Suzuki MT50 Trailhopper
1971—1973

I have tried to tell the Suzuki MT 50 Trailhopper model history as I know it on this page. 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.

The Suzuki MT50 (called Trailhopper in the West, Hopper 50 in Japan) was a compact pleasure bike called Trail Hopper in the North American market where it debuted in 1970. Equipped with a fuel tank made of lightweight hard polyethylene that is sealable by closing the fuel cock, the bike could be laid flat in the trunk of a car. The seat and handlebar heights were adjustable to three different positions, and the handlebars could be folded down. The MT50 featured a gutsy rotary valve 2-stroke single cylinder engine the carburetor hung off the side of the engine, paired with a centrifugal clutch and 3-speed manual transmission. At first, the MT50 was made for export only, but in June of 1971, the model was introduced even for the domestic market in Japan, but was discontinued after only two years on the market. The export model was discontinued a year later, in 1973.

1971 Suzuki year code: R

The MT50 was Suzuki's answer to another Japanese mini bike, Honda Monkey. The Trailhopper had the same 8-inch wheel size as the Honda Monkey and the dimensions of the bike bikes were close to each other. Both bikes had a 49cc engine but as Honda used a 4-stroke engine, Suzuki relied to 2-stroke techology, which it was so good at. Honda's 4-stroker had great fuel economy, but delivered only 1.92 hp @ 5,000 rpm, while Suzuki's 2-stroke engine was stronger and put out noticeable 50% more, delivering 3 hp @ 6,000 rpm.

1971 Suzuki Hopper 50, a version aimed for Japanese home market

1971 Suzuki MT 50 Trailhopper Overall Length: 1 310 mm (51.5 in) Overall Width: 650 mm (25.6 in) Overall Height: 880 mm (34.6 in) Wheelbase: 940 mm (37.0 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 60 kg (132 lbs) Engine: 49 cc air-cooled aluminum 1-cylinder 2-stroke, rotary valve. 3.0 hp @ 6 000 rpm 30-35 mph. 3 speed transmission, automatic clutch. Click on the image for larger format.

1971 Suzuki Hopper 50 (Japan) Overall Length: 1 340 mm (52.8 in) Overall Width: 700 mm (27.6 in) Overall Height: 880 mm (34.6 in) Wheelbase: 940 mm (37.0 in) Ground Clearance: 145 mm (5.7 in) Dry Weight: 59 kg (130 lbs) Engine: 49 cc air-cooled aluminum 1-cylinder 2-stroke, rotary valve. 3.0 hp @ 6 000 rpm 30-35 mph. 3 speed transmission, automatic clutch. Here's even larger picture.

1972 Suzuki year code: J

1972 Suzuki MT50 Trailhopper, as shown in the USA sales brochure

1972 Suzuki MT 50 Trailhopper Overall Length: 1 310 mm (51.5 in) Overall Width: 650 mm (25.6 in) Overall Height: 880 mm (34.6 in) Wheelbase: 940 mm (37.0 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 60 kg (132 lbs) Engine: 49 cc air-cooled aluminum 1-cylinder 2-stroke, rotary valve. 3.0 hp @ 6 000 rpm 30-35 mph. 3 speed transmission, automatic clutch. Here's even larger picture.

1973 Suzuki year code: K

1973 Suzuki MT 50 Trailhopper Overall Length: 1 310 mm (51.5 in) Overall Width: 650 mm (25.6 in) Overall Height: 880 mm (34.6 in) Wheelbase: 940 mm (37.0 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 60 kg (132 lbs) Engine: 49 cc air-cooled aluminum 1-cylinder 2-stroke, rotary valve. 3.0 hp @ 6 000 rpm 30-35 mph. 3 speed transmission, automatic clutch. Click on the image for larger format.

More: Suzuki M series

More: All Suzuki models


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