Suzuki AS50 ”Colt” or ”Maverick”
1968–1969

I have tried to tell the Suzuki AS 50 model history on this page as I know it. I would be grateful of any contributions — sales brochures, magazine ads, magazine articles, pictures, specs, facts, corrections etc. Please scan the material in JPEG format (large enough that all the details are visible) and send them to me. Please tell me the source and the publication date if possible. If you send me pictures of your own bike, please follow these instructions.

1968 Suzuki AS50, Candy Red with Silver/Gray fuel tank and fenders

The AS50 was a lightweight sporty 50cc motorcycle model with somewhat similar style to the GP racing models. The high-revving rotary valve two-stroke engine was mounted on a lightweight and robust V-bone pressed steel frame and generated maximum horsepower of 6 PS at 9,000 rpm. The new engine had a forward-facing cylinder and was paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The Suzuki Sport AS50 was the highest performance 50cc class model of its time, reaching a top speed of 95 km/h and a 0-to-200 m acceleration time of 13.15 seconds. The model also came fully equipped with parts designed to invoke the image of a typical racing machine at the time; a muffler positioned high up on the side of the body, a sharply designed fuel tank, a racer-style seat end portion, and tapered handlebars. Suzuki AS50 was manufactured in Japan but even exported to other countries. The USA model, first marketed as Suzuki Colt, had chrome plated fenders. For some reason, the following year's model, with new livery, was given a new nickname. The Suzuki AS50 was now called Maverick. A couple of years later, the nickname 'Colt' was reused by Suzuki when naming the TS-75 model. The specifications stated in an American sales brochure were mainly the same as for the domestic Japanese version, apart from the performance figures. For some reason, specified peak power of the engine was about one horsepower less in the USA version and the claimed dry weight a few pounds lower, which was often the case. While in Japan, the AS50 was available in Red and Blue, the '68 Suzuki Colt was only availbale in Candy Red (078) livery. both with silver/gray fuel tank and fenders, the US model had blue coated headlight, front fork cover, fuel tank, side covers and seat end. The fenders were chrome plated and the frame was silver/gray.

The sibling models AS50 Sports and AC50 Scrambler were launched simultaneously in February 1968, replacing the outdated M12 (1963–1966) and KS50 (1967) models. The retail price for the AS50 was 62,000 yen. The AC50 was slightly more expensive, its retail price was 63,000 when the model was launched in 1968 and increased to 72,000 yen when the model was updated in 1970. Color options: Candy Red (078), Candy Blue (079) Retail price in Japan: 62,000 yen

1968 Suzuki Sport AS50, domestic version with Blue body and silver/gray fuel tank, fenders and seat end

1968 Suzuki AS 50 (Japan) Overall Length: 1 785 mm (70.3 in) Overall Width: 630 mm (24.8 in) Overall Height: 895 mm (35.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 160 mm (45.7 in) Ground clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 73 kg (165 lbs) Claimed maximum speed: 95 km/h Engine: 49 cc air-cooled 1-cylinder 2-stroke. 6.0 hp (4.41 kW) @ 9 000 rpm, 4.9 Nm (0.5 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Here's even larger picture.

1968–1969 Suzuki AS50 specifications (Japan) Model: A50 Overall length: 1 785 mm (70.3 in) Overall height: 955 mm (37.6 in) Overall width: 680 mm (26.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 160 mm (45.7 in) Ground clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry weight: 78 kg (172 lbs) Engine model: A50 Engine: Air-cooled 1-cylinder 2-stroke, rotary disc valve Cylinder volume: 49 cc (2.99 cu in.) Bore x stroke: 41.0 x 37.8 mm (1.614 x 1.488 in) Compression ratio: 6.7 Starting system: Kick Ignition system: Magneto ignition Carburetor: VM16SC Clutch: Wet multi-plate Maximum power output: 6.0 hp (4.41 kW) @ 9 000 rpm Maximum torque: 4.9 Nm (0.5 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Lubrication system: CCI (separate lubrication) Lubrication oil capacity: 1.6 l (0.42 US gal /0.35 Imp gal) Fuel tank capacity: 6.5 l (1.72 US gal / 1.43 Imp. gal) Claimed maximum speed: 95 km/h (59 mph) Fuel economy: 80 km/l (30 km/h) Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh, return type Primary reduction ratio: 3.840 1st gear ratio: 3.750 2nd gear ratio: 2.160 3rd gear ratio: 1.590 4th gear ratio: 1.260 5th gear ratio: 1.070 Final drive: 2.460 Frame type: Backbone, pressed steel Front suspension: Oil-damped telescopic fork Rear suspesion: Oil-damped dual-shock Caster: 27°00′ Trail: 69 mm (2.72 in) Steering angle (left to right): 45° Mimimum turning radius: 1.7 m (5.58 feet) Front brake: drum Rear brake: drum Front Tyre: 2.25-17 4PR Rear Tyre: 2.25-17 4PR Retail price: 62,000 yen

Suzuki AS50 was a very short-lived model. The only model version that was made was shown in the catalogs in Japan only in 1968 and 1969, but could be available in shops a bit longer. Its sibling model, the AC50 Scrambler lived on another year and was discontinued after 1970 season. To my knowledge, no changes were made to the AS50 models between 1968 and 1969. Retail price in Japan (unchanged): 62,000 yen The export model, at least the version sold in the United States, received a facelift but was mechanically unchanged. The color of the US model was called Redondo Blue (156). The same color was called Candy Corporate Blue (156) in some other countries.

1969 Suzuki AS50 Maverick, export model sold in USA

1969 Suzuki AS 50 (Japan) Overall Length: 1 785 mm (70.3 in) Overall Width: 630 mm (24.8 in) Overall Height: 895 mm (35.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 160 mm (45.7 in) Ground clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 73 kg (165 lbs) Claimed maximum speed: 95 km/h Engine: 49 cc air-cooled 1-cylinder 2-stroke. 6.0 hp (4.41 kW) @ 9 000 rpm, 4.9 Nm (0.5 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1969 Suzuki AS 50 Maverick (USA) Overall Length: 1 785 mm (70.3 in) Overall Width: 630 mm (24.8 in) Overall Height: 895 mm (35.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 160 mm (45.7 in) Ground clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 78 kg (172 lbs) Claimed maximum speed: 95 km/h Engine: 49 cc air-cooled 1-cylinder 2-stroke. 4.9 hp @ 8 500 rpm, 0.43 kg-m (3.11 ft-lbs) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

More: Suzuki A/AS series

More: All Suzuki models

This free site is managed by Jarmo Haapamäki.
If you find this site helpful, please leave a donation for Jarmo
so you can enjoy the spirit of giving too.

Came here from a search engine?
Click at the home button below to get to the main page with frames.