Suzuki FB50 ”Birdie 50 4-stroke”
1984—2018

I have tried to tell the Suzuki FB 50 / Birdie 50 model history on this page as I know it. The page is still under construction. 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.

2004 Suzuki Birdie 50 / FB50D, Grayish Blue (YHV)

While the Birdie 50 (FR50) introduced in the early seventies was a 2-stroker, the new version of the popular scooterette, launched in late 1983, received a 4-stroke engine and new, modern design. This Suzuki business bike featured a completely redesigned body and engine, making it easier to handle, more stable when carrying luggage, and more durable. The adoption of 14-inch tires and a newly designed steel pipe frame allowed for a low seat height of 705 mm. The straddle area for getting on and off is also set low at 480mm. The front wheel has also been changed from the conventional bottom-link type to a telescopic suspension, allowing for stable operation even when crossing steps or obstacles diagonally. With a dry weight of 69 kg (standard model), it is also the lightest in the 50cc business bike class. The Birdie series was a group of Suzuki underbone-frame business bikes developed from the 1970s to the 2010s as a rival to the Super Cub. The Birdie 50, the base model, debuted in 1973 as the successor to the Super Free. Initially, like the Super Free, it was equipped with a two-stroke engine. However, starting in 1983, a four-stroke version was also added to the lineup, dubbed the "2-stroke Birdie" and the "4-stroke Birdie." These two-stroke and four-stroke models co-existed throughout their model lifecycles. The Birdie 50 received a new A405 engine starting with the 2005 model, released in November 2004, replacing the A401 engine. Both engines were air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder, SOHC 49cc engines. This year's full model change saw the wheels reduced to 14 inches both front and rear, and the front suspension changed from a bottom-link type to a telescopic type. The fenders and leg shields were now made of plastic. A model with an electric starter (FB50D) was introduced, and a few months after its release, the lineup also included a model for newspaper delivery, called the ”Newspaper Birdie 50” (FB50P) and a ”Heavy-Duty Birdie 50” (FB50L) with cast alloy wheels and enhanced load capacity. A minor change was made in March 2008, and fuel injection was adopted. Other changes included placing the fuel gauge inside the meter, but this was the final specification change.

1984 Suzuki year code: E

The first Birdie 50 model with a four-stroke engine (BA41A) was launched in September 1983 as following year's model. It was made available in two different versions; the standard version and a Super Custom version with an electric starter. 1984 Suzuki Birdie 50 / FB50 (BA41A) Launched in Japan in October 1983 Frame numbers: BA41A-100001~ Retail price in Japan: 126,000 yen (157,000 yen for the electric starter model)

1984 Suzuki FB50 / Birdie 50 ”4-stroke”

1984 Suzuki FB 50 Birdie Overall Length: 1 185 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 635 mm (25.0 in) Overall Height: 1 005 mm (39.6 in) Seat Height: 720 mm (28.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.1 in) Ground Clearance: 125 mm (4.9 in) Dry Weight: 66 kg (146 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc single-cylinder 4-stroke. 5.0 hp (3.7 kW) @ 6 500 rpm, 5.6 Nm (0.57 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Here's even larger picture.

1987 Suzuki year code: H

1987 Suzuki Birdie 50 / FB50-2 (BA41A) Launched in Japan in February 1987 Frame numbers: BA41A-172864~ Retail price in Japan: 135,000 yen (149,000 yen for the electric starter model)

1987 Suzuki FB 50 Birdie Overall Length: 1 185 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 635 mm (25.0 in) Overall Height: 1 005 mm (39.6 in) Seat Height: 720 mm (28.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.1 in) Ground Clearance: 125 mm (4.9 in) Dry Weight: 66 kg (146 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc single-cylinder 4-stroke. 5.0 hp (3.7 kW) @ 6 500 rpm, 5.6 Nm (0.57 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Here's more Suzuki Birdie 50 info.

1991 Suzuki year code: M

1991 Suzuki Birdie 50 / FB50 (BA41A) Color options: Robin Blue Metallic (19Y), Target Green (19Z) Launched in Japan in March 1991 Frame numbers: BA41A-216530~ Retail price in Japan: 145,000 yen (158,000 yen for the electric starter model) 95/05 1995 BA41A-245116

1991 Suzuki Birdie 50 / FB50D Overall Length: 1 185 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 635 mm (25.0 in) Overall Height: 1 005 mm (39.6 in) Seat Height: 720 mm (28.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.1 in) Ground Clearance: 125 mm (4.9 in) Dry Weight: 66 kg (146 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc single-cylinder 4-stroke. 5.0 hp (3.7 kW) @ 6 500 rpm, 5.6 Nm (0.57 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for a larger picture.

