Suzuki RG50/GT50/ZR50/X1 model history
 

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.

The model history 1977—1982 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

RG 50 1977 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 type: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 6,3 hp/ 8.500 rpm, 0,53kg-m/ 8.000 rpm.

RG 50 1977 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 type: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 6,3 hp/ 8.500 rpm, 0,53kg-m/ 8.000 rpm.

1977—1978 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 type: 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



1979 Suzuki year code: N

X1 (ZR50) 1979 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 type: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 6,3 hp/ 8.500 rpm, 0,53 kg-m/ 8.000 rpm. Click on the image for larger format. Here's even larger picture.

X1 (ZR50) 1979 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 type: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 6,3 hp/ 8.500 rpm, 0,53 kg-m/ 8.000 rpm. Click on the image for larger format. Here's even larger picture.

1979 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 type: 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 type: 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


1981 Suzuki year code: X

There were two different RG50 models available in Japan in 1981. The RG50E (third version) and the RG50T, a cheaper cimmuting version with wire wheels, luggage rack and longer seat.

RG 50 E 1981 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 type: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 6,3 hp/ 8.500 rpm, 0,53 kg-m/ 8.000 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

RG 50 T 1981 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 type: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 6,3 hp/ 8.500 rpm, 0,53 kg-m/ 8.000 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

RG 50 T 1981 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 type: Air-cooled 49 cc 2-stroke, reed valve. 6,3 hp/ 8.500 rpm, 0,53 kg-m/ 8.000 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

This page is still under construction.




More: Suzuki RG 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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