Honda Z50 Budget Restoration + 125cc Swap! Restoring a 1976 Honda Mini Bike

We bought 8 abandoned Honda Z50 mini bikes recently, and today, we're restoring one of Honda's Monkey bikes to its former glory. We're doing a low-buck budget restoration on this bike, disassembling it, giving it a thorough cleaning, treating and painting the rust in the frame, repairing the fuel tank, clear coating the bike, and swapping a 125cc 4 speed semi auto engine onto it, making it one fast Z50. Tboltusa.com sent us the 125cc SSR engine and all other components we needed for the swap, and it turned out great!
Thanks for Watching!
Parts from TBoltusa.com used in today's video:
- 125cc engine: tboltusa.com/s...
- exhaust system: tboltusa.com/s...
- grips: tboltusa.com/s...
- twist throttle tboltusa.com/s...
Advance Auto Parts used in today's video:
- Fuel tank repair kit: advanceautopar...
- Get 15% off at Advance Auto online: advanceautopar...
Facebook: goo.gl/VR6mh2
Instagram: bit.ly/3T8njaF
Go Power Sports: bit.ly/3QKyODE
NEW MERCH: www.cars-camera...
Equipment we use: www.amazon.com...
The following video features activities performed in controlled environments by knowledgeable persons. DO NOT attempt to duplicate, re-create, or perform the same or similar activities at home, as personal injury or property damage may result. CARS AND CAMERAS, the persons shown in this video and ANY CONTRIBUTOR, ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY such injury or damage. ALL CARSANDCAMERAS CONTENT IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY.

Cars and Cameras makes no representation about the sufficiency of any safety precautions and equipment used in this video.

[@williamlee1429]

“Hey John look that’s probably why we didn’t have any compression.” Yes and a good chance why it did not start. LOL

[@Tampaboys]

John : sometimes you can feel our brilliance thru the screen 📺 🤓😎

[@clintrussell]

My best friend had a 1969 z50, we rode that thing everyday for many many years.. SOooooo good

[@eatsleepplayrepeat1914]

Nice

[@davekulman8195]

Nice job guys it's good to see the old 50's coming back to life and hell yeah you guys need to road trip them

[@TroubleBKC]

"adjustable hammer" omg i know that got some people's nerve! rofl too funny

[@DeltaNineProductions]

Crescent hammer

[@rickwaldren3633]

Leave it stock the old Japanese bike are almost all.gone now they dont realise what they have or they just dont care all there going to have is a goofy little bike with goofy little parts these 2 guys almost remind me of Wayne's world dont know just guess what there wrecking

[@apple4apple247]

@@rickwaldren3633 🤡

[@drewtooker4243]

Weird idea, do a little cargo sidecar on one of the z50s.

[@johndudemech9471]

Cool idea

[@mikehensley78]

thats a crazy awesome idea! a mini dual-sport side car. LOL.

[@xfiringsquadx]

Not for cargo, for a person so they can ride it together. And make it two wheel drive like a Ural

[@drewtooker4243]

RS7JR I mean like trail gear, cameras and extra fuel. Basically for road trips and backwoods exploring

[@xfiringsquadx]

@@drewtooker4243 Yeah, that would definitely be more practical and doable but I would be more interested in seeing them take on the challenge of making a mini sidecar bike that actually carries two people. Maybe even two people and cargo if that's even at all possible.

[@brackeng1294]

Road trip two of them to Bosco Beach, ride the trails then road trip back home. The ultimate all a rounder.

[@publicnuisance6283]

Z50’s were never street legal in the u.s.

[@davidcookson4043]

Road trip with camping and cooking supplies.

[@equinoxgfx]

Sam Ganos if you’re referring to the Honda Monkey, they have a 125cc engine from factory, 12” wheels, and are twice the size of a Z50. Sure, they look super similar but the Monkey is way bigger. The Z50s were never street legal, the Honda Monkey is. Two completely different motorcycles.

[@samganos5514]

Equinox Designs oops your write, my bad

[@equinoxgfx]

@@samganos5514 All good homie! I am glad I could teach you something new. The more knowledge the better!

[@shannonnevitt5782]

When’s the next trophy truck build coming out man it’s killing me and I’m sure other people to we want the trophy truck 😂

[@crazyconcertkid4413]

Just came to comment this

[@CarsandCameras]

Wednesday!

