How Fast a Honda Express Can Go: Real-World Top Speeds and What Affects Them
Most Honda Express mopeds reach about 25–30 mph (40–48 km/h) in stock form, while later Urban Express and Express SR variants can manage roughly 30–35 mph (48–56 km/h) under ideal conditions. These figures vary by model year, tune, rider weight, and local market restrictions that often capped mopeds at 25–30 mph. Below is a closer look at what “Honda Express” encompasses and how those factors shape actual top speed.
Contents
What the “Honda Express” Name Covers
Honda sold several closely related 49cc two-stroke mopeds and scooters under the Express banner in North America and other markets from the late 1970s through the early 1980s. Key models include the original step-through Express, the Express II (a revised frame/seat layout), the belt-driven Express SR, and the slightly more robust Urban Express. Differences in transmissions (from single-speed to two-speed automatics to belt CVT), intake/exhaust tune, and weight contribute to distinct top-speed ranges.
Real-World Top Speeds by Model
The ranges below reflect typical, stock-condition results reported by owners and period tests on level ground with an adult rider. They assume a properly tuned engine and no performance modifications.
- Honda Express (1977–1980 early single-speed): about 23–27 mph (37–43 km/h)
- Honda Express (1981 two-speed update): about 27–30 mph (43–48 km/h)
- Honda Express II (circa 1979–1981): about 28–30 mph (45–48 km/h)
- Honda Express SR (circa 1981–1982, belt-driven automatic): about 32–35 mph (51–56 km/h)
- Honda Urban Express (1982–1983): about 30–33 mph (48–53 km/h)
Expect individual bikes to fall slightly above or below these bands; fresh top ends, correct carburetion, and favorable conditions can add a few mph, while wear, altitude, or poor tune can subtract just as much.
Why the Numbers Vary
Several technical and environmental factors determine how fast a Honda Express will actually go on the road. Understanding them helps explain why two similar bikes can show different top speeds.
- Transmission type: Early single-speed units top out lower; two-speed automatics and belt-drive variants let the engine stay in its power band longer, nudging top speed higher.
- Factory or dealer restrictors: To meet moped laws, some markets received intake/exhaust restrictors or jetting that hold speeds to 25–30 mph.
- State of tune: Clean carburetor and exhaust, correct jetting, fresh plug, proper oiling, and good crank seals are crucial on small two-strokes.
- Rider and load: Heavier riders or added cargo reduce peak speed; lighter riders often see 1–3 mph more.
- Altitude, temperature, wind, and grade: Thin air (high altitude) and headwinds cut power; level roads with a tailwind can add a few mph.
- Tires and drivetrain health: Proper tire pressure, true wheels, healthy belt/chain, and correct final ratio help the bike reach its designed top end.
- Speedometer error: Period mechanical speedos often read optimistically by 5–10%, so GPS readings may be a bit lower than indicated speed.
In practice, the interplay of these variables explains the wide range of rider-reported speeds, even among identical models.
Legal Context and Design Choices
Moped Laws Shaped Performance
In many U.S. states and European markets of the era, mopeds had to be 50cc and limited to around 25–30 mph to qualify for simpler licensing and registration. Honda tuned the Express line to comply, and dealers sometimes added restrictors where required. As a result, a mechanically healthy Express that “only” does 28–30 mph is typically performing as designed.
How the Hardware Helps or Hurts
The tiny 49cc two-stroke single produces modest power, and Honda prioritized reliability, ease of starting, and simplicity over outright speed. The move from single-speed to two-speed automatics and then to belt-driven systems on the SR and Urban Express improved drivability and gave a small bump to top speed, but still kept the bikes within moped-class limits.
How It Compares
Against peers like the Yamaha QT50 or early Puch and Tomos mopeds, the Honda Express family is broadly competitive. Single-speed versions sit near the lower-middle of the pack, while the SR and Urban Express variants match or slightly exceed many rivals’ real-world 30–33 mph capability, still within legal norms of the time.
Tips to Reach Intended Top Speed
Without modifying the engine, owners can often restore a stock bike’s intended performance with basic maintenance and setup.
- Ensure the air filter is clean and correctly oiled (if applicable) and the exhaust isn’t carbon-clogged.
- Run fresh, properly mixed or injected two-stroke oil of the correct spec.
- Verify carburetor cleanliness and factory jetting; replace aging fuel lines and clean the tank/petcock.
- Check compression and replace worn rings or seals if needed.
- Set tire pressures to spec and inspect the drive belt/chain and sprockets for wear.
- Confirm there are no added restrictors if your jurisdiction doesn’t require them—and stay compliant with local laws.
These steps often recover several mph on tired engines and help the bike meet the speeds listed earlier, assuming local restrictions don’t intentionally cap performance.
Summary
Stock Honda Express models generally top out around 25–30 mph (40–48 km/h), while the later Express SR and Urban Express typically manage about 30–35 mph (48–56 km/h). Exact speed depends on the specific variant, legal restrictors, state of tune, rider/load, and conditions. If your Express falls near those ranges, it’s likely performing as intended for a period-correct, 49cc moped.
How fast can a Honda 150cc go?
All day on the highway. But getting up to 65 to 68 mph. Takes some effort owner two There seems to be a hard rev limiter that cuts power after about 70 mph. So don’t expect to go much faster.
How fast can a Honda van go?
Odyssey Engine Performance
| 2022 Honda Odyssey Engine Specs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trim Levels | Engine Size | Top Speed |
| Elite | 3.5L V6 | 111 Miles Per Hour (Estimated) |
| Touring | 3.5L V6 | 111 Miles Per Hour (Estimated) |
| EX-L | 3.5L V6 | 111 Miles Per Hour (Estimated) |
How fast can a 50 cc Honda go?
around 25-35 mph
On flat terrain, a 50cc dirt bike may be able to reach speeds of around 25-35 mph. However, this can vary depending on the weight of the rider and the condition of the bike. If the terrain is hilly or rough, the speed may be slower.
How fast does a Honda Express go?
The Honda Express, specifically the NC50 and NU50 models, typically has a top speed of around 30 mph. Some versions, like the NU50M, might have slightly higher speeds due to variations in the belt drive system and other features. There were also restricted versions, like the NU50I, limited to 25 mph for certain markets.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Honda Express (NC50): The original Express models were designed for urban commuting and had a top speed advertised at 25 mph.
- Honda Urban Express (NU50): The Urban Express models, which replaced the Express II, featured a similar belt-driven engine but with a slightly longer belt side of the cases, resulting in a small increase in top speed.
- Honda Urban Express (NU50M): The NU50M, equipped with electric start, had similar performance characteristics to the standard NU50 but with added features like blinkers, a 12V battery, and CDI ignition.
- Restricted Versions: Some models, like the NU50I, were specifically restricted to a maximum speed of 25 mph to comply with regulations in certain states.
