BIKES YOU’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE: 1982 HONDA MOTRA 50

On Apr 22, 2025 Last updated Apr 22, 2025

Back in 1981-82 Honda produced a “heavy-duty” minibike that was designed around a series of robust racks that could carry loads of cargo and be ridden almost anywhere you could imagine.

It was called the Motra (the name “Motra” comes from combining the Japanese words for “motorcycle” and “torakku,” which means “truck.”). Think of it as a 50cc minicycle version of a 208cc, Kohler, four-stroke-powered Rokon Trailbreaker. The Motra’s 50cc engine produced 4.5 horsepower, which seems useless on anything, but the mildest trails, but Honda equipped the Motra witha 3-speed gearbox that could be coupled with a second stage to provide the same 3-speeds with a lower final ratio for low-speed off-road trails in steep terrain or additional speed for dirt and pavedt roads. .

Strangely, it feature a heel-toe shift lever, normally put on commuter bikes to avoid scuffing leather shoes when shifting.

The Motra has a distinctively appearance, with angular steel tube frame, stamped body panel, large racks fore and aft and a center stand doubles as an engine guard to help protect the underside of the engine from damage.

In this close-up photo you can see the heel-toe shift lever and the lever on the cases to change the three-speed transmission from low to high gear.

The utility/military style is emphasized by a lack of decorative chrome, and a solid yellow or green paint scheme for all bodywork and wheels. Designed and built specifically for the Japanese market. It weighed 168 pounds (dry) and was available in bright yellow or forest green. It was only produced for two model years (1981-1982). In 1982 it retailed for $1000, but when sold on the open market today, the domestic Japan-only Motra can fetch $4000 at auction.