Suzuki K50
1967–2005

I have tried to tell the Suzuki K 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.

1978 Suzuki K50

In late sixties Suzuki discontinued the M12 and M15 and introduced the new Suzuki K50 model. It was a great success. In year 2000 it was still in production and available in shops in some parts of the world. The K50 evolved from the 50cc M12 model. The first version still had the distinctive horse-shoe shaped head-lightlike most Suzuki bike models until early seventies. The earliest brochure with the export model of the K50/K50D I've seen was printed in February 1968. The Suzuki K50 had a kick-starter, the K50D had electric starter. Suzuki M12 and K50 mopeds were sold even in Sweden, although the Swedish law regulated the engine power to maximum one (1,0) bhp and the maximum speed limited to 30 km/h (18.64 mph). While the Japanese K50 had a speedometer indicating range 0–120 km/h (0–80 mph), the Swedish moped speedo showed 0–50 km/h (0–31 mph). The Swedish model only had three speed gearbox. The Scandinavian K50 model K50D did not have electric starter. Instead the ”D” indicatied that the model had disc brake at front wheel.

The original K50 was released in Japan in 1967. The export versions had double seats, the Japanese domestic version was always a “business bike” with a single seat and rear rack. Over the years there were slight variations in the design but the K50 was marked by the slightly backswept handlebarsand since 1971 the red badge on the engine cover. The first version had a different engine (see picture above) . Throughout its 30-plus year production run there were various iterations – points ignition, 6-volt CDI, 12-volt, different exhausts etc. Production continued until 2000 with the simple, 1-cylinder, air-cooled engine under the pressed steel frame.

The first version of the K50 was introduced for the Japanese domestic market in 1967. It was a nice and sporty 50cc air-cooled 2-stroker with Suzuki's Posi-Force lubricating system that eliminated the need of pre mixed fuel. It had 4-speed rotary type gearbox, drum brakes front and rear and a frame of pressed steel. The unrestricted model had 4.5 bhp power output and claimed maximum speed of 80 km/h. The model inherited its engine from the M15/M15D. The K50D model had electric starter, the K50 only kick starter.

1968 Suzuki K 50 Overall Length: 1 805 mm (71.1 in) Overall Width: 665 mm (26.2 in) Overall Height: 960 mm (37.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 160 mm (45.7 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 72 kg (159 lbs) Top Speed: 70 km/h (44 mph) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke, reed-valve. 4.5 hp (3.3 kW) @ 8 000 rpm, 4.12 Nm (0.42 kg-m) @ 7 000 rpm. 4 speeds. Here's even larger picture.

1968 Suzuki K 50 D Overall Length: 1 805 mm (71.1 in) Overall Width: 665 mm (26.2 in) Overall Height: 960 mm (37.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 160 mm (45.7 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 76 kg (168 lbs) Top Speed: 70 km/h (44 mph) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke, reed-valve. 4.5 hp (3.3 kW) @ 8 000 rpm, 4.12 Nm (0.42 kg-m) @ 7 000 rpm. 4 speeds. Here's even larger picture.

The 1969 K50 (K50-2) was a utility vehicle with a light design by adopting a V-shaped frame and separating the rear fender from the frame. The shape of the fuel tank, oil tank, etc. has also been made smart to match the new frame. The semi-up handle had a thicker pipe diameter and a wider height and width to give a relaxed ride. The seat adopts a box type with a stable ride quality. A side stand that is convenient for a quick parking is also newly equipped.  In October of the same year (1969), the model was changed to the K50G (K50-3) equipped with a new forward leaning engine, and the maximum torque increased significantly from 0.42kgm to 0.52kg-m, and the low and medium speed torque improved significantly. The transmission has been changed from a 4-speed rotary type to a 3-speed rotary type that is easier to operate. However, in 1973, it returned to the 4-stage rotary gearbox.

1969 Suzuki K 50 (K50-2) Overall Length: 1 785 mm (70.3 in) Overall Width: 665 mm (26.2 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (37.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) K50 Dry Weight: 70 kg (154 lbs) K50D Dry Weight: 74 kg (162 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke, reed-valve. 4.5 hp (3.3 kW) @ 8 000 rpm, 4.12 Nm (0.42 kg-m) @ 7 000 rpm. 3 speeds. Click on the image for larger format.

