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LOT 143 *N

The Connoisseurs Collection, Part III c.1962 Tohatsu Runpet CR50 Racing Motorcycle Registration no. not registered Frame no. CA1-50038 Engine no. NC-100 Crankcase mating no. 7

Sold for £4,830 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 143*,N

The Connoisseurs Collection, Part III, c.1962 Tohatsu Runpet CR50 Racing Motorcycle

The Connoisseurs Collection, Part III
c.1962 Tohatsu Runpet CR50 Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. CA1-50038
Engine no. NC-100 Crankcase mating no. 7

This Lot has arrived in the UK from overseas under Temporary Admission. Shippio Ltd must complete all post-sale customs clearance administration, for import or export, on behalf of the purchaser. A compulsory fee of £195 + VAT will be added to the buyer's invoice for this service. This Lot may not be collected from the auction venue by the purchaser or any third-party transporter until Shippio Ltd has confirmed that this Lot has cleared customs.

If this Lot is to remain in the UK, or is not exported within 90 days of the sale, Import VAT at 5% of the hammer price will be payable.


"... it (the CR50) weighed in at 111lb (50kg). Its engine was a single-cylinder two-stroke wth slightly over-square dimensions and the astronomic compression ratio of 18:1. Maximum power was 6.8bhp at 12000rpm. Other details included a close-ratio four-speed gearbox, and a beam-type frame with telescopic forks and swinging-arm rear suspension." - Mick Walker, Japanese Production Racing Motorcycles.

Although no longer a manufacturer of motorcycles, Tohatsu had a significant impact in the ultra-lightweight classes back in the 1960s. The company originated in 1922 when Tanaka Motors Enterprises began experiments with gasoline engines. In 1939 the company was renamed Tokyo Hatsudoki Co Ltd (hence 'Tohatsu'), by which time it was a major producer of generators. Motorcycle production commenced in 1949. All Tohatsu's motorcycles were two-strokes, and by 1957 the range consisted of four models, the largest of 199cc.

With its domestic rivals all reaping the rewards of publicity generated by competition successes, Tohatsu had no option but to follow suit, introducing a pair of moto-crossers in 1961 together with a 50cc road-racer, the Runpet CR50. A twin-cylinder '125' followed and both models made their international debut in the US Grand Prix at Daytona in February 1962 with promising results. Wallingford-based dealer Jim Pink imported a number of Tohatsu racing motorcycles into the UK circa 1965/1966.

This CR50 Runpet is presented in restored condition (the engine turns over).

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.

Key not required

Footnotes

BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 15%+VAT on the first £500k of the Hammer Price, and 12%+VAT on the balance thereafter.

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS
Please see the 'CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS' at the top of the main sale page (Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.

REQUEST A TRANSPORT QUOTE
To request a UK or European Motorcycle shipping quote visit Moving Motorcycles.
To request an International Motorcycle shipping quote visit Shippio.
To request a Memorabilia and Spares shipping quote visit Mail Boxes Etc - Milton Keynes.

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  • 10 June 2026, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 11 June 2026, 09:00 - 17:00 BST

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*Import low rate
VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
NNOVA declaration
This machine is subject to post-sale customs administration and, for UK Buyers, a NOVA declaration. Whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice, as follows: for Live Public Sales: £350 + VAT; for Timed, Online-only Sales: £195 + VAT.

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