Honda Z50 Identification Guide

Frame numbers, VINs, engine numbers, factory colors and the changes Honda made every year, from the original 1968 Z50A Mini Trail to the last 1999 Z50R. Identify your bike, then shop parts that fit.

How To Identify
Your Z50

Start here

Honda changed paint, graphics and hardware on the Z50 almost every year, which makes dating one by eye a guessing game. The stamped numbers do not lie. Start with the frame, confirm with the engine, then use the year notes to rule out a repaint or swapped parts.

01

Find the frame number

On 1968 through 1980 bikes it is stamped on the left side of the steering head and starts with Z50A or AB02. From 1981 on, Honda switched to a 17 character VIN that starts with JH2AB020.

02

Check the engine number

Stamped on the left side of the crankcase just below the cylinder. Z50A engines start with Z50AE, Z50R engines with AB02E, and the 1988 ZB50 with AB22E.

03

Match colors and details

Use the identifying features under each year below. Tank stripes, seat graphics, number plates and logos changed constantly, so these details confirm a year when the numbers are worn or the bike has been repainted.

Decoding A
Z50R VIN

1981 to 1999

From 1981 on, every Z50R carries a 17 character VIN. JH2 identifies Honda of Japan, AB02 is the Z50R model code (AB22 on the ZB50), and the 10th character is the model year. Find that letter in the table below.

BCDEFGHJKMNPRSTVWX
198119821983198419851986198719881989199119921993199419951996199719981999

Example: JH2AB020*FS600001 is a 1985 Z50R (F in the 10th position). The letters I, O, Q and U are never used in a VIN. No 1990 Z50R was sold in the US, which is why L is missing from the sequence.

Z50 Quick
Reference

Every year at a glance

Numbers shown are the starting frame and engine number for each model year. Your bike's number will fall at or above the number for its year and below the next year's start. Click a year for full details.

YearModelFrame / VIN startsEngine startsFactory colors
1968-1969Z50A K0Z50A-100001~Z50AE-100001~Candy Red / Silver; Bright Yellow / Silver
1969-1970Z50A K1Z50A-120088~Z50AE-120088~Candy Red / Silver; Bright Yellow / Silver; Candy Blue / Silver
1970-1971Z50A K2Z50A-270236~Z50AE-270236~Candy Ruby Red / White; Candy Sapphire Blue / White; Mexican Yellow / White
1972Z50A K3Z50A-1000001~Z50AE-1000001~Candy Gold / Black; Light Ruby Red / Black
1973Z50A K4Z50A-3000001~Z50AE-3000001~Hawaiian Blue Metallic; Candy Orange
1974Z50A K5Z50A-5000001~Z50AE-5000001~Candy Sapphire Blue; Candy Topaz Orange
1975Z50A K6Z50A-6000001~Z50AE-6000001~Candy Ruby Red
1976Z50A '76Z50A-6100001~Z50AE-6100001~Parakeet Yellow
1977Z50A '77Z50A-6200003~Z50AE-6114616~Tahitian Red
1978Z50A '78Z50A-6300003~Z50AE-6300001~Tahitian Red
1979Z50R '79AB02-5000009~AB02E-5000001~Tahitian Red
1980Z50R '80AB02-5100007~AB02E-5100001~Tahitian Red
1981Z50R '81VIN JH2AB020*BS200001~AB02E-5200001~Tahitian Red
1982Z50R '82VIN JH2AB020*CS300002~AB02E-5300001~Blaze Red
1983Z50R '83VIN JH2AB020*DS400012~AB02E-5400001~Blaze Red
1984Z50R '84VIN JH2AB020*ES500001~AB02E-5500001~Blaze Red
1985Z50R '85VIN JH2AB020*FS600001~AB02E-5600001~Blaze Red
1986Z50R '86VIN JH2AB020*GS700001~AB02E-5700001~Blaze Red
1986Z50RD '86 SpecialVIN JH2AB020*GS700001~AB02E-5700001~Chrome
1987Z50R '87VIN JH2AB020*HS800001~AB02E-5800001~Blaze Red / Shasta White
1988Z50R '88VIN JH2AB020*JS900001~AB02E-5900001~Blaze Red / Shasta White
1988ZB50 '88VIN JH2AB220*JS000001~AB22E-2000001~Black / Max Silver Metallic
1989Z50R '89VIN JH2AB020*KS000001~AB02E-6000001~Blaze Red / Shasta White
1991Z50R '91VIN JH2AB020*MS000004~AB02E-6100001~Shasta White
1992Z50R '92VIN JH2AB020*NK100001~AB02E-6400001~Shasta White
1993Z50R '93VIN JH2AB020*PK200001~AB02E-6500001~Shasta White
1994Z50R '94VIN JH2AB020*RK300001~AB02E-6506520~Shasta White
1995Z50R '95VIN JH2AB020*SK400001~AB02E-6600001~Shasta White
1996Z50R '96VIN JH2AB020*TK500001~AB02E-6605420~Shasta White
1997Z50R '97VIN JH2AB020*VK600001~AB02E-6610730~Shasta White
1998Z50R '98VIN JH2AB020*WK700001~AB02E-6615433~Shasta White
1999Z50R '99VIN JH2AB020*XK800001~AB02E-6620650~Shasta White