1969 Suzuki K 50 G (K50-3) Overall Length: 1 785 mm (70.3 in) Overall Width: 665 mm (26.2 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (37.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) K50 Dry Weight: 70 kg (154 lbs) K50D Dry Weight: 74 kg (162 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke, reed-valve. 4.2 hp (3.14 kW)/ 8 000 rpm, 3.73 Nm (0.38 kg-m) @ 7 000 rpm. 3 speeds. Here's even larger picture.

The K50G/K50-3 model was launched in October 1969, replacing the previous K50 model with the engine the inheritaged from the 1965 M15. It had an all-new engine that delivered more power and torque that its predecessor. 3 speeds.

1970 Suzuki K 50 G (K50-3) Overall Length: 1 785 mm (70.3 in) Overall Width: 665 mm (26.2 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (37.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) K50 Dry Weight: 70 kg (154 lbs) K50D Dry Weight: 74 kg (162 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke, reed-valve. 4.5 hp (3.3 kW) @ 7 000 rpm, 5.0 Nm (0.52 kg-m) @ 5 000 rpm. 3 speeds. Here's even larger picture.

1971 Suzuki year code: R

The 1971 K50-II shown in the brochure made for the International market looked almost like the Japanese domestic model, with the difference that instead of luggage carrier and a single seat it had a dual saddle. As usual, the claimed specifications of the bike were not exatly the same as for the domestic model. The claimed top speed was 74 kh/h (46 mph).

1971 Suzuki K 50 II (International) Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Dry Weight: 72 kg (158 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke, reed-valve. 4.5 hp (3.3 kW) @ 7 000 rpm, 5.0 Nm (0.52 kg-m) @ 5 000 rpm. 4 speeds. Top Speed: 70 km/h (44 mph) Click on the image for larger format.

1971 Suzuki K 50 G (Japan) Overall Length: 1 785 mm (70.3 in) Overall Width: 665 mm (26.2 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (37.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) K50 Dry Weight: 70 kg (154 lbs) K50D Dry Weight: 74 kg (162 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke, reed-valve. 4.5 hp (3.3 kW) @ 7 000 rpm, 5.0 Nm (0.52 kg-m) @ 5 000 rpm. 3 speeds. Here's even larger picture.

1971 Suzuki K 50 (International) Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Dry Weight: 72 kg (158 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke, reed-valve. 4.5 hp (3.3 kW) @ 7 000 rpm, 5.0 Nm (0.52 kg-m) @ 5 000 rpm. 4 speeds. Top Speed: 70 km/h (44 mph) Click on the image for larger format.

1973 Suzuki year code: K

The 1973 K50K got a new gearbox with four gears. Exception from this is the Swedish model, that still hused the old gearbox with three gears. Although the 1973 K50K had the same look as all the earlier model years in most parts of the world, the Swedish model (see the brochure scan below) was still based on the Suzuki AC50 instead. A bit confusing. The Swedish version of the K50 used an engine with a restricted 1 bhp power output, according to Swedish laws. It didn't have the Posi-Force lubrication, the oil/fuel had to be mixed (4%) by the owners themselves.

1973 Suzuki K 50 (Sweden) Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Dry Weight: 72 kg (158 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke, 3 speeds. Maximum power: 1 hp, maximum speed 30 km/h (Sweden). Click on the image for larger format.

1974 Suzuki year code: L

1974 Suzuki K 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Dry Weight: 72 kg (158 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke, reed-valve. 4.5 hp (3.3 kW) @ 7 000 rpm, 5.0 Nm (0.52 kg-m) @ 5 000 rpm. 4 speeds. Top Speed: 70 km/h (44 mph) Click on the image for larger format.

1975 Suzuki year code: M

1975 Suzuki K 50 (Japan) Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Dry Weight: 78 kg (158 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke, reed-valve. 4.5 hp (3.3 kW) @ 7 000 rpm, 5.0 Nm (0.52 kg-m) @ 5 000 rpm. 4 speeds. Top Speed: 70 km/h (44 mph) Click on the image for larger format.

1975 Suzuki K 50 (Sweden) Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Dry Weight: 72 kg (158 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke, 3 speeds. Maximum power: 1 hp, maximum speed 30 km/h (Sweden). Click on the image for larger format.