1991 Suzuki Birdie 50 / FB50D Overall Length: 1 185 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 635 mm (25.0 in) Overall Height: 1 005 mm (39.6 in) Seat Height: 720 mm (28.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.1 in) Ground Clearance: 125 mm (4.9 in) Dry Weight: 66 kg (146 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc single-cylinder 4-stroke. 5.0 hp (3.7 kW) @ 6 500 rpm, 5.6 Nm (0.57 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for a larger picture.

1995 Suzuki year code: S

1995 Suzuki Birdie 50 / FB50 (BA41A) Launched in Japan in May 1995 Frame numbers: BA41A-245116~ Retail price in Japan: 149,000 yen (174,000 yen for the electric starter model)

1995 Suzuki Birdie 50 / FB50 Overall Length: 1 185 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 635 mm (25.0 in) Overall Height: 1 005 mm (39.6 in) Seat Height: 720 mm (28.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.1 in) Ground Clearance: 125 mm (4.9 in) Dry Weight: 66 kg (146 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc single-cylinder 4-stroke. 5.0 hp (3.7 kW) @ 6 500 rpm, 5.6 Nm (0.57 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Here's more Suzuki Birdie 50 info.

1995 Suzuki Birdie 50 / FB50P Overall Length: 1 185 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 635 mm (25.0 in) Overall Height: 1 005 mm (39.6 in) Seat Height: 720 mm (28.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.1 in) Ground Clearance: 125 mm (4.9 in) Dry Weight: 73 kg (161 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc single-cylinder 4-stroke. 5.0 hp (3.7 kW) @ 6 500 rpm, 5.6 Nm (0.57 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for a larger picture.

1996 Suzuki year code: T

1996 Suzuki Birdie 50 / FB50 (BA41A) Frame numbers: BA41A-251674~ Retail price in Japan: 149,000 yen (174,000 yen for the electric starter model)

1996 Suzuki FB 50 Birdie Overall Length: 1 185 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 635 mm (25.0 in) Overall Height: 1 005 mm (39.6 in) Seat Height: 720 mm (28.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.1 in) Ground Clearance: 125 mm (4.9 in) Dry Weight: 66 kg (146 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc single-cylinder 4-stroke. 5.0 hp (3.7 kW) @ 6 500 rpm, 5.6 Nm (0.57 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for a larger picture.

1996 Suzuki Birdie 50 / FB50P Overall Length: 1 185 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 635 mm (25.0 in) Overall Height: 1 005 mm (39.6 in) Seat Height: 720 mm (28.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.1 in) Ground Clearance: 125 mm (4.9 in) Dry Weight: 73 kg (161 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc single-cylinder 4-stroke. 5.0 hp (3.7 kW) @ 6 500 rpm, 5.6 Nm (0.57 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for a larger picture.

2000 Suzuki year code: Y

A minor update was made for the Birdie 50 in November 2000, the last one before the complete remodeling in 2004. 2000 Suzuki Birdie 50 / FB50 (BA41A) Frame numbers: BA41A-500001~ Retail price in Japan: 170,000 yen (189,000 yen for the electric starter model)

2000 Suzuki Birdie 50 / FB 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 635 mm (25.0 in) Overall Height: 1 005 mm (39.6 in) Seat Height: 720 mm (28.4 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.1 in) Ground Clearance: 125 mm (4.9 in) Dry Weight: 71 kg (157 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc single-cylinder 4-stroke. 4.8 hp (3.5 kW) @ 6 500 rpm, 5.4 Nm (0.55 kg-m) @ 5 500 rpm Click on the image for a larger picture.

2003 Suzuki year code: K3

2003 Suzuki Birdie 50 / FB50 (BA41A) Frame numbers: BA41A-506479~ Retail price in Japan: 159,000 yen (189,000 yen for the electric starter model) Yes. the price for the base model had actually gone down.

2003 Suzuki Birdie 50 / FB 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 635 mm (25.0 in) Overall Height: 1 005 mm (39.6 in) Seat Height: 720 mm (28.4 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.1 in) Ground Clearance: 125 mm (4.9 in) Dry Weight: 71 kg (157 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc single-cylinder 4-stroke. 4.8 hp (3.5 kW) @ 6 500 rpm, 5.4 Nm (0.55 kg-m) @ 5 500 rpm Click on the image for a larger picture.

2004 Suzuki year code: K4

A major update was made for the Birdie 50 in November 2004. The wheels were reduced from 17 to 14 inches, making it easier to handle and get on and off. The engine is still an air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder.

