ZB50 Build Research Questions Thread

[ShapeShifter]

I was right in the middle of building an XR50 Motard and I came across mikev's ZB50 for sale.

Of course I had to have it.

So I am hurriedly finishing the XR50 so I can start work on the ZB. I have been going over the PM forum and other internet research. The info is spread out far and wide so I am hoping to the experts will lend a hand and help answer some of my questions as I plan this restomod here in this thread.

Here goes the first of many questions:

1. What halogen headlight are people replacing the stock one with?
2. Where can I source the parts for a front end like this? Forks, Fender, Hub, Brakes, Speedo, etc?

[tmas]

Originally Posted by ShapeShifter

I
[*]Where can I source the parts for a front end like this? Forks, Fender, Hub, Brakes, Speedo, etc?[/LIST]

I use the stock headlight.Can't help you there.
For a Monkey R front end like that you would probably have to source the parts from Japan. Possibly used. Motoshop Z?
Morgan...aka....s10_onbagz put a Monkey R wheel set up on his Z50R. Check out his for sale thread, I think he is selling the front hub
http://www.planetminis.com/f58/z50-z...ts-129806.html
tmas

[ShapeShifter]

Thanks tmas. I saw that from several weeks ago and PMd him this morning. I guess I am just too late for alot of these parts

So then - The Monkey R came with disc brakes. ok, I learned that.

But the headlights are made of unobtanium and are sealed beams. Have you found a source for that kind of light?

[s_10onbagz]

The hub is discontinued now, and I am going to hold onto mine for my girls bike. You can get nsr forks or lower fork tubes, nsr brakes & axle, then you just need the monkey r hub and some washers to space the caliper out. I also had to grind the back of the caliper down a hair so it didn't hit the rim. You can buy a fender like this from just about any jdm company or you could run an nsr fender. The monkey r uses an nsr speedo cup and spacers so they are not as hard to find.

[tmas]

Originally Posted by ShapeShifter

Thanks tmas. I saw that from several weeks ago and PMd him this morning. I guess I am just too late for alot of these parts

So then - The Monkey R came with disc brakes. ok, I learned that.

But the headlights are made of unobtanium and are sealed beams. Have you found a source for that kind of light?

ShapeShifter....
ZB and Monkey R headlights are different.
The Monkey R headlight has a bulb you can change but the ZB is a sealed unit.
The Monkey R had front disc brakes, drum on the rear.
If you go to this link at Honda50.com, there is a parts list for the Monkey R and the Monkey RT.
tmas

http://www.honda50.com/partslists/monkey_05.pdf

[s_10onbagz]

I still have my headlight. You got my tail light with the bike if I'm not mistaken. A nice wheel conversion would be a set of ape wheels with a skyteam st90 swing arm. You could run a takegawa disc front hub and probably throw it right on some nsr forks. If the st90 swing arm is the same width as a zb the rear would basically be bolt on.

[ShapeShifter]

Originally Posted by s_10onbagz

I still have my headlight. You got my tail light with the bike if I'm not mistaken. A nice wheel conversion would be a set of ape wheels with a skyteam st90 swing arm. You could run a takegawa disc front hub and probably throw it right on some nsr forks. If the st90 swing arm is the same width as a zb the rear would basically be bolt on.

Oh, that tail light and rack came from you? Cool!

I am interested in your headlight if it is a Monkey R type.

Ok, ok, my head is spinning ... I don't even know what I don't even know about this bike yet

Are you saying that Takegawa makes a hub conversion that fits a disk for ZB50 front wheel, or Ape front wheel?

I know that honda50.com can order the bling for me but where would I order stock Honda parts for Ape, NSR, etc. My local Honda dealer is not...well...that sophisticated (if you know what I mean).

Where can I order ST90/Skyteam type stuff?




BTW, I just finished the XR50 Motard build http://www.planetminis.com/18/street...-130173-2.html

[Z]

Monkey R Headlamp assemblies are No longer available and they don't fit the headlamp ears on a ZB50 correctly and you have to run spacers.

Have someone measure a 1972-1978 Z50 headlamp bucket as it's my guess they are similar in diameter. Swap out to a 12V 35W/35W bulb and you are done. I could be mistaken on the size, but I can't remember.

Finding Monkey R disc brake parts is a pain in the neck. I'd do it for a personal project, but not for other people. Monkey R parts are just as hard to come by as ZB50 parts unless you want something worn out and used by someone in Japan.

If you want a comfortable ride, run NSR50 fork legs, and swap out to a set of wheels/hubs that have a provision for a disc brake. G-craft, takegawa, kitaco, they all make the hubs and wheels.

Look at my marathon ZB50 build thread. The bike still isn't done, but I started with a cheap upgrade build and morphed into a not-so-cheap build.

[s_10onbagz]

I think the z50 headlight is 124mm wide and the zb is a little wider right? I know my zb headlight won't fit in my z ears. Honda Is the only one who sells a disc front hub for the zb and it is discontinued. My headlight is a stock zb one. Zb bucket is almost identical to a ct bucket, so there is a good chance you could buy a replacement non sealed headlight for a ct and it would fit. Basically all of these parts besides jdm aftermarket is easiest to find used on here or eBay. The new aftermarket parts you can use chp or msz.