1976 Suzuki year code: A

1976 Suzuki K 50 (Japan) Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Dry Weight: 78 kg (158 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke, reed-valve. 4.5 hp (3.3 kW) @ 7 000 rpm, 5.0 Nm (0.52 kg-m) @ 5 000 rpm. 4 speeds. Top Speed: 70 km/h (44 mph) Click on the image for larger format.

1978 Suzuki year code: C

The fuel tank and frame cover shape have been changed for 1978, and the design has been redesigned. The engine was continuously equipped with the well-established air-cooled 2-cycle single-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 4.5 PS. The remodeled appearance of the K50 remained the same for 27 years until 2005, when the model was discontinued. Suzuki K50 became one of the long-selling motorcycle models ever. As the picture from an Australian full-line catalog (the red one below) shows, the Australian version of the 1978 Suzuki K50 had painted a seat for two passengers and passenger footrests.

1978 Suzuki K 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Dry Weight: 72 kg (158 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke, reed-valve. 4.5 hp (3.3 kW) @ 7 000 rpm, 5.0 Nm (0.52 kg-m) @ 5 000 rpm. 4 speeds. Top Speed: 70 km/h (44 mph) Click on the image for larger format. Here's even larger picture.

1978 Suzuki K 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Dry Weight: 72 kg (158 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke, reed-valve. 4.5 hp (3.3 kW) @ 7 000 rpm, 5.0 Nm (0.52 kg-m) @ 5 000 rpm. 4 speeds. Top Speed: 70 km/h (44 mph) Click on the image for larger format.

1979 Suzuki year code: N

Starting with the 1979-year's model the K50 was offered in two versions in Sweden; the K50N had drum brakes front and rear and the K50DN had a disc brake at the front. Suzuki announced that the disc brake version had a special system to reduce the braking power to avoid locking the wheel. The disc brake was fully mechanical and self-adjusting. The 1979-year's Swedish version of the Suzuki K50 looked practically the same as the previous year's model but had been improved in many details. The fuel tank was redesigned and the side covers were larger. The speedometer had been replaced to a larger one and the head light housing was new. According to Suzuki the changes were made to make the bike ”remaind more of a motorcycle”. Also, the cylinder and the cylinder head were both new and even the Swedish model had now a Reed inlet valve. A lockable helmet holder was attached to the handlebar. Colors: Red, Blue, Black.

1979 Suzuki K 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Seat Height: 755 mm (29.7 in) Wheelbase: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Ground Clearance: 135 mm (5.3 in) Dry Weight: 72 kg (158 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke. 4.5 hp (3.3 kW) @ 7 000 rpm, 5.0 Nm (0.52 kg-m) @ 5 000 rpm. 4 speeds. Click on the image for larger format.

1979 Suzuki K 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Seat Height: 755 mm (29.7 in) Wheelbase: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Ground Clearance: 135 mm (5.3 in) Dry Weight: 72 kg (158 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke. 4.5 hp (3.3 kW) @ 7 000 rpm, 5.0 Nm (0.52 kg-m) @ 5 000 rpm. 4 speeds. Click on the image for larger format.

1979 Suzuki K 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Seat Height: 755 mm (29.7 in) Wheelbase: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Ground Clearance: 135 mm (5.3 in) Dry Weight: 72 kg (158 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke. 4.5 hp (3.3 kW) @ 7 000 rpm, 5.0 Nm (0.52 kg-m) @ 5 000 rpm. 4 speeds. Click on the image for larger format.

1979 Suzuki K 50 D Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Seat Height: 755 mm (29.7 in) Wheelbase: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Ground Clearance: 135 mm (5.3 in) Dry Weight: 72 kg (158 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke. 4.5 hp (3.3 kW) @ 7 000 rpm, 5.0 Nm (0.52 kg-m) @ 5 000 rpm. 4 speeds. Click on the image for larger format.