2005 Suzuki year code: K5

Four different versions of the Birdie 50 (BA42A) was offered by Suzuki in 2005. The standard model, the FB50 had wire wheels, a small luggage rack/shopping basket holder at the front, a chrome-plated luggage rack at the rear. The FB50D was similar to the standard model, exept it had en alectric starter motor. The FB50L didn't have electric starter but it had light alloy wheels. There was also a model designed having Japanese newspaper deliverers in mind. The FB50P had a large basket at the rear and much larger luggage rack at the rear and adapted suspension and tyres. 2005 Birdie 50 model versions and their frame numbers: FB50K5– 2005 Birdie 50 – BA42A-100001~ FB50DK5– 2005 Birdie 50 with electric starter – BA42A-100001~ FB50LK5– 2005 Heavy-duty Birdie 50– BA42A-104190~ FB50PK5 – 2005 Newspaper Birdie 50– BA42A-101359~

2005 Suzuki FB50, Birdie 50 – standard model with spoked wheels

2005 Suzuki FB50D, Birdie 50 with an electric starter

2005 Suzuki FB50L, ”Heavy Duty Birdie 50” with light alloy wheels

2005 Suzuki FB50P, ”Newspaper Birdie 50”

2005 Suzuki Birdie 50 / FB50 Overall Length: 1 805 mm (71.1 in) Overall Width: 650 mm (25.6 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Seat Height: 705 mm (27.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 175 mm (46.3 in) Ground Clearance: 105 mm (4.1 in) Dry Weight: 69 kg (152 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc single-cylinder 4-stroke. 4.4 hp (3.2 kW) @ 7 000 rpm, 4.9 Nm (0.50 kg-m) @ 5 500 rpm Click on the image for a larger picture.

2005 Suzuki Birdie 50 / FB50D Overall Length: 1 805 mm (71.1 in) Overall Width: 650 mm (25.6 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Seat Height: 705 mm (27.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 175 mm (46.3 in) Ground Clearance: 105 mm (4.1 in) Dry Weight: 71 kg (157 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc single-cylinder 4-stroke. 4.4 hp (3.2 kW) @ 7 000 rpm, 4.9 Nm (0.50 kg-m) @ 5 500 rpm Here's even larger picture.

2005 Suzuki Birdie 50 / FB50L Overall Length: 1 805 mm (71.1 in) Overall Width: 650 mm (25.6 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Seat Height: 705 mm (27.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 175 mm (46.3 in) Ground Clearance: 105 mm (4.1 in) Dry Weight: 69 kg (152 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc single-cylinder 4-stroke. 4.4 hp (3.2 kW) @ 7 000 rpm, 4.9 Nm (0.50 kg-m) @ 5 500 rpm Click on the image for a larger picture.

The delivery bike adapted to the requirements of the Japan newspaper deliverers and retailers, the FB50P, had a large steel wire basket at the front and a large luggage rack at the rear. Also, the front tyre dimension was had increased to same as the rear tyre. The suspension of the bike was adapted to the greater weight. Therefore, the overall length, width, height, weight and even the ground clearance were slightly increased for the Postal model. The newspaper delivery Birdie features a large basket measuring 485mm wide, 260mm long, and 234.5mm deep in the front, and a carrier measuring 398mm wide and 524mm long in the rear. The front also features a hand light to illuminate the basket in the dark. The wheels are cast-type wheels that require no maintenance and are highly rigid, and the tires are tubeless for easy puncture repair. It also comes with a large side stand, which provides firm support for the vehicle even when loaded. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (including consumption tax) is 221,550 yen, and the option with heated grips with five levels of adjustment is 236,250 yen.

2005 Suzuki Birdie 50 / FB50P Overall Length: 1 845 mm (72.6 in) Overall Width: 665 mm (26.2 in) Overall Height: 995 mm (39.2 in) Seat Height: 705 mm (27.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 175 mm (46.3 in) Ground Clearance: 110 mm (4.3 in) Dry Weight: 77 kg (170 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc single-cylinder 4-stroke. 4.4 hp (3.2 kW) @ 7 000 rpm, 4.9 Nm (0.50 kg-m) @ 5 500 rpm Here's even larger picture.

2006 Suzuki year code: K6

For 2006 a fifth variant of the Birdie 50 was offered to the Japanese cusomers. The letter 'H' was added to the Newspaper model, making it FB50PH. The H in the model name meant it had heated handlebar grips. 2006 Birdie 50 model versions and their frame numbers: FB50K6 – 2006 Birdie 50 – BA42A-105091 FB50DK6 – 2006 Birdie 50 with electric starter – BA42A-105101~ FB50LK6 – 2006 Heavy-duty Birdie 50– BA42A-107946~ FB50PK7 – 2006 Newspaper Birdie 50– BA42A-106081~ FB50PHK7 – 2006 Newspaper Birdie 50 with grip heater– BA42A-105081

