from the MBX50. Funds were tight, as they always are when you’re a teenager, so I started looking for something affordable but exciting. That’s when I discovered the Honda MBX80.

On paper, it shouldn’t have been a contender — just 80cc — but the spec sheet told a different story: liquid cooling, a bikini fairing, a belly pan, and twin front discs. And with a healthy 11 horsepower, it wasn’t far behind the 125s of the day. In my eyes, it was the perfect blend of style, performance, and practicality — all without the wallet-wilting cost of an NS125F.

The hunt began the old-fashioned way, scouring the pages of Auto Trader, Free Ads, and the local paper’s classifieds. Weeks later, I spotted a listing for one near Ringwood. My dad borrowed a flatbed truck, and we set off with excitement and a pocket full of optimism.

The “dealership” turned out to be more of a scrapyard than a showroom — a muddy track leading to a jumble of tired machines and oily parts. But there, among the chaos, stood B784 BFE — gleaming white with red graphics, compact, purposeful, and perfect. I didn’t care where we were or who was selling it — I knew she was mine.

Back home, the MBX looked every bit the miniature superbike I’d imagined. And compared to the 50cc it replaced, it was nothing short of astonishing. Suddenly I had real acceleration, real speed, and that intoxicating freedom that only a motorcycle can give.

A few weeks later, I decided to put it to the test. Our family holiday in Devon was coming up, and I had the bright idea of riding there solo. No motorways for me — I wasn’t licensed for them yet — and I wanted to avoid fast roads like the A38 past Exeter Racecourse, so I carefully plotted a slower, scenic route. Armed with a paper map and a sense of adventure, I set off.

The ride was brilliant — for the most part. Somewhere along the way, the MBX began to lose its edge. It didn’t feel quite right. When my dad joined me a few days later at the caravan, we booked it in at the Honda Centre in Newton Abbot for a check-over. The mechanics quickly found the culprit: a clogged exhaust. A quick de-coke later, and the bike was transformed.

When I fired it up and pulled away from the shop, it was like a different machine. The engine sang through the revs, crisp and eager, and before I knew it, I was redlining in every gear, hitting an indicated 70 mph. It felt unstoppable — this was what two-stroke heaven sounded like.

I found this image of B784BFE lurking in the background at the campsite

That little Honda became the centre of my world. Before long, my mates were all upgrading to 125s — including one with a nearly new Yamaha TZR125. I’ll admit, I was envious at first. But on the road, the MBX80 held its own. Up to around 50 or 55 mph, it could keep pace with the TZR easily. What really surprised everyone was how quick and lively it was off the line — it revved like crazy and launched itself forward with the energy of a much bigger bike. More than a few people with far pricier machines were left red-faced at the lights.

Eventually, as my wallet grew a little fatter and my ambitions a little bigger, I traded up. A blue TZR125 with a full fairing caught my eye at Rob Willsher Motorcycles in Bursledon, and the MBX went in as a part exchange. I can still picture it sitting there as I rode away — the end of an era.

Decades later, curiosity got the better of me. I looked up B784 BFE on the government’s database, and my heart sank — the tax ran out in July 1993. Chances are, she’s long gone, probably broken for parts or left to rust away somewhere.

But if, by some miracle, that little white-and-red MBX80 still exists — tucked away in the corner of a shed or buried under dust in a garage — I’d buy it back in a heartbeat. No matter the condition, I’d love to bring her home. So if you happen to have B784 BFE, please get in touch. Some first loves are worth finding again.

80cc spec sheet comparisons

 A post for the stat lovers, I compared the MBX to its main competition of time including the performance data. Everybody has anecdotal memory's of how fast they were, but I have included the only measured data from a period magazine that tested them at the same time. If anybody has any road tests of the bikes together, I'd love to dee them.

used parts for sale

 I have a couple of parts for sale and currently on ebay, 

Rear shock - SOLD

Saddle: SOLD

Two stroke oil tank: Link https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/226420249833?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=jlRtwxJCT4u&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=jlRtwxJCT4u&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Rear rack: SOLD

Owners bikes, UK spec MBX80 now in Ireland

Words and images by Alan Clarke

"Was just reading the website on the mbx 80 register section. I own an MBX 80 which I purchased to restore. I have it 2 years now and slowly getting around to it. It was originally a UK bike but has ended up here in Ireland since 1993. I have no idea of the original UK registration as its not on paperwork."

If you have any info on the back story of this bike please contact me and Ill pass it on to Alan.

If you have a bike and story you would like shared please email me!

My guide to restoration, part 3

Following on from the guide to restoration part 1 and 2 blog posts here is the parts listing for my restoration. Where possible I have included the original Honda Part number and where the item was bought from, shop links at the bottom of the page.