[Z]

If someone can measure the Width of a stock ZB50 headlamp bucket in mm where it mounts to the brackets I'll look into alternatives.

[tmas]

Originally Posted by Z

If someone can measure the Width of a stock ZB50 headlamp bucket in mm where it mounts to the brackets I'll look into alternatives.

Around 130 mm.
tmas

[ShapeShifter]

I wonder if there is an automotive or industrial equivilent to that stock ZB sealed beam...... Hmmm.

This place looks promising http://www.bulbman.com/index.php?mai...dex&cPath=4058

[50ryder420]

A quick little thread jack while your on the headlight topic

Does the headlight work with the engine off?

I just installed a new battery and all the lights work except the headlight and the engine does not run yet so i can't check it myself.

[tmas]

Originally Posted by 50ryder420

Does the headlight work with the engine off?

No, the bike must be running for the headlight to be on.
tmas

[ShapeShifter]

Hmmm. I thought to be street legal, the lights had to stay on after the engine dies. In fact, I know that in California, to be legally compliant with the vehicle code, the battery must be able to keep the lights on for 15 minutes without the engine running.

Enclosed is chapter 13 of the California’s DMV Handbook of Registration Procedures,
which can also be found online at

www.dmv.ca.gov. Also included are the required
DMV Statement of Fact forms as well as the Highway Patrol CHP 888 form. These
publications detail the equipment required which consists of both lighting and
miscellaneous equipment. A Dual Sport Conversion Kit equips your bike to meet the
state lighting qualifications. In summary, the CHP requires a DOT approved headlight
with both high and low beams, a high beam indicator, a DOT taillight, stoplight, and
license plate light, DOT turn signals, a rear reflex reflector, a horn, and a battery that is
charged by the engine and can operate the rear taillight for at least 15 minutes when the
engine is not running.
In addition to these requirements, the CHP requires a mirror mounted on the left side,
DOT approved tires, an adequate muffler, and other requirements for brakes, fenders,
handlebar width and the bike.
A speedometer is not required unless the vehicle was originally equipped for one.
California vehicle code section 24603 does not state that a brake light switch is required
for both front and rear brakes. Generally, a brake light switch on the primary brake (rear

brake) is acceptable for meeting the requirements.

Aha, I see it only needs to keep the tail light running for 15 mins.

[tmas]

Originally Posted by ShapeShifter

Hmmm. I thought to be street legal, the lights had to stay on after the engine dies. In fact, I know that in California, to be legally compliant with the vehicle code, the battery must be able to keep the lights on for 15 minutes without the engine running.

Enclosed is chapter 13 of the California’s DMV Handbook of Registration Procedures,
which can also be found online at

www.dmv.ca.gov. Also included are the required
DMV Statement of Fact forms as well as the Highway Patrol CHP 888 form. These
publications detail the equipment required which consists of both lighting and
miscellaneous equipment. A Dual Sport Conversion Kit equips your bike to meet the
state lighting qualifications. In summary, the CHP requires a DOT approved headlight
with both high and low beams, a high beam indicator, a DOT taillight, stoplight, and
license plate light, DOT turn signals, a rear reflex reflector, a horn, and a battery that is
charged by the engine and can operate the rear taillight for at least 15 minutes when the
engine is not running.
In addition to these requirements, the CHP requires a mirror mounted on the left side,
DOT approved tires, an adequate muffler, and other requirements for brakes, fenders,
handlebar width and the bike.
A speedometer is not required unless the vehicle was originally equipped for one.
California vehicle code section 24603 does not state that a brake light switch is required
for both front and rear brakes. Generally, a brake light switch on the primary brake (rear

brake) is acceptable for meeting the requirements.

Aha, I see it only needs to keep the tail light running for 15 mins.

If you have a battery the tail light comes on when you turn the key to the on position with the engine off so you are good to go.
tmas

[nielspbr]

Originally Posted by s_10onbagz

A nice wheel conversion would be a set of ape wheels with a skyteam st90 swing arm. You could run a takegawa disc front hub and probably throw it right on some nsr forks. If the st90 swing arm is the same width as a zb the rear would basically be bolt on.

st90 swingarm fits in zb/monkey-R/monkey-R/T
frontend will fit as well, instant discbrakeconversion. only the st90 comes with a CT-like hub.
(I run a honda dax(ct/st) rear hub in my st90, fits perfect)

Originally Posted by ShapeShifter

Where can I order ST90/Skyteam type stuff?

Try monkey shop raubling(Monkey Shop Raubling), there are more members here who ordered a st90 tank in germany.


edit: on this side of the big pond a st90 is called a pbr (50/90/125)

[ShapeShifter]

Thanks nielspbr.

Question #3 - What are the chioces for exhaust that mount like the stock one?

[tmas]

Originally Posted by ShapeShifter

Thanks nielspbr.

Question #3 - What are the chioces for exhaust that mount like the stock one?

I like the one paunchy got for his ZB. Hand built M racing pipe. Check thread.
tmas

http://www.planetminis.com/28/paunch...d-71966-7.html

[ShapeShifter]

I saw that! Z said it came from him. Z, who built it and would they do a similar one?