Honda CT50 Motra: The Tiny Two-Wheeled Pickup That Japan Forgot

In the early 1980s, Honda produced a truly unusual machine for the Japanese market: the CT50 Motra. Designed as a work-focused motorcycle, it featured a 3-speed gearbox paired with a dual-range sub-transmission, effectively offering six forward gears. This made it surprisingly capable for hauling cargo or navigating steep terrain, despite its small 50cc engine.

The Motra’s design was all about utility. It had a flat, reinforced cargo rack at the rear, sturdy tires, and a high-mounted exhaust, echoing the ruggedness of a pickup truck in a two-wheeled form. Honda marketed it as a practical workhorse for farmers, delivery services, and light industrial use, but it never gained widespread attention outside Japan.

Today, the CT50 Motra is a rare and quirky collectible, appreciated by vintage motorcycle enthusiasts for its unique character and niche purpose. It stands as a reminder of an era when manufacturers experimented with highly specialized vehicles, long before the rise of modern utility e-bikes and compact delivery scooters.