Suzuki RG50/GT50/ZR50/X1
1977–1982

I have tried to tell the Suzuki RG 50 (also called GT 50, ZR 50 and X-1) 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.

1977 Suzuki RG50, White with Blue and Black graphics

Suzuki RG50 was first released in Japan in January 1977 with a 50 cc air-cooled single cylinder two-stroke engine. It delivered 6,3 ps and was a simple and conventional motorcycle with a steel pipe frame, single mechanical disc brake at the rear and 17-inch wire wheels. An new model version with revisited graphics was presented in October 1978. The RG50E was released in March 1979. It was a bit more exclusive model with star cast wheels. No technical modifications was made until April 1980, when a two stage power reed valve was mounted to the the RG50E engine, increasing the maximum power output to 7,2 Ps The model was sold under various names, in some parts of the world the model was known as the GT50, ZR50, or X-1. As for all 50cc models, there were significant differencies between the models available in different parts of the world. In Finland, for instance, the maximum weight of a 50cc moped was restricted to 60 kg (132 lbs) and the maximum power output to 1,5 hp and maximum speed to 40 km/h. Using the same mechanics but mounting smaller wheels, high bars and a turned-up seat on the frame Suzuki made even a custom model of the RG50 for the Japanese home market. The model was called Mame Tan 50E Custom. Overseas the model was called OR50. The OR50 was exported from Japan in from 1979 to 1980. It was replaced in 1981 with a bit less chopper-like but still custom styled version of the same bike, the ZR50L. With larger wheels and looking more like the GS450L, it was quite conventional bike compared to the ”almost-too-cool” OR50. The design of the 1980 RG50E was all new, it took the twin style of its big brothers RG200E/GT200E/X5 and RG250E/GT250-X7. The wheel size was increased to 18 inches. A cheaper model, RG50T, based on the RG50/GT50/X1, was also introduced in 1980. The 1981 year's RG50E got an anti-dive fork, introduced by Suzuki at its factory GP racer in 1979, and hydraulic disc brake. A cheaper RG50T model was released this year with drum brakes, wire wheels and a rear carrier. The last air-cooled version of the RG50E was released in 1982 (March 24th to be exact). It was available in five different colors, the front mudguard was finished in metallic flake paint and the whole electrical system was upgraded. Finally, the water-cooled RG50 Gamma was released in December 1982 and the days of the air-cooled RG50E were counted. Note: as mentioned earlier, the maximum power output of the 50 cc machines had huge variations in different parts of the world, depending of the regulations in each country. In some countries the maximum power output and maximum speed were restricted and in some countries the models were sold with pedals to meet the the valid regulations.

1977 Suzuki year code: B

The Suzuki RG50 was launched in Japan in January 1977. The domestic version had a short seat and a fibreglas cowl at the rear, giving the the bike a reather sport look. The engine delivered 6.3 PS peak power at 8,500 rpm. The redline zone on the tachometer (yes, the RG50 had a tachometer) started at 10,000 rpm. The air-cooled 2-stroke single-cylinder engine used Suzuki's unique power reed valve system, which uses both a piston valve and a reed valve. The RG50 had mechanic disc brake at the front, drum brake at the rear, 17-inch wire wheels front and back, kick starter, cradle type steel pipe frame. The instrument panel also had indicators for turning signals, neutral and high beam, like its larger siblings. The '77 Suzuki RG50 was available in White, Blue Black and Red color schemes with color-matching front fender and rear cowl. Retail price in Japan for the '77 RG50 was 119,000 yen.

1977 Suzuki RG50, White with Blue and Black graphics

1977 Suzuki RG 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 685 mm (27.0 in) Overall Height: 955 mm (37.6 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.0 in) Ground Clearance: 175 mm (6.9 in) Dry Weight: 68 kg (150 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 6.3 hp (4.63 kW) @ 8 500 rpm, 5.10 Nm (0.53 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1977 Suzuki RG 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 685 mm (27.0 in) Overall Height: 955 mm (37.6 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.0 in) Ground Clearance: 175 mm (6.9 in) Dry Weight: 68 kg (150 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 6.3 hp (4.63 kW) @ 8 500 rpm, 5.10 Nm (0.53 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1977 Suzuki RG 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 685 mm (27.0 in) Overall Height: 955 mm (37.6 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.0 in) Ground Clearance: 175 mm (6.9 in) Dry Weight: 68 kg (150 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 6.3 hp (4.63 kW) @ 8 500 rpm, 5.10 Nm (0.53 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1977 Suzuki RG 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 685 mm (27.0 in) Overall Height: 955 mm (37.6 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.0 in) Ground Clearance: 175 mm (6.9 in) Dry Weight: 68 kg (150 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 6.3 hp (4.63 kW) @ 8 500 rpm, 5.10 Nm (0.53 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1977—1979 Suzuki RG50 specifications (Japan) Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 685 mm (27.0 in) Overall Height: 955 mm (37.6 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.0 in) Dry Weight: 76 kg (167 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. Bore x stroke: 41,0 x 37.8 mm Compression ratio: 7,2:1 Maximum power output: 6,3 hp/ 8.500 rpm Maximum torque: 0,53kg-m/ 8.000 rpm Starter system: Kick starter Clutch type: Wet multi-plate Transmission type: 5-speed constant mesh Primary drive: chain Frame type: steel pipe Front suspension: Telescopic, oil dampened Rear suspension: Swinging arm, oil dampened Front Tyre: 2.50-17 Rear Tyre: 2.75-17 Wheel type: pressed steel, wire Retail price, Japan 1978: 119,000 Yen