[@Hitycooking]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5LIlmuspauHebOe j t

[@iancameron1662]

@@CarsandCameras use druoglass mix it like bonds but its fiberglass and will seal the tank

[@joeking8912]

@@CarsandCameras I'm on a tight budget because I am taking care of my mother who has head and neck cancer I have a MB 200 mini bike is there any way you could tell me where to get lowest prices upgrades for it thank you [e-mail]

[@xfiringsquadx]

26:28 Total it'll be fine moment. You can see a cloud of dry rotted rubber flying from the rear tire. 🤣

[@allanbuttery5297]

In Britain we used to call them Monkey Bikes and there was no Haynes Manual for them so you had to follow Honda Cub diagrams and descriptions for accuracy but those that were issued on British Roads were of 70cc capacity and these centrifugal clutch engines were often replaced with 50cc equivalent builds.I also remember the handlebars on the designs for British version always had play in them because of the rubber washers underneath the stem clamps.

[@randombuilds8336]

You need a garden wagon for dragging around motors and dead bikes.

[@cokeacolasucks]

Or a front end loader....

[@randombuilds8336]

@@cokeacolasucks lol, split the difference and go bobcat. Big enough to drag a small car, small enough to store easily.

[@cokeacolasucks]

@@randombuilds8336 true. I kinda was poking at they already own the front end loader. Alternatively, making a utility kart like a Cushman wouldn't be bad either.

[@lewisd3125]

Random builds a bike is never dead in the hands of these guys!

[@tobeylewis8564]

Glad to see y'all working on the Z's! I just finished a complete top end on my 1979 Z50R. I decided to go standard bore,still plenty of power to drag my 245lb self around. Keep up the work! Honda's never die!

[@karhukylaracing5831]

America: this 125 is wery fast Finland: 125 is lazy swap 212cc engine in honda monkey

[@kecah04]

video????

[@kerdooow6377]

Chester Harrah just type in KZbin ”212 cc monkey”

[@karhukylaracing5831]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oH-7aH55bNOBrJo

[@timmins2k215]

anyone seen that video about that little monkey bike with a Suzuki 450 motor

[@Matiasmartinmaki]

@@timmins2k215 do you mena the suzuki PV engine swap?

[@deannagrayston4778]

I love the longer videos can you keep do this

[@kirbyforeman1834]

Love the videos! Just a small suggestion for cleaning the tanks, add white vinegar. Just pour in a couple cups when adding the nuts/bolts. Also helps when dumping after cleaning as there is no dust to worry about inhaling.

[@btsandhovel5381]

Just wanted to tell you how much of an inspiration you have been for the last couple years. I am working on so much more in quarantine. Loved the vid btw

[@isaacitllbefine7231]

Thanks

[@CMPLT_PLYZ]

@@isaacitllbefine7231 ill back this lol yall are my heros cant wait to meet yall at pates swap meet next year!!!!

[@yamaha04rider]

Ike stepping on that wheel was Honda mini asmr

[@FradyKatt]

a good TIG welder can repair it i have had much worse welded.

[@MAD450r2]

ROAD TRIP i totally agree you guys need to have fun on those classics. I want a 1971, currently have a 1970 RUPP enduro

[@NicholasCollie]

love the long videos!

[@jacketspritecranberry4876]

Hey guys, love your vids. Can’t wait to see the outcome of the 4x4 bronco!

[@braedengibbs354]

Same. Can’t wait.

[@fazebraylon2729]

Me too

[@JETHO321]

With a gokart engine 😆

[@texasaggieproud]

I'm 99% SURE that I'm the ONLY here that can say that I've owned (thank you, Dad...R.I.P.) both the Z50 and the CT70 as brand new bikes. Fun fact, I still have my 1981 CT70 that he bought new for me at the age of 12. I'm 51 now, and in the slowwwww process of a full restoration. It is 98% rust free as it was kept inside a storage room with HVAC for 24 years before I brought it to my garage 6 years ago. Frame has been professionally repainted Ferrari (literally, using their paint codes) red. "Tahitian Red," from Honda, wasn't red enough for me, so I've gone full custom. Great videos guys.... very fun to watch!

[@justinabts9569]

I put one of those Lifan 200cc engines on my yerfdog that’s the same as the Subaru yerf dog and it rips, I wish I could go to Busco beach with you guys

[@nathancorbin4122]

love the longer vids keep up the good work

[@robertshampeau6028]

idk how i feel about these z50 videos...i still chew my parents out for letting mine leave my house without me and its been well over 25 yrs... :(

[@carllarsen]

my neighbors had them. there were three in the neighborhood i grew up in. my folks never let me get one.

[@my50bike]

That 125 makes a heap of difference on the small bikes - We just put one in a Honda Dax. Thanks for the video guys

[@maximumrpm1868]

You guys are true American Heroes for fixing these things up

[@briang4470]

For the tank get some "red-kote" tank sealer, you can put a piece of tape over the holes and fill the tank with the sealer, it works great and is fairly cheap, I. Had to coat the tank on my ysr50 with it because it had holes in the bottom and it works great, red kote is what most radiator shops and gas tank repair shops use to reseal tanks.