1979 K50 specifications (Japan) Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Seat Height: 755 mm (29.7 in) Wheelbase: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Ground Clearance: 135 mm (5.3 in) Dry Weight: 72 kg (158 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 1-cylinder 2-stroke, reed valve. Cylinder volume: 49 cc Power Output: 4.5 hp (3.3 kW) @ 7 000 rpm Torque: 5.0 Nm (0.52 kg-m) @ 5 000 rpm Bore x Stroke: 41 x 37,8 mm Compression Ratio: 6,9:1 Starting system: kickstart Lubricating System: wet sump Transmission: 4 speed rotary Front Brakes: drum Rear brakes: drum Front Tyre: 2.25-17 Rear Tyre: Tyre 2.25-17 Retail Price in Japan 1979: 106,000 Yen

1986 Suzuki year code: G

1986 Suzuki K 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 990 mm (39.0 in) Seat Height: 755 mm (29.7 in) Wheelbase: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Ground Clearance: 135 mm (5.3 in) Dry Weight: 72 kg (158 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke. 4.5 hp (3.3 kW) @ 7 000 rpm, 5.0 Nm (0.52 kg-m) @ 5 000 rpm. 4 speeds. Click on the image for larger format.

1996 Suzuki year code: T

1996 Suzuki K50 colors: Bright Silver Metallic, Urban Gray Metallic, Black

1996 Suzuki K 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 1 010 mm (39.8 in) Seat Height: 755 mm (29.7 in) Wheelbase: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Ground Clearance: 135 mm (5.3 in) Dry Weight: 72 kg (158 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke. 4.5 hp (3.3 kW) @ 6 500 rpm, 5.4 Nm (0.5 kg-m) @ 5 000 rpm. 4 speeds. Click on the image for larger format.

1996 Suzuki K 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 1 010 mm (39.8 in) Seat Height: 755 mm (29.7 in) Wheelbase: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Ground Clearance: 135 mm (5.3 in) Dry Weight: 72 kg (158 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke. 4.5 hp (3.3 kW) @ 6 500 rpm, 5.4 Nm (0.5 kg-m) @ 5 000 rpm. 4 speeds. Click on the image for larger format.

1996 Suzuki K 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 1 010 mm (39.8 in) Seat Height: 755 mm (29.7 in) Wheelbase: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Ground Clearance: 135 mm (5.3 in) Dry Weight: 72 kg (158 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke. 4.5 hp (3.3 kW) @ 6 500 rpm, 5.4 Nm (0.5 kg-m) @ 5 000 rpm. 4 speeds. Click on the image for larger format.

2000 Suzuki year code: Y

The last K50 model version (BB-BA15A) was presented in January 2000 and remained technically unchanged until the production of the model ended in 2005.

2000 Suzuki K 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 1 010 mm (39.8 in) Seat Height: 755 mm (29.7 in) Wheelbase: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Ground Clearance: 135 mm (5.3 in) Dry Weight: 73 kg (160 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke. 4.5 hp (3.3 kW) @ 6 500 rpm, 5.4 Nm (0.5 kg-m) @ 5 000 rpm. 4 speeds. Click on the image for larger format.

2002 Suzuki year code: K2

2002 Suzuki K 50 Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 1 010 mm (39.8 in) Seat Height: 755 mm (29.7 in) Wheelbase: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Ground Clearance: 135 mm (5.3 in) Dry Weight: 73 kg (161 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 49 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke. 4.5 hp (3.3 kW) @ 6 500 rpm, 5.4 Nm (0.5 kg-m) @ 5 000 rpm. 4 speeds. Click on the image for larger format.

2002 K50 specifications (Japan) Model code: BB-BA15A Overall Length: 1 815 mm (71.5 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 1 010 mm (39.8 in) Seat Height: 755 mm (29.7 in) Wheelbase: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Ground Clearance: 135 mm (5.3 in) Dry Weight: 73 kg (161 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled single cylinder 2-stroke Cylinder volume: 49 cc Power Output: 4.5 hp (3.3 kW)/ 6,500rpm Torque: 5,4 Nm (0,5 kg-m) @ 5 000 rpm Bore x Stroke: 41 x 37,8 mm Compression Ratio: 6,6:1 Starting system: kickstart Lubricating System: wet sump Transmission: 4 speed rotary Front Brakes: drum Rear brakes: drum Front Tyre: 2.25-17 33L Rear Tyre: Tyre 2.25-17 33L Fuel Tank Capacity: 6,5 liter Reserve: 1,2 liter Retail Price in Japan 2002: 179,000 Yen

2005 Suzuki year code: K5






More: Suzuki K series

More: All Suzuki models

Sources: Suzuki Motor Company etc.

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