1978 Suzuki year code: C

The 1978 Suzuki RG50 was released in October 1978 with new graphics. Mechnaically there were no updates. Again, the color options were Black, White, Blue and Red. In England, the model was called GT50. '78 Suzuki GT50 had the graphics of the '77 RG50 but the bike had long saddle instead of short seat and the cowl. The color options were Red, Blue and White. Retail price in Japan for the '78 RG50E was 119,000 yen.

1978 Suzuki RG 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 685 mm (27.0 in) Overall Height: 965 mm (38.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.0 in) Ground Clearance: 175 mm (6.9 in) Dry Weight: 68 kg (150 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 6.3 hp (4.63 kW) @ 8 500 rpm, 5.10 Nm (0.53 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1978 Suzuki RG 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 685 mm (27.0 in) Overall Height: 965 mm (38.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.0 in) Ground Clearance: 175 mm (6.9 in) Dry Weight: 68 kg (150 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 6.3 hp (4.63 kW) @ 8 500 rpm, 5.10 Nm (0.53 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1978 Suzuki RG 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 685 mm (27.0 in) Overall Height: 965 mm (38.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.0 in) Ground Clearance: 175 mm (6.9 in) Dry Weight: 68 kg (150 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 6.3 hp (4.63 kW) @ 8 500 rpm, 5.10 Nm (0.53 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1978 Suzuki RG 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 685 mm (27.0 in) Overall Height: 965 mm (38.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.0 in) Ground Clearance: 175 mm (6.9 in) Dry Weight: 68 kg (150 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 6.3 hp (4.63 kW) @ 8 500 rpm, 5.10 Nm (0.53 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1978 Suzuki GT 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 685 mm (27.0 in) Overall Height: 955 mm (37.6 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.0 in) Ground Clearance: 175 mm (6.9 in) Dry Weight: 71 kg (157 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 6.3 hp (4.63 kW) @ 8 500 rpm, 5.10 Nm (0.53 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1979 Suzuki year code: N

The RG50E was released in March 1979. It was a bit more exclusive model with star cast wheels. No technical modifications was made until April 1980, when a 2-stage power reed valve was mounted to the the RG50E engine, increasing the maximum power output to 7.2 PS. The model was sold under various names, in some parts of the world the model was known as the GT50, ZR50, or X-1. The RG50 with wire wheels was sold along with the RG50E but was discontinued during 1979. Retail price in Japan for the '79 RG50E was 133,000 yen.

1979 Suzuki RG 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 685 mm (27.0 in) Overall Height: 965 mm (38.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.0 in) Ground Clearance: 175 mm (6.9 in) Dry Weight: 68 kg (150 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 6.3 hp (4.63 kW) @ 8 500 rpm, 5.10 Nm (0.53 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1979 Suzuki RG 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 685 mm (27.0 in) Overall Height: 965 mm (38.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.0 in) Ground Clearance: 175 mm (6.9 in) Dry Weight: 68 kg (150 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 6.3 hp (4.63 kW) @ 8 500 rpm, 5.10 Nm (0.53 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1979 Suzuki RG 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 685 mm (27.0 in) Overall Height: 965 mm (38.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.0 in) Ground Clearance: 175 mm (6.9 in) Dry Weight: 68 kg (150 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 6.3 hp (4.63 kW) @ 8 500 rpm, 5.10 Nm (0.53 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1979 Suzuki RG 50 E Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 685 mm (27.0 in) Overall Height: 965 mm (38.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.0 in) Ground Clearance: 175 mm (6.9 in) Dry Weight: 72 kg (159 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 6.3 hp (4.63 kW) @ 8 500 rpm, 5.10 Nm (0.53 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1979 Suzuki X-1 (ZR 50) Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 685 mm (27.0 in) Overall Height: 965 mm (38.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.0 in) Ground Clearance: 175 mm (6.9 in) Dry Weight: 72 kg (159 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 6.3 hp (4.63 kW) @ 8 500 rpm, 5.10 Nm (0.53 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1979 Suzuki X-1 (ZR 50) Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 685 mm (27.0 in) Overall Height: 965 mm (38.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.0 in) Ground Clearance: 175 mm (6.9 in) Dry Weight: 72 kg (159 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 6.3 hp (4.63 kW) @ 8 500 rpm, 5.10 Nm (0.53 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1979 Suzuki RG50E specifications (Japan) Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 685 mm (27.0 in) Overall Height: 955 mm (37.6 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.0 in) Dry Weight: 72 kg (159 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. Bore x stroke: 41,0 x 37.8 mm Compression ratio: 7,2:1 Maximum power output: 6,3 hp/ 8.500 rpm Maximum torque: 0,53 kg-m/ 8.000 rpm Starter system: Kick starter Clutch type: Wet multi-plate Transmission type: 5-speed constant mesh Primary drive: chain Frame type: steel pipe Front suspension: Telescopic, oil dampened Rear suspension: Swinging arm, oil dampened Front Tyre: 2.50-17 Rear Tyre: 2.75-17 Wheel type: start type cast wheels Retail price, Japan 1979: 133,000 Yen 1979 GT50P and GT50P Special specifications (the Netherlands) Ground clearance: 175 mm (6.9 in) Dry weight: 71 kg (156 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled two-stroke, single cylinder Cylinder displacement: 49 cc Bore x stroke: 41,0 x 37,8 mm (1.614 x 1.488 in) Lubrication: separate oil injection Carburetor: Mikuni VM12SH Head light: 15 W Rear light: 8 W Stop light: 15W Battery type: 6V 4Ah Starter system: Kick starter Clutch type: Wet multi-plate Transmission type: 4-speed constant mesh Primary drive: chain Pedals!!! Frame type: steel pipe Front suspension: Telescopic, oil dampened Rear suspension: Swinging arm, oil dampened Front brake: Single disc, diameter 220 mm (7.7 in.) Rear brake: Internal expanding drum brake, diameter 110 mm (4.3 in.) Front Tyre: 2.50-17 Rear Tyre: 2.75-17 Fuel tank capacity: 8,5 liter Reserve: 2,4 liter

