Honda MBX 80, history and restoration

The Honda MBX 80 arrived in the early eighties as the successor to the MB range. It was Honda's answer to the growing demand for sporty looking mopeds that brought road racing style to the street. Full fairing panels, rearset footpegs and a low tank gave the MBX a remarkably grown-up presence for an 80 cc.

Under the fairing sat a liquid-cooled two-stroke, a rarity in this segment. The engine ran cooler and could sustain high revs longer without losing power. For youngsters in the eighties, the MBX 80 in Rothmans livery was the dream machine.

Today, a clean MBX 80 has become scarce. Demand among collectors keeps rising, especially for examples in the original Rothmans or HRC colours. A correctly restored example holds its value very well.

An MBX restoration requires extra attention for the liquid cooling system: radiator check, hose replacement, thermostat test and proper coolant bleeding. These are details that do not apply to a regular air-cooled two-stroke, but they are critical on the MBX for engine longevity.

Fairing panels are blasted, repaired where needed and resprayed in the original colours. Rothmans decals are sourced in top quality, as close as possible to what rolled off the line in the eighties. A plain colour finish is equally possible if preferred.

Mechanically the MBX is sensitive to piston and cylinder wear if the fuel mix is wrong. Here the cylinder always goes on the measuring bench and is re-bored or replaced if needed. We fit a new piston, new rings and a properly tuned carburettor.