In the very budget segment The competition in the motorcycle market is fierce, but the Stels Skif 50 tried to win its place in the sun. With varying degrees of success - it is positioned as an extremely cheap scooter, but the choice is huge, and some Chinese manufacturers offer even lower prices. All these models have one thing in common - a combination of low cost with technologies of the last century.
Specifications
To keep the cost of the model at an affordable level, the Stealth Skif moped was designed using the most budget-friendly technologies. Therefore, its technical characteristics fully correspond to the price, and they are separated from modern motorcycles by the same gulf as the one that separates steam engines and space rockets.
Engine
Constructed using the best half-century-old technologies, the Stels Skif 50 2-stroke engine 4.9 hp. , which is noticeably more than that of 4-stroke “fifty dollars”. But these are just dry numbers - the acceleration dynamics are very sluggish, and the maximum speed of 60 km/h is reached in about 15 seconds in the absence of a headwind. The engine is quite voracious, and besides, it consumes not only gasoline, but also oil, which is poured into a separate oil tank.
Transmission
Stealth Skif 50 is equipped with a continuously variable transmission . It works properly, and in the reviews of owners there is no information about breakdowns of this unit, but the archaic design is reflected - the variator is very noisy, and when accelerating it desperately howls, as if the scooter is trying to accelerate to the speed of a racing car, while in fact it barely goes 50 km/h.
Chassis and brakes
There's nothing easier than a budget 50cc scooter! A steel frame , weak brakes , which, however, are quite enough for such a light vehicle, basic suspension - that’s all. The Stels Skif 50 has stiff suspensions and no adjustment, so you have to get used to the fact that every pebble on the road transmits a full range of sensations exactly to the owner’s bottom. It’s also better to throw out the standard tires that are installed in the cabin right away, replacing them with something better. You shouldn’t rely on the rear drum brake - it’s frankly weak, but a simple 1-piston caliper coupled with a brake disc on the front wheel does the job normally, providing predictable braking.
Electronics
This model has nothing more complicated than a battery, generator and lighting equipment. Since we are talking about a budget scooter, you shouldn’t be surprised that the cheapest components were used, but all electrical problems arise due to assembly flaws. If, after purchasing a scooter, you independently check the insulation of the contacts and carefully lay out the untidy hanging wires, everything will be fine - the electrical circuit is so simple that there is practically nothing to break in it.
Weight and dimensions
The dry weight of the scooter is only 82 kg , and its dimensions are similar to hundreds of models of other scooters. It’s easy to handle, and if you happen to drop the moped, picking it up won’t be difficult. There is a downside to this compactness - tall drivers will feel cramped on the Stels Skif. And if there is a passenger, it will be cramped for both, and always - the seat is intended for two only conditionally.
Controllability
Thanks to its modest weight and compact size, the Stealth Skif easily darts between cars, crawling into any hole in which a larger bike might get stuck. The situation is overshadowed only by frankly oak suspensions, not adapted to sudden maneuvers. But taking into account the fact that the scooter is not capable of developing high speeds, it would be unfair to reproach it for this fact.
Fuel consumption
Claimed fuel consumption is 2.5 liters per 100 km . But, according to reviews from owners, the real numbers are noticeably higher, up to 3.5 liters! The volume of the Stels Skif gas tank is 5.2 liters , so you can calculate the power reserve yourself, but it consumes gasoline comparable to a 250 cc motorcycle, which is not as archaic as a 2-stroke engine that is ancient in design.
Technical indicators
The skif 50 model from stels has impressive technical characteristics, which are worth paying attention to before purchasing equipment:
| Dimensions (length; width; height) | 174; 66; 113 cm |
| Weight (dry) | 82 kg |
| Speed | 60 km/h maximum |
| Fuel tank volume | 5.2 l. |
| Load capacity | 140 kg. |
| Engine | 2-stroke 1-cylinder CVT air-cooled |
| Engine capacity | 49.8 cu. cm |
| Start | Electric/kickstarter |
| Engine power | 4.9 l. With. at 7000 rpm |
| Brakes (front; rear) | Disk; drum |
| Suspensions (front; rear) | Telescopic fork; pendulum with monoshock absorber |
To begin with, it is necessary to note the small size and weight of the scooter, thanks to which women and even teenagers can operate the equipment. The small dimensions of the model allow you to move comfortably and safely in dense city traffic.