2007 Suzuki year code: K7

Unchanged model. The same model versions as for 2006 was made even for the 2007 season. 2007 Birdie 50 model versions and their frame numbers: FB50K7 – 2007 Birdie 50– BA42A-109043~ FB50DK7 – 2007 Birdie 50 with electric starter – BA42A-109033~ FB50LK7 – 2007 Heavy-duty Birdie 50 – BA42A-109053~ FB50PK7 – 2007 Newspaper Birdy 50 – BA42A-109063~ FB50PHK7 – 2007 Newspaper Birdy 50 with heated grips– BA42A-109073~

2008 Suzuki year code: K8

In a minor change in 2008, a fuel injection system was adopted to achieve improved starting performance and lower fuel consumption. Furthermore, the fuel gauge inside the speedometer was made easier to check. No updates were made for the Birdie 50 models after these upgrades. In 2008, there was 6 variations of the Birdie 50 available. A model adapted for the police work was added to the lineup. 2008 Birdie 50 model versions: FB50K8 – 2008 Birdie 50 FB50DK8 – 2008 Birdie 50 with electric starter FB50LK8 – 2008 Heavy-duty Birdie 50 FB50PK8 – 2008 Newspaper Birdy 50 FB50PHK8 – 2008 Newspaper Birdy 50 with heated grips FB50XK8 –2008 Birdy 50 Police Spec Frame numbers for the 2008 FB50X: BA43A-101826~ All the other model versions: BA43A-100001~

2008 Suzuki Birdie 50 / FB50 Overall Length: 1 805 mm (71.1 in) Overall Width: 650 mm (25.6 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Seat Height: 705 mm (27.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 175 mm (46.3 in) Ground Clearance: 105 mm (4.1 in) Dry Weight: 69 kg (152 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc single-cylinder 4-stroke. 4.4 hp (3.2 kW) @ 7 000 rpm, 4.9 Nm (0.50 kg-m) @ 5 500 rpm Click on the image for a larger picture.

2008 Suzuki Birdie 50 / FB50D Overall Length: 1 805 mm (71.1 in) Overall Width: 650 mm (25.6 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Seat Height: 705 mm (27.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 175 mm (46.3 in) Ground Clearance: 105 mm (4.1 in) Dry Weight: 71 kg (157 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc single-cylinder 4-stroke. 4.4 hp (3.2 kW) @ 7 000 rpm, 4.9 Nm (0.50 kg-m) @ 5 500 rpm Click on the image for a larger picture.

2008 Suzuki Birdie 50 / FB50L Overall Length: 1 805 mm (71.1 in) Overall Width: 650 mm (25.6 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Seat Height: 705 mm (27.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 175 mm (46.3 in) Ground Clearance: 105 mm (4.1 in) Dry Weight: 73 kg (161 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc single-cylinder 4-stroke. 4.4 hp (3.2 kW) @ 7 000 rpm, 4.9 Nm (0.50 kg-m) @ 5 500 rpm Click on the image for a larger picture.

2008 Suzuki Birdie 50 / FB50PH Overall Length: 1 845 mm (72.6 in) Overall Width: 665 mm (26.2 in) Overall Height: 995 mm (39.2 in) Seat Height: 705 mm (27.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 175 mm (46.3 in) Ground Clearance: 110 mm (4.3 in) Dry Weight: 77 kg (170 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc single-cylinder 4-stroke. 4.4 hp (3.2 kW) @ 7 000 rpm, 4.9 Nm (0.50 kg-m) @ 5 500 rpm Click on the image for a larger picture.

2011 Suzuki year code: L1

In 2011, the series included the basic Birdie 50, the easy-to-start Birdie 50 with starter, as well as the Heavy Load Birdie 50, Newspaper Birdie 50, and Newspaper Birdie 50 with Heated Grips. A total of five variations to choose from.

2011 Suzuki Birdie 50 / FB50 Overall Length: 1 805 mm (71.1 in) Overall Width: 650 mm (25.6 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Seat Height: 705 mm (27.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 175 mm (46.3 in) Ground Clearance: 105 mm (4.1 in) Dry Weight: 69 kg (152 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc single-cylinder 4-stroke. 4.4 hp (3.2 kW) @ 7 000 rpm, 4.9 Nm (0.50 kg-m) @ 5 500 rpm Click on the image for a larger picture.

2011 Suzuki Birdie 50 / FB50P Overall Length: 1 845 mm (72.6 in) Overall Width: 665 mm (26.2 in) Overall Height: 995 mm (39.2 in) Seat Height: 705 mm (27.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 175 mm (46.3 in) Ground Clearance: 110 mm (4.3 in) Dry Weight: 77 kg (170 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc single-cylinder 4-stroke. 4.4 hp (3.2 kW) @ 7 000 rpm, 4.9 Nm (0.50 kg-m) @ 5 500 rpm Click on the image for a larger picture.

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