History
The NC50 Express sold the dream of no premix — oil lives in a separate tank and meters into the carb via a pump. When the pump works, it is brilliant; when it does not, you seize a cylinder fast. That tradeoff defined Honda's US moped line from 1977 through 1983.
Foot pegs, not functional pedals. Centrifugal clutch and chain final drive. The PA50II Hobbit shares the oil-injection philosophy but different bodywork — do not mix up parts searches between Express and Hobbit listings.
Honda reliability made these bikes commuter staples on college campuses and military bases. Today they are restoration projects with premium asking prices when the oil pump, tank, and plastics are intact. Rust in the frame backbone is the deal-breaker to inspect first.
Before you ride a barn find: verify oil delivery. Pull the line at the carb, crank with the choke on, and confirm oil pulses. Many seized Express engines were fine mechanically until the pump failed silently.
Quick specs
| Oil system | Automatic injection — no premix |
| Pedals | Foot pegs only |
| US price range | $800–$2,500 |