The Three
Z50 Generations

Three chassis, three parts groups
1968 to 1971

Z50A K0, K1, K2

The original Mini Trail. Chrome fenders, two tone tank, folding handlebars and the first hard tail frame. Frame numbers start with Z50A-1. These are the most collectible Z50s.

1972 to 1978

Z50A K3 through '78

An all new chassis arrived with the K3 in 1972. Chrome fenders continued through 1977, then switched to red painted steel for 1978. Colors and tank stripes changed nearly every year.

1979 to 1999

Z50R

Redesigned as an off road bike with rear suspension, a solo seat and number plates. Points ignition through 1983, CDI from 1988 on. Tahitian Red, Blaze Red and finally Shasta White define the eras.

Year By Year
Z50 Identification

The full reference

Every US model with its starting numbers, factory colors and the features that set that year apart. Jump to a year:

196819691970197219731974197519761977197819791980198119821983198419851986'86 Special19871988'88 ZB501989199119921993199419951996199719981999
Z50A Mini Trail 50 (Z50AK0) (1968-1969) Honda Z50 identification card: frame Z50A-100001~, engine Z50AE-100001~
1968-1969

Z50A Mini Trail 50 (Z50AK0)

Frame / VIN: Z50A-100001~    Engine: Z50AE-100001~
Colors: Candy Red / Silver · Bright Yellow / Silver
  • Fuel tank is 2-tone; fenders are chrome K0 through K2
  • White grips and white plastic levers
  • Early units: #415 drive chain; late units: #420 drive chain
  • 49cc OHC single, 3-speed, automatic clutch (K0 through '99)
Release: 09/12/68Product code: 045Use: Off road
Z50AK1 Mini Trail 50 (1969-1970) Honda Z50 identification card: frame Z50A-120088~, engine Z50AE-120088~
1969-1970

Z50AK1 Mini Trail 50

Frame / VIN: Z50A-120088~    Engine: Z50AE-120088~
Colors: Candy Red / Silver · Bright Yellow / Silver · Candy Blue / Silver
  • Black grips and black plastic levers
  • Battery is standard equipment on K1 only
Release: 03/01/69Product code: 045Use: Off road
Z50AK2 Mini Trail 50 (1970-1971) Honda Z50 identification card: frame Z50A-270236~, engine Z50AE-270236~
1970-1971

Z50AK2 Mini Trail 50

Frame / VIN: Z50A-270236~    Engine: Z50AE-270236~
Colors: Candy Ruby Red / White · Candy Sapphire Blue / White · Mexican Yellow / White
  • "Mini Trail" fuel tank emblem is red and black
  • Black grips and silver aluminum levers K2 through '78
  • Extended rear fender (change)
Release: 07/01/70Product code: 045Use: Off road
Z50AK3 Mini Trail 50 (1972) Honda Z50 identification card: frame Z50A-1000001~, engine Z50AE-1000001~
1972

Z50AK3 Mini Trail 50

Frame / VIN: Z50A-1000001~    Engine: Z50AE-1000001~
Colors: Candy Gold / Black · Light Ruby Red / Black
  • Fuel tank panel is black; "Mini Trail" logo is orange
  • All new chassis K3 through '78
  • Left side cover is blank
  • Chrome chain guard
  • Chrome fenders K3 through '77
Release: 01/01/72Product code: 120Use: Off road
Z50AK4 Mini Trail 50 (1973) Honda Z50 identification card: frame Z50A-3000001~, engine Z50AE-3000001~
1973

Z50AK4 Mini Trail 50

Frame / VIN: Z50A-3000001~    Engine: Z50AE-3000001~
Colors: Hawaiian Blue Metallic · Candy Orange
  • Tank stripe is black and white with orange "Honda" logo
  • Black chain guard K4 through '78
  • "Z50" logo on left side cover K4 through '77
Release: 11/01/72Product code: 130Use: Off road
Z50AK5 Mini Trail 50 (1974) Honda Z50 identification card: frame Z50A-5000001~, engine Z50AE-5000001~
1974

