APRILIA SR50 (2004 - on) Review
At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Power: | 4 bhp |
Seat height: | Medium (32.3 in / 820 mm) |
Weight: | Low (198 lbs / 90 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThis is the basic Aprilia SR 50, called the SR 50 Street. There’s also a higher-spec SR 50 R and SR 50 R Factory.
- Related: top 50cc scooters and mopeds
- Related: Learn to ride a motorbike with MCN
With lots of styling cues taken from Aprilia’s fire-breathing superbikes, this 50cc scooter gives Italian style to restricted licence holders. Although it only does 30mph, there are lots of performance parts available to improve speed, braking and handling. It’s a superb scooter, but there are cheaper options out there.
Aprilia SR50 updated in 2011
In 2011 Aprilia unveiled the new 50cc and 125cc SR Motard scooters. Scooters inspired by supermotos.
The smaller, 50cc version was powered by a 49cc two-stroke engine and cost £1,770. The SR Motard 125 was powered by a 124cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine and cost £2,120.
Both models were available in white, black or metallic orange paint schemes.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe SR50 is simplicity itself to just hop on and ride. It’s comfortable enough to zip around on all day in town and the handling is more than a match for its clipped top speed. It has non adjustable telescopic forks up front and single shock at the rear. The front brake is a very sporty single 190mm disc set-up with a twin-piston caliper.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityAll the SR 50 models are powered by an electric start, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled 49cc two-stroke engine, restricted to 30mph with a CVT gearbox. The motor is fed by a single 17.5mm carburettor.
Why won't my Aprilia SR50 start well when hot?
Q: My nipper has a fuel-injected Aprila SR50 Ditech. When it runs it has a really good little engine and will fly along at 35mph all day. The trouble is, it’s an absolute pig to start hot or cold. My injected bikes start with no throttle action, but with this you have to thumb the starter, constantly moving the throttle until the engine begins to fire, gradually building up the revs until it will go without constant coaxing on the throttle.
Triumphrider600, MCN forums
A: The Ditech’s engine is quite a complicated beast using a compression system to charge the cylinder at start-up and with the air and fuel injectors in one housing. There’s also a suggestion the plug can be a grade too cold for our climate, so that it wets up too easily, so try experimenting with a different grade. Other than that, you could check to see if there’s blow back from the air injector. It’s sealed with a ceramic ring, if there’s evidence of burning on that ring, then you are looking at replacement for about £80 (gulp). After that, it’s a dealer job with diagnostics.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueJust like Aprilia motorcycles, this scooter is very nicely put together. It’s built to be abused by 16-year olds, so has Tonka Toy durability.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentIf you’ve got the cash, the SR50 is a superb scooter, but it’s a lot to part with for a 16-year old who is only going to keep it for a year, while they wait to trade up to a 125.
Equipment
There’s a big dose of superbike styling here as well as a racy front brake set-up, a rear disc light alloy 13" wheels and a single rear shock. There’s lots of optional extras available, but at a price.
Specs |
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Engine size | 49cc |
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Engine type | Single-cylinder two-stroke |
Frame type | Tubular steel |
Fuel capacity | 7 litres |
Seat height | 820mm |
Bike weight | 90kg |
Front suspension | Non-adjustable |
Rear suspension | Non-adjustable |
Front brake | 190mm disc |
Rear brake | 190mm disc |
Front tyre size | 130/60 13 in |
Rear tyre size | 130/60 13 in |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 64 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £25 |
Annual service cost | - |
New price | £2,171 |
Used price | - |
Insurance group |
2 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 4 bhp |
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Max torque | 1.3 ft-lb |
Top speed | 30 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | - |
Tank range | 115 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
1994 – Model introduced
Other versions
Aprilia SR50 R
Aprilia SR50 R Factory
Owners' reviews for the APRILIA SR50 (2004 - on)
3 owners have reviewed their APRILIA SR50 (2004 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your APRILIA SR50 (2004 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: |
my first bike, about to change up to a 125 but this little scooter has took me 15000 miles in 11 months and not missed a beat. a truly amazing peice of engineering, 120mpg, 60mph and all the practicalities of a scooter, couldn't have asked for a better first bike. shame i have to sell it for a 125 really, i love it!
After finally coming of age I was on the prowl for a 50cc moped. I saw this in the local ads and jumped at the chance to own a real slice of Italian sports scooter. Maybe I was too hasty, it was dropped off and started. Everything seemed in order. Off goes the bloke and I'm left with one aprilia scooter. I try to start it but it coughs and dies. Again I try but to no avail. Off to the dealers then. After some fiddling with piston rings, carbs etc. it comes back and all seems fine. A day later I go to start it, full of anticipation...nothing. A distressing whining noise and some gasping coughs. Damn. Back to the dealers then. After a change of battery it starts again, sounding more lively. About two days later I go to start it. Hurrah! Oh wait hang on...nope, its gone again and still the starter motor whines. After many more attempts the bike splutters into life. Hmmm... In short, an excellent first scooter with many niggles. The underseat storage is too small for most helmets but there are also other cubby holes. A lockable piece between the footwell is good for valuables. Another concern is those horrific cold starts. I'm told it shouldn't be a problem but it's getting frustrating. Being a two stroke it takes a careful hand to get it warm and keep it happy. This is not a get on and go scooter. Good two stroke oil is a must. This raises another problem. They couldn't just stick the oil filler under the seat could they? No, they've stuck it under a finnicky piece of plastic held in by two screws right on the front of the bike. Why? Now for the good bits. Once warmed up it goes like a stabbed rat. Good punch from the two stroke motor makes town riding a buzz. Once derestricted it'll get to 50mph downhill. The suspension is punishing on bumpy roads but rewarding on smooth surfaces. The handling is more than a match for the speeds it's capable of. The best bit has to be the red clocks and dials. Although the clocks have misted up slightly they do look the dogs. Altogether this is a good bike, should you find the money. Please make sure it works beforehand. I'm sure if you buy new it'll be a dream first scooter. James H, Dorset.
Its a great little 50cc scooter to start off with! Handling is nice, relatively light compared to the 50cc vespa's.. Sounds less like a wasp than some of the other 50's as well :)