[@bustinyanutz4195]

Thanks for making me feel old, I'm older then that bike , me and Freiburger thank you both of us born in 73

[@brianmccann666]

1974 here. I want a '74 z50 or ct70, or ct90...

[@DanITGuy]

You guys are the most fun next to ol red beard! Love your videos! I look forward to every new one!!

[@Tyler_5.4]

You guys should get evapo-rust, it is really good at getting rid of rust, and you can reuse the fluid more than once. (I would recommend filtering it though)

[@admryebread7229]

I know your pain about fixing gas tanks my 1984 dr100 had a few small holes in it. i was able to just hit it with the mig and fill the holes. took a fair bit of time and is ugly but it works and doesn't dip gas any more. Keep up the great vidoes guys

[@charliepatterson9321]

The tank cleaner immediately impressed me and then I saw the work on the fender . Double Banger in a matter of seconds ! I'm an old guy with no welding skill but I know a good save when I see one . Excellent work !

[@datsgweeen3410]

I've been watching you guys for a couple years now restore sevral projects,and I always wanted to restore something like yall did.Well my grandma is moving into a new house,and me and my mom are moving into her old house and taking over the payment. She's had this exact same honda mini trail stuffed deep in her shed for as long as I've been alive and I've always wanted to fix it,well I'm almost 16 now,and I asked her if the bike could stay with the house and I could fix it up.and she told me yes,its the exact same bike tires are flat and dry rotted for sitting for so long its been sitting basically since the 70's.and I cant tell if the original paint is brown or not because of all the rust.but I am so lucky that yall fixed the same exact bike up,I cant wait to get to working on it! Edit:also if you guys see this the bike has no compression on the Kickstart, annything I should try to fix it,or what it may be?

[@fu77yfr3ak]

34:22 I love the face John made I bet he was thinking "let's send it dude, righteous way to retire a rim"

[@lamarzimmermanmennonitefar5269]

That fuel tank repair kit works very good. I used it on my 85 Honda atc200es. Worked very well!

[@alexvoss672]

2:14 crosskart with bronco: H A T bronco: plz help meeeeeeee

[@ionstorm66]

I use hot glue and plastic to seal the outside of the tank, then use epoxy tank coat on the inside. After a few coats inside, you can sand the plastic off the outside and paint.

[@michaelblacktree]

27:46 - It's got what bikes crave! It has electrolytes.

[@briang4470]

Brawndos got electrolytes. Brought to you by Carl's jr.

[@thIDthIRreenactor]

I love that movie idiocracy

[@deanishere7237]

30:02 Which way to Aspen ???

[@yovela8227]

so yh my dad got killer deal on a motorcycle it was all dirty and nasty and 4 hours of cleaning it and it look band new i was so surprised. love the video

[@anotherone9460]

Props to your dad!! Those make the best bikes!

[@Dan_Kornfeld]

Hide a small flexible fuel cell under the seat, and call it done (keep the old tank on for aesthetics). Keep doing what you do!

[@Tampaboys]

Twinning is winning

[@jaysonburns4423]

Man you gonna have more time in it then if you were just to spend the money on a new tank..I love you guys I love your optimism

[@mikehensley78]

The yellow one should be Yelonda. The red one should be Ronda. I love these little bikes. That ended up being a bad ass little bike. nice!

[@bobby7181]

Bring back yerf dog good episodes

[@aydanangus]

Me: comes in from project Cnc: has uploaded Me: nice

[@btsandhovel5381]

Wow same

[@Tampaboys]

My first bike ever best Honda ever made

[@1one3_Racing]

"We've got like 10 of these...." So take good parts off another one to repair this one?

[@CarsandCameras]

They're all in similar shape, we ended up stealing the best wheels off another one to put on this one.

[@1one3_Racing]

Bugger. I was sure when you first showed them off there were some good looking parts. You "could" take the top part of 2 rims and weld them together.

[@coryholzman6877]

Can you guys make a drag track now since you have a tractor?

[@devivoman]

Guys, I haven't even watched the video yet but I have to tell you the 30+ minute videos are making me super happy! I'm so excited about where you guys are taking this channel! Keep up everything you guys are doing! Definitely my favorite KZbin channel!

