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 Honda PA50 Hobbit | |
| Manufacturer | Honda Benelux (Honda Belgium) |
|---|---|
| Also called | Hobbit (US) Camino (UK & Europe) |
| Production | 1976-1991 (UK & Europe) 1978-1983 (US) |
| Assembly | Aalst,Belgium |
| Class | Moped |
| Engine | 49 cc (3.0 cu in),air-cooled,two-stroke,single |
| Transmission | Automatic clutch single-speed CVT |
| Brakes | Drum, front and rear |
TheHonda PA50 is amoped produced by Honda Benelux between 1976 and 1991. It was marketed as theHonda Hobbit in the US and as theHonda Camino in the UK and Europe. The vehicle itself was manufactured in a factory inAalst, Belgium, until 1991. Though it has mostly disappeared from the streets of the US and the UK like most mopeds of similar type (e.g. Motobecane,Mobylette, andPuch Maxi), it remains very popular in Belgium, where it is often modified using high performance parts.
The following models of the Honda PA50 were produced between 1976 and 1991:
Honda made 2 models of the PA50; the PA50II, which could reach speeds of 30 mph (45 km/h), and the PA50I, which could only reach speeds of 20 mph (32 km/h). The easiest way to identify a PA50I model is by its red and white (1978) or all red and black (1979) paint job and sticker saying it is a PA50I/PA50M (this does not apply to all bikes though). The PA50I was sold in states where moped speeds could not exceed 20 mph(32 km/h). The Honda PA50I was discontinued in 1980, with the only model available being the PA50II; and because of this, some consider this bike somewhat rare, since they were only made in the United States for 2 years (1978–1979). The main way Honda accomplished the speed difference was not in the engine's displacement, but in the fuel supply and carburetor. The air intake holes leading into the filter are smaller, as well as the exhaust size. The carburetors are mostly the same, with the main difference being the main jet; The PA50II has a #78, and the PA50I has a #60 main jet. The engine reed is also different, with the PA50I having 1 slot, and the PA50II having 2 smaller slots, overall increasing the size. A common way that PA50I owners upgrade their mopeds to PA50II speeds is by making the 3 air holes before the filter bigger, upgrading the carburetor, and upgrading the reed to PA50II specs. There are some other minor differences though (like the slightly different frame mounts and cylinder connections and the exhausts being crimped on most PA50I's, as well as on some PA50II's).