1983 NOW SOLD - Honda NV50 MS Stream moped SOLD

NOW SOLD - Honda NV50 stream. This is a very rare lightweight 50cc moped trike, first registered in January 1983. it is almost 40 years old, so in July 2023 it becomes 'road tax' free (currently only £20 per annum), and no longer requires an MOT. It can be ridden without ‘L’ plates on a full car licence or on ‘L’ plates by a 16 yr old with a CBT pass certificate.

The futuristic design has stood the test of time quite well I think. It features two wheels and the engine at the rear, attached to the body by a clever tilting mechanism so it rides and leans like a normal two wheeler.

Only about 500 of these were sold in the uk in the early 1980’s as they were very expensive, and only 6 are currently road registered in the UK. The design was the start of the Honda 'gyro' dynasty which is still in production today.

i have had this machine in storage since 2008 when i bought it and it’s just been recommissioned. I have never ridden this particular bike on the road, only in my garden so it’s done zero miles since 2007, but i do have another two of these which i have ridden locally and they are a hoot to ride. A full set of expensive new tyres have just been fitted, and it has a new battery. A couple of fuel pipes have been changed, and I’ve fashioned new rubber footplate mats, otherwise it's as i bought it.

It was designed to be easy to ride by anyone, with both brakes sited on the handlebars (like a pushbike) making it intuitive for an inexperienced rider unfamiliar with a standard motorcycle layout. An automatic Honda V-matic centrifugal clutch transmission means there are no gears to worry about. Unusually it has a parking brake like a car. After stopping you simply flip up the brake lever and step off, so no need to flip down a stand like a two wheeler so parking is quick and easy.

It has a large full instrument panel compared to other mopeds of the day, with a speedo, fuel gauge, lots of warning lights for indicators, oil level, high beam and parking brake. It has electric start (plus a kickstart) and starts easily. The two stroke 50cc motor is quiet, and limited to a flat road speed of about 30mph inline with moped legislation of the day, but it accelerates ok. The fuel tank holds about 4. 5 litres (1 gallon) so a full tank should be good for about 125miles, useful with petrol at its current price..

The bike has good storage. A lockable compartment in the front boot panel, and a smaller compartment in front of the rider’s knees. A quality aftermarket rack designed for the model is fitted. A picnic hamper, top box or soft bag could be attached if needed.

The two-stroke engine self-mixes fuel and oil, so once the separate oil tank is filled it just requires filling with petrol for subsequent fuel stops. The dash warning light tells you when you need to add another bottle of two-stroke oil which i guess would be around every thousand miles?

Now the negatives. As far as I can see the bike has mostly original paint but it carries a few marks, scrapes and very small cosmetic repairs to the plastic panels which is how i bought it. It's still smart and they don't really detract. The ‘60’ sticker on the engine compartment covers a small glued repair. The sills and frame are all steel, but almost all upper structure is moulded. I did consider repainting it, but it would be a shame to lose the originality and patina as it still looks very smart. However, if you do want concours, it’s an easy task to paint as the panels can be removed with little effort. The wheels have already been cleaned, repainted and lacquered (when the new tyres were fitted).

included with the sale are the original service book, a mint condition sales brochure, two old mot’s from 1990/ 91, and 2006/ 07 (when it was last on the road), and a rare full factory workshop manual in mint condition.

Please also note the bike currently has no MOT, but it should pass without a problem. I have tried to show all the defects, but please remember everything always look better in photos so don’t expect an 'as new’ bike if you buy without coming to see it. Potential purchasers are welcome to test ride it on my lawn when you visit, but as a 40 year old machine I can’t offer a guarantee, the bike is 'sold as seen'. Please remember this is a ‘classic bike’, and if you are thinking of commuting on this to save money, old vehicles often need tinkering to keep running well so be warned. Having said that Honda's seem to go on forever. I hope it will go to a new enthusiastic owner who will look after it and enjoy riding it both at events and maybe use for local commuting. It might make make an unusual paddock bike?

For information I am downsizing my collection because I need to make space as I head towards retirement. (... and I have two more of these rare machines). My interest in them (... and why I have three!) is down to writing a thesis on the 'Tilting trike concept' for my university degree many years ago. Should have written it about Vincent Black Shadows...

Please call me if you need more details and i also have a video of the machine in action available by wetransfer on request. Just ask.

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