[@isaacitllbefine7231]

Thanks

[@Canadian_Craftsman]

I don't usually leave comments BUTT!!(= I absolutely LOVE how you guy's have kept ur ROOTS tinkering and fixing rusty toys for the average guy's.. I'm ALWAYS enjoying your builds Ike & John PLEASE KEEP IT UP!! stay safe&happy fellas😁✊🔥

[@Kendalon]

Hey I work at Advance Auto Parts. They treat their loyal employees like crap.

[@stittyd]

Nobody is holding a gun to your head, making you go every day.

[@Kendalon]

@@stittyd Yeah... No one is forcing me to go. But I am a disabled veteran and this is the first job in 5 years that was willing to hire me even though I can't stand for more than 15 minutes, crouch more than a few times a day, etc. I need to pay bills, and for my kids. So while I don't HAVE to go, I need to go.

[@brianmccann666]

If they treat you like crap, record it. Report it HR & better business Bureau... They are breaking many laws treating you badly. As a Veteran some of these become felonies automatically. Usually its a Bad Apple Store Management Problem. Not a Company problem.

[@larryalexander4833]

@@Kendalon they do treat employees wrong. I knew a fellow that worked for them for many many years. ( Best parts guy they ever had ) and after all the years of loyal service they demotted him and his pay. ( Cause to help the company cut backs) not sure if he finally left or they let him go. He now works for independent company

[@Kendalon]

@@brianmccann666 Oh they don't out right do it. They just add more work, harass you to come in on your day off, ( blowing up your phone) and expect you to do things you can't do.

[@robertgrant4501]

Was anyone else expecting the back tire to blow on the burnout?

[@evita27jar]

I think that you guys Restore some z50 that will be lit

[@PongbyAtari]

Now thats the way you break in a fresh motor well maybe not....Z50 road trip is a big hell yeah 😎 👍

[@dazthejazz1640]

I've had great results with fiberglass resin when it comes to patching holes in fuel tanks. The last one I did, had more holes than a showerhead and it's still holding two years later.

[@sidneyjones2101]

The ethanol will eat it ip

[@vintagespeed]

i dont know your proximity to the TransAmericaTrail (TAT), but I rode it back in 2013 and was awesome (mostly easy until Utah..) "dirt" riding all the way across the country. all back roads and trails, no highway. would be awesome to do a section of that on the 50s. you can get info about it on ADVRider.com forum.

[@bigtrucktv8527]

Love the videos you guys inspired me to build and make videos of my own

[@simondoesthings]

Why are you commenting this on most of their videos 😂

[@Hitycooking]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5LIlmuspauHebObf

[@simondoesthings]

@@Hitycooking okay that I don't mind

[@Brock_Landers]

When I was a kid I wanted a minibike SO bad and one year for my birthday my mom got me one. It wasn't anything special, it was just a cheap bike with a Briggs and Stratton 5 HP engine with a torque converter. It didn't even have real brakes, it just had a pedal with a metal plate that pressed against the rear tire to slow it down. My brother in law came over and tried to help me get it started and after we finally did my mom wanted to ride it. She ripped around the house and the throttle stuck wide open. She sailed into the bushes next to our house at about 40 mph...🤣 🤣 🤣 I rode it down our hill and this old man that lived at the bottom would rake all the leaves out in front of his house into a huge 20 foot long pile right next to the street and I would ride my bike through them as fast as it would go downhill... Yeah, he hated me...

[@dawsoneubank1432]

Why does John look so natural on those little bikes

[@brianmccann666]

He is shorter is why. Short people fit them perfectly...

[@BFTEgodswarrio5939]

Yep and ike looks like a grasshopper riding them.

[@brianmccann666]

Ike is Tall...

[@kaneodell4727]

Love the vids guys, right when I bought a ct70 in need of a restore you did to and now I just bought a z50 and you made a video with 2 what are are odds

[@forthebestonly3660]

Nice

[@daddy_coolio9047]

I love these long videos there awesome! Keep up the good work!

[@weldorman8495]

OHMIGOD! You guys actually washed a project you're going to work on! Hey, it looks a lot better and gets rid of some of those spiders at the same time. Maybe you could make a habit of it? Good shop practice.

[@terranceirving2961]

John, "Are we gonna jump it or what!?" Classic!

[@DCDLaserCNC]

We just bought our grandsons a couple pf SSR pit bikes. One is a 110 and one is a 125. They run great and are a ton of fun! Cannot beat the value for the money.

[@joshsrcs]

On Helmet Cam Everyone: watching the road ahead Me: watching Ike’s cheek bounce around

[@isaacitllbefine7231]

Lol i saw that too

[@Stonedtothebone91]

whats up from New Zealand, loving the content as always. totally something id do to clean the fuel tank... had me laughing pretty good when you turned the camera around and showed the rig

[@isaacitllbefine7231]

Lol. Thanks

[@lizzard7473]

Well done guys. I'm guilty of trying to start an engine with no spark plug too. Work on things like this long enough silly thing will happen.

