You’re Doing What?!

If you've visited our Facebook page or checked out the video section of the website recently, you're probably aware that we acquired a 1982 Honda MB5. This little 50cc two-stroke was found in a Craigslist ad and bought in Cocoran, CA. From there, it was repaired in a hotel room and ridden back to the Motorcyclist office via back roads. It was a fun adventure that was documented for an On Two Wheels episode, but many of our FB friends have followed up asking, "What's next for the MB5?"

Well, we’re going to race it in a 24-hour endurance event for 50cc two-strokes.

I’ve always wanted to participate in an endurance race, but I never thought my first one would be the granddaddy of events—a 24-hourer—and I certainly didn’t expect it to be on a glorified moped. The M1GP event will take place this coming weekend at the Willow Springs kart track in Rosamond, CA, and is scheduled to run from noon to noon.

The bike has been completely rebuilt and outfitted with a clubman handlebar and rearsets left over from a previous project. We’ve maintained a tight budget during the build, with the primary expenditure being elbow grease. We’re racing for fun, to give the MB5 a second lease on life, and to raise money for Rider for Health. So if you’re feeling generous, by all means donate by visiting the FirstGiving site we’ve set up. Chip in $10 or more before this Friday at noon and you could win some great prizes through our Facebook raffle.

The MB5 is headed to Adams Motorsports Park tomorrow to be broken in and test-ridden before the big event. I intend to do some tire testing, which essentially means finding out which of our two bias-ply options puts me on the ground first! Make sure to follow our activities via Facebook. We’ll be posting regularly.