The 50 cc two-stroke engine can produce up to 5 hp for the driver. pp., which is quite suitable for novice drivers. A reliable suspension with sufficient travel will not let the scooterist down even when driving on country roads. Disc and drum brakes, which give confidence in control, can balance out the lack of driving skills. Despite the low maximum speed (up to 60 km/h), the scooter has good dynamic performance.
Repair and tuning
Thanks to its design simplicity, it is not difficult to repair a scooter on your own. And this is good, because, judging by the reviews of Stels Skif owners, you will have to put your hands to it often. But still, this model is distinguished from a whole horde of other Chinese mopeds by the presence of an extensive dealer network, and, accordingly, the absence of problems with finding most spare parts.
Repair
An adjustable wrench and a pair of hex screwdrivers will be enough for any technical operations that the Stealth Skif may require. A scooter can serve as an excellent “learning desk”; it will be easy to hone your skills in independent repair and maintenance of motorcycle equipment.
Spare parts
The cost of spare parts is low, and most of them are in stock, in addition, some components are suitable from scooters from other manufacturers. This is compensated by their quality, which is not always high, so visits to a motorcycle store can become regular. But, given the prices, this is unlikely to ruin even the most thrifty owner.
Tuning
There is no point in investing money in improving an extremely cheap scooter. Some Stels Skif owners install a larger-volume piston on it; there are 80cc kits on sale, but this is of little use. If the dynamics are not enough, it is better to buy more powerful equipment from the very beginning, something 125cc or higher. You'll have to open a new category in your license, but it's worth it.
Advantages and disadvantages
It would be unfair to look for all sorts of shortcomings in an extremely budget scooter. Although in the case of Stels Skif 50 you don’t have to look - the weak sides of the model are visible at first glance, as well as the strong ones. Although this moped has little to boast of except maintainability and low cost.
Advantages
- Affordable price . Spare parts are also inexpensive, as are consumables.
- Undemanding to fuel quality . There is an opinion that the Stealth Skif 50 will even ride on the AI-76, if you suddenly manage to get one somewhere.
- Maintainability . You can disassemble the scooter to the point of “spare parts in an even layer on the floor” and put the scooter back together in a day on your own.
Flaws
- Sluggish dynamics . It’s not enough for comfortable movement around a big city, and there’s nothing to say about highways.
- High fuel consumption . Unreasonably high for a 50cc scooter.
- Low quality components . Many Stelf Skif 50 owners begin to experience various problems in the first months after purchase.
- Small power reserve . Without refueling you will be able to travel 120-150 kilometers.
Pros and cons of technology
The skif 50 scooter has both advantages and disadvantages that you need to keep in mind before purchasing. The advantages of the model include:
- High-quality assembly.
- Reliability of the suspension and braking system.
- Low cost (from 20 to 50 thousand rubles depending on mileage).
- Stylish design.
- Spacious luggage compartments.
- The presence of a security alarm as standard.
- Availability and low price of spare parts.
- Good load capacity.
- Comfortable fit.
The scooter also has its disadvantages. For example:
- It is not very convenient for people of great height and impressive build to move around on it.
- Fairly high fuel consumption.
- You come across poorly assembled scooters, which after 6–12 months begin to develop various breakdowns (from failure of the throttle handle to noise from the brakes).
In conclusion, it is worth saying that the Stealth Skif 50 can be a good replacement for more expensive scooters with mileage. However, it’s up to you to decide what to choose – a used Honda Dio or a new skiff.