Z50AK5 Mini Trail 50

Frame / VIN: Z50A-5000001~    Engine: Z50AE-5000001~
Colors: Candy Sapphire Blue · Candy Topaz Orange
  • Fuel tank stripe is yellow/black
Product code: 130Use: Off road
Z50AK6 Mini Trail 50 (1975) Honda Z50 identification card: frame Z50A-6000001~, engine Z50AE-6000001~
1975

Z50AK6 Mini Trail 50

Frame / VIN: Z50A-6000001~    Engine: Z50AE-6000001~
Colors: Candy Ruby Red
  • Fuel tank stripe is orange/yellow/black
Product code: 130Use: Off road
Z50A '76 Mini Trail 50 (1976) Honda Z50 identification card: frame Z50A-6100001~, engine Z50AE-6100001~
1976

Z50A '76 Mini Trail 50

Frame / VIN: Z50A-6100001~    Engine: Z50AE-6100001~
Colors: Parakeet Yellow
  • Fuel tank stripe is red
  • "Z50" side cover logo is red and white
Product code: 130Use: Off road
Z50A '77 Mini Trail 50 (1977) Honda Z50 identification card: frame Z50A-6200003~, engine Z50AE-6114616~
1977

Z50A '77 Mini Trail 50

Frame / VIN: Z50A-6200003~    Engine: Z50AE-6114616~
Colors: Tahitian Red
  • Fuel tank stripe is dark blue
Product code: 130Use: Off road
Z50A '78 Mini Trail 50 (1978) Honda Z50 identification card: frame Z50A-6300003~, engine Z50AE-6300001~
1978

Z50A '78 Mini Trail 50

Frame / VIN: Z50A-6300003~    Engine: Z50AE-6300001~
Colors: Tahitian Red
  • Fuel tank stripe is yellow/orange/red/black
  • Red painted steel fenders
  • "Mini Trail 50" side cover logo is orange, red and white
Product code: 130Use: Off road
Z50R '79 (1979) Honda Z50 identification card: frame AB02-5000009~, engine AB02E-5000001~
1979

Z50R '79

Frame / VIN: AB02-5000009~    Engine: AB02E-5000001~
Colors: Tahitian Red
  • Black seat with no graphics
  • Red front number plate '79 through '81
  • Black shock springs; points ignition '79 through '83
Product code: 181Use: Off road
Z50R '80 (1980) Honda Z50 identification card: frame AB02-5100007~, engine AB02E-5100001~
1980

Z50R '80

Frame / VIN: AB02-5100007~    Engine: AB02E-5100001~
Colors: Tahitian Red
  • Black solo seat with red "Z" graphics '80 through '81
  • White "50R" decal on side number plates '80 through '81
  • Number plates on left and right side '80 through '99 (change)
Product code: 181Use: Off road
Z50R '81 (1981) Honda Z50 identification card: frame VIN JH2AB020*BS200001~, engine AB02E-5200001~
1981

Z50R '81

Frame / VIN: VIN JH2AB020*BS200001~    Engine: AB02E-5200001~
Colors: Tahitian Red
  • "50R" decal graphic design on number plate (change)
Product code: 181Use: Off road
Z50R '82 (1982) Honda Z50 identification card: frame VIN JH2AB020*CS300002~, engine AB02E-5300001~
1982

Z50R '82

Frame / VIN: VIN JH2AB020*CS300002~    Engine: AB02E-5300001~
Colors: Blaze Red
  • Black solo seat with white "50R" graphics
  • White number plates with red "Z" decals
Product code: 181Use: Off road
Z50R '83 (1983) Honda Z50 identification card: frame VIN JH2AB020*DS400012~, engine AB02E-5400001~
1983

Z50R '83

Frame / VIN: VIN JH2AB020*DS400012~    Engine: AB02E-5400001~
Colors: Blaze Red
  • Black solo seat with white "Z" graphics
  • Yellow number plates with white "50R" decals
Product code: 181Use: Off road
Z50R '84 (1984) Honda Z50 identification card: frame VIN JH2AB020*ES500001~, engine AB02E-5500001~
1984

Z50R '84

Frame / VIN: VIN JH2AB020*ES500001~    Engine: AB02E-5500001~
Colors: Blaze Red
  • Blue solo seat with white "Z" graphics '84 through '87
  • Yellow number plates with red "50R" decals
  • Red shock springs
Product code: 181Use: Off road
Z50R '85 (1985) Honda Z50 identification card: frame VIN JH2AB020*FS600001~, engine AB02E-5600001~
1985

Z50R '85

Frame / VIN: VIN JH2AB020*FS600001~    Engine: AB02E-5600001~
Colors: Blaze Red
  • Yellow number plates
  • "Wing" decal is red/white/blue '85 through '87
  • Blue shock springs '85 through '86
Product code: 181Use: Off road
Z50R '86 (1986) Honda Z50 identification card: frame VIN JH2AB020*GS700001~, engine AB02E-5700001~
1986

Z50R '86

Frame / VIN: VIN JH2AB020*GS700001~    Engine: AB02E-5700001~
Colors: Blaze Red
  • White number plates
  • Gold painted wheels '86 through '87
Product code: 181Use: Off road
Z50RD '86 Special (1986) Honda Z50 identification card: frame VIN JH2AB020*GS700001~, engine AB02E-5700001~
1986

Z50RD '86 Special

Frame / VIN: VIN JH2AB020*GS700001~    Engine: AB02E-5700001~
Colors: Chrome
  • All steel parts are chrome plated
  • Red seat and grips
  • White number plates
  • "Wing" decal is red/white/blue
Product code: 181Use: Off road
Z50R '87 (1987) Honda Z50 identification card: frame VIN JH2AB020*HS800001~, engine AB02E-5800001~
1987

Z50R '87

Frame / VIN: VIN JH2AB020*HS800001~    Engine: AB02E-5800001~
Colors: Blaze Red / Shasta White
  • White frame, fenders and shock springs
Product code: 181Use: Off road
Z50R '88 (1988) Honda Z50 identification card: frame VIN JH2AB020*JS900001~, engine AB02E-5900001~
1988

Z50R '88

Frame / VIN: VIN JH2AB020*JS900001~    Engine: AB02E-5900001~
Colors: Blaze Red / Shasta White
  • Blue solo seat with white "Honda" graphics
  • Frame, front fender, number plates and wheels are white
  • C.D. ignition '88 through '99 (change)
Product code: GW8Use: Off road
ZB50 '88 (1988) Honda Z50 identification card: frame VIN JH2AB220*JS000001~, engine AB22E-2000001~
1988

ZB50 '88

Frame / VIN: VIN JH2AB220*JS000001~    Engine: AB22E-2000001~
Colors: Black / Max Silver Metallic
  • Fuel tank, fenders and fork legs are black
  • Frame and swingarm are silver
  • Seat, "ZB" logo and wheels are red
  • 49cc OHC single, 3-speed, automatic clutch
Product code: GS9Use: Street / on road
Z50R '89 (1989) Honda Z50 identification card: frame VIN JH2AB020*KS000001~, engine AB02E-6000001~
1989

Z50R '89

Frame / VIN: VIN JH2AB020*KS000001~    Engine: AB02E-6000001~
Colors: Blaze Red / Shasta White
  • Frame, number plates and wheels are white
  • Fuel tank, seat, front and rear fenders are red
  • New style "Wing" logo on fuel tank (change)
  • "Z" logo on seat (change)
Product code: GW8Use: Off road
Z50R '91 (1991) Honda Z50 identification card: frame VIN JH2AB020*MS000004~, engine AB02E-6100001~
1991

Z50R '91

Frame / VIN: VIN JH2AB020*MS000004~    Engine: AB02E-6100001~
Colors: Shasta White
  • Seat is red
  • "Honda" logo and number plate panel are blue
  • "Z" logo is red and blue
  • "50R" logo on seat is red on white brushed graphics (change)
Product code: GW8Use: Off road
Z50R '92 (1992) Honda Z50 identification card: frame VIN JH2AB020*NK100001~, engine AB02E-6400001~
1992

Z50R '92

Frame / VIN: VIN JH2AB020*NK100001~    Engine: AB02E-6400001~
Colors: Shasta White
  • Fuel tank "Wing" logo deleted (change)
  • "50R" logo on seat is white (change)
Product code: GW8Use: Off road
Z50R '93 (1993) Honda Z50 identification card: frame VIN JH2AB020*PK200001~, engine AB02E-6500001~
1993

Z50R '93

Frame / VIN: VIN JH2AB020*PK200001~    Engine: AB02E-6500001~
Colors: Shasta White
  • Fuel tank logo reads "Z50R" (change)
  • "Honda" seat logo is white (change)
Product code: GW8Use: Off road
Z50R '94 (1994) Honda Z50 identification card: frame VIN JH2AB020*RK300001~, engine AB02E-6506520~
1994

Z50R '94

Frame / VIN: VIN JH2AB020*RK300001~    Engine: AB02E-6506520~
Colors: Shasta White
  • XR style graphics; "50R" on seat is white (change)
  • Fuel tank logo reads "Z" (blue) "Honda" (red) (change)
Product code: GW8Use: Off road
Z50R '95 (1995) Honda Z50 identification card: frame VIN JH2AB020*SK400001~, engine AB02E-6600001~
1995

Z50R '95

Frame / VIN: VIN JH2AB020*SK400001~    Engine: AB02E-6600001~
Colors: Shasta White
  • Fuel tank logo "Z" (red) "Honda" and outline purple (change)
Product code: GW8Use: Off road
Z50R '96 (1996) Honda Z50 identification card: frame VIN JH2AB020*TK500001~, engine AB02E-6605420~
1996

Z50R '96

Frame / VIN: VIN JH2AB020*TK500001~    Engine: AB02E-6605420~
Colors: Shasta White
  • Fuel tank logo redesigned (change)
Product code: GW8Use: Off road
Z50R '97 (1997) Honda Z50 identification card: frame VIN JH2AB020*VK600001~, engine AB02E-6610730~
1997

Z50R '97

Frame / VIN: VIN JH2AB020*VK600001~    Engine: AB02E-6610730~
Colors: Shasta White
  • White number plate backgrounds '97 through '99 (change)
  • Fuel tank logo redesigned with new color: black/white/red (change)
Product code: GW8Use: Off road
Z50R '98 (1998) Honda Z50 identification card: frame VIN JH2AB020*WK700001~, engine AB02E-6615433~
1998

Z50R '98

Frame / VIN: VIN JH2AB020*WK700001~    Engine: AB02E-6615433~
Colors: Shasta White
  • "50R" on seat is black (change)
  • Fuel tank logo redesigned to include yellow Honda "Wing" logo (change)
Product code: GW8Use: Off road
Z50R '99 (1999) Honda Z50 identification card: frame VIN JH2AB020*XK800001~, engine AB02E-6620650~
1999

Z50R '99

Frame / VIN: VIN JH2AB020*XK800001~    Engine: AB02E-6620650~
Colors: Shasta White
  • Honda "Wing" deleted from fuel tank decals (change)
Product code: GW8Use: Off road

Identification
Questions

Get some answers
+Where is the frame number on a Honda Z50?
On 1968 through 1980 models the frame number is stamped on the left side of the steering head, below the handlebars. From 1981 on, look for the 17 character VIN in the same location. It starts with JH2AB020.
+Where is the engine number on a Z50?
The engine number is stamped on the left side of the crankcase, just below the cylinder base. Z50A engines start with Z50AE, Z50R engines with AB02E, and the ZB50 with AB22E.
+What is the difference between a Z50A and a Z50R?
The Z50A Mini Trail (1968 to 1978) has a hard tail frame, folding handlebars, chrome or painted steel fenders and a two person style seat. The Z50R (1979 to 1999) is an off road model with rear suspension, a solo seat, side number plates and plastic fenders.
+How do I read a Z50R VIN to find the year?
The 10th character of the VIN is the model year. B is 1981, C is 1982, and so on through X for 1999. The letters I, O, Q and U are never used. See the VIN decoder table on this page for the full list.
+Did Honda make a 1990 Z50R?
No 1990 model year Z50R was sold in the US. Production went from the 1989 model straight to the 1991 model, which is why the 10th VIN character skips from K (1989) to M (1991).
+What is a Z50RD Special?
The 1986 Z50RD Special is a limited chrome edition of the Z50R. All steel parts are chrome plated and it has a red seat and grips. It shares its VIN and engine number range with the standard 1986 Z50R.
+What is a ZB50?
The ZB50 was a one year, 1988 only, street version built on a different frame with a 49cc automatic clutch engine. Its VIN starts with JH2AB220 and its engine number with AB22E, so it does not share chassis parts with the Z50R.
+Which Z50 parts fit which years?
TBparts organizes Z50 parts into three groups that match the major chassis changes: Z50 K0 through 1978, Z50R 1979 through 1987, and Z50R 1988 through 1999, which also covers the XR50 and CRF50. Use the shop button under each year above to go straight to the correct group.
Know your year? Shop the right parts.

Also see the CT70 identification guide, other Honda mini model ID, and the Honda tech info page.

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