1968 Z50AK0 Mini Trail

1968 was the debut year for the Mini Trail in the United States. The K0 was a bare, basic version of the honda Monkey sold in Europe, Asia and other parts of the world. It used a version of the 49cc OHC Single engine with 3 speed automatic clutch transmission from the Cub line in a much smaller "mini bike" frame. It used knobby tires on 8" rims with single leading shoe cable brakes on the front and rear. This same basic combination would last from 1968 until 1999 in the United states. A carryover from the Monkey line were the folding handlebars and sealing gas cap so the bike could be transported and stored easilly. The first Mini Trail did not have any lights and it has a toggle switch for the ignition in place of the key switch used on K1,K2 and Monkeys. The fenders are similar to those used on the Z50AK1 but are painted silver * rather than being chromed. The handlebar grips are white and the brake levers are white plastic. The earliest models have the muffler guard at a slant which requires a slightly shorter guard. Early units also have #415 drive chain and later ones have #420 drive chain. Some very early units are also purported to come with aluminum handlebar knobs although I have only one picture to back up this claim. More differences that set the K0 apart from the later models is the welded fuel tank filler neck and the shape of the seat foam and stitching of the cover.

Early 1968 Z50AK0 in Bright Yellow and Silver. Note the slanted muffler guard that barely protects the muffler or the rider from it compared to later models.

Later K0, note the longer,horizontal muffler guard.

A picture of the left side shows the toggle switch in place of the key switch.

Here is the picture of the K0 with the aluminum handlebar knobs, note that this bike also has a silver tank, chrome fenders and metal levers so I can't gurantee the originality.

A great early K0 slant guard. Note the original seat.

1968 Z50AK0 Mini Trail Specs

Sell Date: 1968-1969
Rel Date: 09/12/68
Product Code: 045

Frame: Z50A-100001~
Engine: Z50AE-100001~

Candy Red / White*
Bright Yellow / White*

* The Honda Motorcycle Guide 1959-1998 Lists the colors for the K0 as Candy Red / Silver and Bright Yellow and Silver and also states that the fenders are chrome on these models. Some bikes, possibly late ones, may have come with these combinations, but from personal experience the combinations are as stated above and the fenders are painted silver.

None, New Model

Muffler guard changes from slant to horizontal
Chain changes from #415 to #420
Aluminum Handlebar knobs replaced with plastic??

Handlebar Grips and Levers are white
No lights
No Muffler Stinger
Toggle switch for ignition Home 1969-1970 Z50AK1 Z50A Mini Trail I.D. Guide Created on Notepad all pictures taken from public online autions with the exception of the background which was taken without permission from www.oldhonda.com home of the First Kick Mini Trail club website.

	Early 1968 Z50AK0 in Bright Yellow and Silver. Note the slanted muffler guard that barely protects the muffler or the rider from it compared to later models.
	Later K0, note the longer,horizontal muffler guard.
	A picture of the left side shows the toggle switch in place of the key switch.
	Here is the picture of the K0 with the aluminum handlebar knobs, note that this bike also has a silver tank, chrome fenders and metal levers so I can't gurantee the originality.
	A great early K0 slant guard. Note the original seat.