1980 Suzuki year code: T

The 1980 Suzuki RG50E was released in April 1980. The design of it was all new, it took the twin style of its big brothers RG200E/GT200E/X5 and RG250E/GT250-X7. The wheel size was increased to 18 inches. A cheaper model, RG50T, based on the RG50/GT50/X1, was also introduced in 1980. As we mentiuoned earlier, a 2-stage power reed valve was mounted to the the RG50E engine, increasing the peak power output to 7.2 PS at 9,000 rpm. Retail price in Japan for the '80 RG50E was 139,000 yen.

1980 Suzuki RG50E, White with Red and Black graphics

1980 Suzuki RG 50 E Overall Length: 1 930 mm (76.0 in) Overall Width: 715 mm (28.1 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 205 mm (47.4 in) Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 73 kg (161 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 7.2 hp (5.30 kW) @ 9  000 rpm, 5.69 Nm (0.58 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1981 Suzuki year code: X

An updated version of the Suzuki RG50E was released in February 1981. It got an anti-dive fork, introduced by Suzuki at its factory GP racer in 1979, and hydraulic disc brake. A cheaper RG50T model was launched this year with drum brakes, wire wheels, longer seat and a rear carrier. Retail price in Japan for the '81 RG50E was 149,000 yen. Retail price in Japan for the '81 RG50T was 123,000 yen.

1981 Suzuki RG 50 E Overall Length: 1 930 mm (76.0 in) Overall Width: 715 mm (28.1 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 205 mm (47.4 in) Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 73 kg (161 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 7.2 hp (5.30 kW) @ 9  000 rpm, 5.69 Nm (0.58 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1981 Suzuki RG 50 E Overall Length: 1 930 mm (76.0 in) Overall Width: 715 mm (28.1 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 205 mm (47.4 in) Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 73 kg (161 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 7.2 hp (5.30 kW) @ 9  000 rpm, 5.69 Nm (0.58 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1981 Suzuki RG 50 T Overall Length: 1 930 mm (76.0 in) Overall Width: 715 mm (28.1 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 205 mm (47.4 in) Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 68 kg (150 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 7.2 hp (5.30 kW) @ 9  000 rpm, 5.69 Nm (0.58 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1981 Suzuki RG 50 T Overall Length: 1 930 mm (76.0 in) Overall Width: 715 mm (28.1 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 205 mm (47.4 in) Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 68 kg (150 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 7.2 hp (5.30 kW) @ 9  000 rpm, 5.69 Nm (0.58 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1982 Suzuki year code: Z

The last air-cooled version of the RG50E was released in 1982 (March 24th to be exact). It was available in 5 different colors, the front mudguard was finished in metallic flake paint and the whole electrical system was upgraded. Finally, the water-cooled RG50 Gamma was released in December 1982 and the days of the air-cooled RG50E were counted. Retail price in Japan for the '82 RG50E was 189,000 yen. The '82 Suzuki RG50T was cheaper at 149,000 yen.

1982 Suzuki RG 50 E Overall Length: 1 930 mm (76.0 in) Overall Width: 715 mm (28.1 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 205 mm (47.4 in) Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 73 kg (161 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 7.2 hp (5.30 kW) @ 9  000 rpm, 5.69 Nm (0.58 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

More: Suzuki RG models

More: Suzuki GT models

More Dutch Suzuki mopeds:
Suzuki A50P and A50PD
Suzuki GT50P (RG50 in Japan)
Suzuki GT50P Special (RG50E in Japan)
Suzuki TS50ERP
Suzuki TS50XK
Suzuki ZR50SLP

More: All Suzuki models

Sources: MCDB, Suzuki Bromfietsen, RG50 History, Illustrator Motorcycle Legends: Suzuki

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