| Honda Z50RD | |
| Aka: | Christmas Special |
| Manufacturer: | Honda |
| Production: | 1986 |
| Predecessor: | Honda Z50A |
| Successor: | Honda XR50R |
| Class: | Minibike |
| Transmission: | 3-speed semi-automatic transmission |
| Frame: | Backbone |
| Brakes: | Drum |
| Tires: | 3.50-8 |
| Related: | |
The Honda Z50RD, also known as the Christmas Special or the Chrome Edition, is an all-chrome Honda Z series minibike released in 1986. A limited edition of the Honda Z50R, it is considered to be rare.
The Z50RD has the same specifications as the 1986 Honda Z50R: a 49 cc single-piston engine, three-speed transmission, and drum brakes. The distinguishing feature of the Z50RD is that most of its visible parts—including the fuel tank, fenders, exhaust, forks, frame, wheels, and handlebars—are chromed.[1] [2] The wheel hubs, and the parts of the motor that are not chromed, are polished and clear-coated.
Z50RDs were manufactured in July or August 1986, and shipped to Honda dealers in December.[3] The combined total of Z50Rs and Z50RDs shipped by Honda in 1986 was 11,652, but the total number for Z50RDs alone is unknown.[3] Nor is it known how many dealers were allowed to purchase Z50RDs, but some collectors believe that each dealer could buy 2; there were 805 Honda dealers in the United States in the 1980s.[1]
The Z50RD received the nicknames "Christmas Special"—because it was shipped in December 1986, and had a decal on its fuel tank reading "Special"—and "Chrome Edition", after its extensive use of chrome.[3] Upon its release, it did not sell quickly, but by 2016, it had become highly sought after by collectors as a rarity.[3] [4] The 2021 National Automobile Dealers Association guide valued a Z50RD in excellent condition at $9,385.[5]