Targeted at the young first time riders the Honda SS50 model was mainly purchased by parents for their teenage sons.  

In 1967 the SS50 replaced the OHV C110, with the SS standing for "Super Sports". The first SS50's featured a chrome side panelled tank, and frame painted in the same colour as the tank's paintwork. 

From the 1974 'Z' models they featured a longer thinner fuel tank in red, blue or yellow and a grey frame plus chrome fenders. Introduced with a four-speed gearbox, the handlebar controls and switches corresponded to the high level of other Honda motorcycle models. These 'Z' models came with a chrome plated high-level exhaust and heat shield.

As a moped, to comply with the legal requirements in the UK and other European countries, the later SS50Z model was fitted with a pair of bicycle-like pedals. After starting, the special pedal cranks allowed both pedals to be rotated forward, so that the pedals would form footrests in normal operation.

From September 1977 all Mopeds registered in the UK were restricted to 30 miles per hour and did not require pedals so the Ss50 was discontinued and replaced by the all-new CB50J.

The Honda SS50 models varied greatly from its competitors in using a four-stroke engine, its main competitors the Suzuki AP50 and Yamaha FS1E "Fizzy" used two-stroke engines. The Honda was slower on acceleration, but more reliable and economical.

- 4-speed (some markets had 5-speed)

1969 SS50

- First SS50 in the UK

- Available with 4-speed or 5-speed transmission.

1970 SS50E

- 4-speed

- chrome tank panels & chrome fenders.

1974 SS50Z

- As SS50E but with 5-speed

- Upswept exhaust.

   

1976 SS50Z-B2

- 5-speed

- Pedals

- Front disc brake, cable operated.