Item                description                 Bought from     Part number

Bike         MBX80 FWDD         ebay

Bolts         Bolt 6x12 x 2                 CMSNL            95701-0601208

Bolts         Bolt 6 x 16 x 2         CMSNL              95701-0601608

Bolts         Bolt 6x16 x 4                 CMSNL             96001-0601600

Bolts         Bolt 5x16 x 2                 CMSNL             92000-050160A

Bolts         Bolt 5x12 x 2                 CMSNL             92101-050120B

Bolts         Bolt 5 x 12 x 2         CMSNL             92101-050120G

Bolts         Bolt 6 x 22 x 2         CMSNL             95701-0602207

Bolts         Handle bar clamp bolts x 4 CMSNL     90117GE2000

Brakes         Front brake light switch ebay

Brakes         Brake calliper repair kit ebay

Brakes         Brake calliper repair kit ebay

Brakes         Reservoir window         ebay

Brakes         Rear brake light switch ebay

Brakes         Brake boot seal         ebay

Brakes         Brake lever                 ebay

Brakes         Brake pads                 ebay

Brakes         Brake lever repair kit ebay

Brakes         Front brake hoses         Brake Quip

Cables         Tacho cable                 ebay

Cables         Clutch lever                 ebay

Cables         Throttle cable                 David Silver Spares

Cables         Clutch cable                 David Silver Spares

Cables         Speedo cable                 David Silver Spares

Engine Parts Spring kick ester         David Silver Spares

Engine Parts Pinion kick starter         David Silver Spares

Engine Parts Gear Idle                         David Silver Spares

Engine Parts Engine Rebuild         M Shop

Engine Parts Water pump shaft         CMSNL         19230-G32-000

Engine Parts Water pump bush         CMSNL         90436-GE2-000

Engine Parts idler shaft                 CMSNL         13430-GT5-690

Engine Parts Crankcase gasket         CMSNL         1393-GAA-000

Engine Parts air filter                         CMSNL         17211-GE2-000

Misc         misc small parts/ springs/ washers Various

NOS Parts Fuel Tank                 Brommer Classics

NOS Parts Tool Tray                 CMSNL         77308-GE2-000

NOS Parts Collar                         CMSNL         80112-443-850

NOS Parts Luggage Rack                 CMSNL         81200-GE3_610

NOS Parts Fairing stay                 ebay

NOS Parts Radiator                         CMSNL

NOS Parts Fuel filler cap                 M Shop

NOS Parts Clock case upper         ebay

NOS Parts Clock case lower         ebay

NOS Parts Headlight                 Facebook

NOS Parts Throttle                         M Shop

NOS Parts LH switch gear         M Shop

NOS Parts Fairing                         ebay

NOS Parts Radiator cover         M Shop

NOS Parts Belly pan                     ebay

NOS Parts Seat                                 M Shop

NOS Parts Rear brake pedal         German ebay

NOS Parts Chain cover                 M Shop

NOS Parts Exhaust                         ebay

NOS Parts Fork stanchions x 2 M Shop/ ebay

NOS Parts Oil tank                        ebay

NOS Parts Rear Shock                ebay

Paint         Caliper paint                 ebay

Paint         Paint                               ebay

Paint         Powder coating         Local

Paint         Misc paints                 Local

Parts         Washer (6x20) x 2         CMSNL         90512-300-000

Parts         Band B Battery         CMSNL         95012-12001

Parts         Battery                         ebay

Parts         Chain and Sprocket Kit ebay

Parts         Rubber Air/C mount x 2 CMSNL         17245-107-010

Parts         Winker assy x 2         CMSNL         33400-GG4-601 

Parts         Cover winker x 4         CMSNL         33425-437-711

Parts         Winker assy x 2         CMSNL         33600-GG4-601

Parts         Washer winker mount x 2 CMSNL 33611-437-710

Parts         Rub, RR, winker x 2 CMSNL         33612-437-710

Parts         Rub, RR, winker x 2 CMSNL         33614-GE3-610

Parts         Grommet                         CMSNL         45451-GE2-0000

Parts         Collar fender x 2         CMSNL         61104-428-010

Parts         Collar 7.5x6.8 x 4         CMSNL         90501-437-710

Parts         Collar winker x 2         CMSNL         90506-GE3-610

Parts         Spring washer x 4         CMSNL         94111-05000

Parts         Fuel hose                         ebay

Parts         Clutch lever rubber         ebay

Parts         Handlebar                 M Shop

Parts         Handlebar grips         M Shop

Parts         Gear shifter                 M Shop

Parts         Gear shifter rubber         M Shop

Parts         Front foot peg complete x 2 M Shop

Parts         Rear foot pegs                 M Shop

Parts         Chain rubber slider         M Shop

Parts         Rear brake rocker arm CMSNL

Parts         Headset bearings         ebay

Parts         Swing arm bushings David Silver Spares

Parts         Horn                         M Shop

Parts         Fork oil seals                 ebay

Parts         Mirrors x 2                 M Shop

Parts         Fuel tap                         M Shop

Parts         Tyres Metzler ME22 Tweeks

Parts         Number Plate (custom) Retro Plates

Plating         Zinc plating                 Local

Stickers         Sticker kit                 ebay

Stickers         Tank warning sticker CMSNL     87560375680ZB

Stickers         Tyre inflation sticker ebay     87505GE3610

Used Parts Tail unit                        German ebay

Used Parts Side panels                German ebay

Used Parts Front mudgaurd        German ebay

Part 1 of the restoration guide here

Part 2 of the restoration guide here

view the complete restoration here

Visit CMSNL here

Visit the Honda M Shop - now Honda M Parts here

Visit David Silver Spares here

MBX80 full fairing

In the UK the MBX came with the 'bikini' style faring that we know and love, however in the owners hand book there was a line drawing of a bike with a full fairing that hinted there was something much more exotic out there....

original image owners manual, processed image www.mbx80.co.uk

Honda officially produced the MBX80 with a full faring, originally marketed in Japan as the 'Integra' perhaps alluding to a connection to Honda's super-sporty coupe of the same name? See the original Honda press release for this model here:

The full fairing model was available in all three MBX colour generations. See all models/ colours here:

MK1 white, black or red. ***NOTE Honda Wing logo on the fuel tank

MK2 White, black or red

MK3 Rothmans blue or red

A few aftermarket fairing suppliers also popped up so you could convert your standard MBX and five it the full fairing look. Two notable mentions are Kitaco of Japan and Pichler Germany.

Kitaco fairing on MBX50

Do you want one? 

Check out this one for sale right now for €4450: