1978 Honda NC50 Express Motorcycle

Description

Honda developed the user-friendly NC50 scooter, badged the Express, for the North American market in 1977 with simplicity in mind, combining a reliable 50cc air-cooled two-stroke engine with a continuously-variable transmission.  The step-through frame was a simple, sturdy design, using swing-arm rear suspension and a fixed front fork.  A clever oil pump was added to pre-mix the NC50’s oil and fuel, while early versions made do with a spring starter, manual choke and points ignition.  A basic 6-volt electrical system kept the lights and horn working and a front-mounted basket for carrying shopping was optional.  From 1980 onwards an updated version added a kick start, automatic choke and capacitor discharge ignition, along with a revised compression ratio.  Reliable drum brakes were used both front and rear, while an updated frame design and two-speed transmission appeared towards the end of the NC50’s model life in 1982.  With a top speed of only 50km/h or so, the lightweight and remarkably frugal Express was ideally suited to city commuting.