[@mopedmessiah]

Im surprised no one's swapped a Yamaha PW80 motor into one. I've ridden one, its a torquey fun little 2 stroke. Or better yet....a 190 motor 😂

[@domenykwilkes5472]

I'm glad I saw this video ive been having a bad few days and this has made my day

[@jaydenandlaney555]

Love their videos keep up the good work

[@SpeedyMercer]

NEEDS MORE GEAR! 1st is good for, what, 6'?

[@anthonyross9276]

My buddy once strapped the fuel tank of his chevelle to the back wheel of his farmall M,jacked up tge rear end,put it in road gear and let it idle for two hours with rocks in the tank. Worked mint!

[@mikeannen4458]

That was my second mini bike when I was a kid only mine was red. Brings back some great memories!! Thanks guys.

[@Mad-Duk_Machine_Werkes]

When youre doing an old rusty tank like that it works better if you use a handful or two of short drywall screws, and then put in Lacquer thinner if it's varnished up gasoline, or Vinegar if it's dry rust inside - Also- when you have rusty spots on a frame, just wire brush it and paint on some OSPHO and then paint it-

[@jeromebullard6123]

I ride my 71 CT70 around Northfield Mn, and the potholes are a very real danger with those size tires. I’d be nuts to ride a Z50 around here. Lol

[@jarekmace1536]

For the fuel tank, there are liquid rosin kits that get poured inside and swirled around to coat everything. They work pretty good from the reports my mechanics gave in Afghanistan.

[@erwinmachate2759]

Great job guys! Would love to see a street legal z50 with piranha 140cc.

[@troyhiett1885]

I'd like to see a ct125 and z125 drag race. This much fun should be illegal, but its not. Great vid guys

[@thinkdunson]

two part epoxy can be used to seal fuel tanks. might be difficult to get it just right since it's not a soft solid like this stuff, but it would definitely work regardless of how large the hole is. although i would definitely recommend cleaning off the rust better than a gentle rinse like they did.

[@johnbreland4099]

Try separating the classes of the bikes, go kart and any other machine to their own section, to see what’s fastest in their own class. But other wise great videos 👍

[@vdfritzz]

sounds so much better with a muffler, all your straight piped machines should get mufflers installed

[@JMKGarage]

Hey guys, great find with these bikes, and nice video!

[@ScottHillsmusclecargarage]

I am new to this channel and it is bringing back some great memories. In 1976 I was a sophomore in high school. In junior high. My best friend was given a Honda SL 70 along with his brother. They were neat little bikes. Had a lot of good times on those bikes.

[@effyoo6081]

Did you guys tell gopowersports about your new parts source? I can keep a secret.

[@robertobuenrostro2781]

U guys are brilliant... 🛠️🤘🛵

[@big63racer]

You guys should do a all build 50 lap endurance race

[@bobbybarrett8929]

I think it's called funder karts the chassis is fiberglass the wheels ate plastic and it is belt driven and tilt steering for kids

[@sorrygunsathome]

Did the same thing with a Honda 550 tank and a tracker with a jack works amazing not gonna lie

[@mybackhurts7020]

Nice window in the back wall Oh wait that’s the crack in the wall Still there

[@thatsaltydogchris3101]

With t bolt as a new sponsor would be cool to see a pit bike build. great idea btw 125 on Rhonda

[@danf4616]

I'm 63. So interesting seeing these old bikes again!

[@williamramsey4431]

Love the content hating the wait!!! Keep building it’ll be fine

[@justinhamby1465]

Road trip them to a junky old truck revive it and drive its back with bikes in the back

[@andrewssmallenginerepair3901]

You guys should make another mokart out of a old yard machines lawnmower

[@howtoguroo2686]

YES , ROAD TRIP TO MY HOUSE . SHOW YOU MY PARTS INVENTORY AND RIDE IN THE FIELD ASHEVILLE NC.

[@SuperMarge123]

Excellent, thank you very much. Fantastic viewing. Yes please to the road trip. Regards Gareth Wiltshire UK. Gratitude. Quality.

[@isaacitllbefine7231]

Thanks for watching

[@MisterCreamyDude]

Love the way the garage wall is just snapped in half!! Ventilation I expect. Good job though guys, can't believe people just abandon these bikes, here in the UK they're rare as rocking horse sh1t. Probably cost more here for just one junk heap than you paid for all 8! Thanks for posting.

[@oscarperales1718]

I've been watching your videos for years I'm glad you guys are still at it