Honda CT50 Motra: Japan’s 1982 Work-Oriented Minibike
The 1982 Honda CT50 Motra was a 49cc work-oriented minibike with a dual-range gearbox, sold in Japan for ¥165,000.
The Honda CT50 Motra was released in Japan on June 10, 1982, priced at ¥165,000 (about $2,500 USD in 2026 dollars). This 49cc minibike featured a dual-range 3-speed gearbox, allowing six forward speeds and making it a work-oriented motorcycle.
Design and Purpose
The Motra was built as a two-wheeled companion to the Honda ATC 250ES “Big Red,” targeting serious off-road agricultural and hunting work rather than recreational use. It came factory-equipped with front and rear cargo racks, a high-mounted fender set, and a leveler on the rear shock to match spring preload to payload. The bike’s frame was a welded steel tube backbone, keeping heavy loads off the steering. Two color options were offered: Popo Green, a military hue, and Maize Yellow, reminiscent of construction equipment.
Engine and Performance
The air-cooled 49cc four-stroke single was derived from Honda’s Super Cub Econo Power unit, retuned for low- and mid-range pull. It produced 4.4 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 3.3 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm, with a 9.8:1 compression ratio, CDI ignition, and a kickstarter. The dual-range sub-transmission multiplied each of the three gear ratios by 1.459, enabling a 23º climb (42% grade). In Japan’s 30 km/h constant-speed test, the Motra achieved 100 km per liter (≈235 mpg). The bike weighed 168 lbs dry (76 kg).
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine displacement | 49cc |
| Power | 4.4 bhp @ 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 3.3 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm |
| Compression | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel economy | 100 km/L |
| Dry weight | 168 lbs |
For more on the Motra’s performance, see the stats page.
Practical Features
The Motra’s 3-speed gearbox was operated through a heel-toe shifter, and a lockable main stand could only be released with a lever on the left handlebar, keeping the loaded bike secure on slopes. Drum brakes were fitted front and rear, with conventional fork suspension up front and twin rear shock absorbers. The bike used Bridgestone 5.40-10 block-pattern tires and 10-inch multi-piece wheels. Standard lighting and twin mirrors completed the utilitarian package.
Production and Legacy
Honda had planned to sell 45,000 units per year, but the Motra never reached that target and production ended after four or five years. The model did not receive a major redesign; early and late examples only saw minor changes to the seat cover, battery cover, and muffler cover. The Motra has since become a cult classic, with limited imports to the United States, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. Honda returned to the exposed-frame utility concept later with the 2001 Zoomer (Ruckus in the U.S.) and the 2004 PS250 (Big Ruckus in 2005), but neither carried the dual-range hardware.
Current Example
This 1982 Honda CT50 Motra is a Japanese-market example that was imported to the United States under previous ownership. It remains finished in green, with its original high-mounted fenders, 10-inch multi-piece wheels, front and rear cargo racks, black vinyl solo seat, engine guard, twin mirrors, and both center and side stands. The odometer reads ~3,200 km (~2,000 miles); the seller purchased the Motra in 2026 and added roughly 50 km since then. Recent servicing included cleaning the carburetor, changing the oil, and replacing the battery and spark plug.
It’s now being offered for sale out of North Salem, New York with a New York title in the seller’s name.
For a broader view of Honda’s 1982 lineup, explore the fixtures section.