Owner reviews
I drove this fiend of hell for one season, worked as a courier, and needed cheap wheels. It’s unrealistic to drive it in Moscow, the dynamics are such that cyclists and scooters are overtaken, it’s stupidly scary to meddle on busy roads. That’s how the car is durable, it didn’t cause any problems, I bought it new, drove about 8,000 km over the summer, but when I sold it, I cried with happiness. I bought a slightly used Yamaha Mio 125cc to replace it - heaven and earth. Sergey, Moscow.
One of the cheapest scooters, for its price it’s a decent device and deserves the right to life. I live outside the city, I travel around the neighborhood within 10-15 km from home, I go shopping at the store, everything is ok, I can put a couple of hefty bags with purchases on the platform at my feet. So if we consider Skif purely as a utilitarian transport, then everything is fire. Dmitry, Rostov the Great.
In six months, we completely changed the front brakes, the oil reservoir, the throttle cable (there’s only one instead of two) and a whole bag of little things, some under warranty, some at our own expense. The plastic is strong, it lay on its side at a speed of about 50 km/h - it didn’t even crack, only the paint was scratched. Acceleration resembles a lame turtle, the engine howls, the speed barely picks up. There is also a delay between opening the gas and starting to move, about half a second, which was annoying at first, but then I got used to it. Vitaly, Anapa.
Frequently asked models
- Are spare parts from other scooters suitable for the Stealth Skif? Yes, many components are interchangeable with scooters from different Chinese manufacturers. But there is no compatibility table, so you will have to choose empirically.
- Is it true that 2-stroke engines have a low resource? Yes, it’s true that the CPG of 2-stroke engines wears out much faster than that of 4-stroke engines. But a new CPG for a cheap scooter is inexpensive.
- If you buy a new Skif, do you need to run it in and ride 500-1000 km at a snail's pace? Preferably. Proper break-in prolongs the life of the engine. This applies to any equipment with an internal combustion engine.
Conclusion
Stealth Skif 50 is one of the most budget scooters on the market, and its low price can be called its only advantage. Even in Asian countries, a ban on mopeds with 2-stroke engines has already come into force almost everywhere, since they pollute the air more than 4-stroke engines, but in Russia such models are still sold freely. 2-strokes have their advantages, but off-road motorcycle enthusiasts can tell you more about them, and in the case of a scooter that rides mainly in the city, it is better to make a different choice.
Specifications
| Maximum engine power: | 4.9 hp at 7000 rpm HP |
| Torque: | 3.16 N•m at 4000 rpm Nm |
| Working volume: | 49.8 cm3 |
| Motor type (cylinder arrangement, number of strokes): | |
| Number of valves: | |
| Intake type (Injector / Carburetor): | |
| Bore and stroke: | |
| Starting system (Electric starter, kick starter): | |
| Maximum speed in km/h: | 60 km/h |
| Cooling system: | Air |
| Transmission (gearbox): | Variable speed drive |
| Clutch (Dry / Wet): | |
| Drive unit: | Belt |
| Frame: | Steel |
| Chassis | |
| Suspension (front/rear travel): | |
| Brakes (Front/Rear): | |
| Wheels / Tires / Rubber: | |
| Dimensions and weight | |
| Dimensions (Length / Width): | |
| Seat height: | |
| Ground clearance: | |
| Curb weight: | |
| Wheelbase: | 1170 mm |
| Weight: | 82 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 5.8 l. |
| Battery capacity: | |
| Year of release: | |
| Country of Origin: |
Review of the Stels Skif 50 scooter
Scooters up to 50cc, and even those made in China, are in very good demand in Russia, and there are many leaders in this class. One of them is the Stels Skif 50 scooter, which we will review.
The Stealth scooter range has very good options, and most of them are small-capacity, inexpensive models. The Skif model is a standard scooter, ideal for beginner scooter riders, as well as for getting around the city. Among the important differences between the model and other scooters is the large number of luggage compartments. The second advantage is the large seat for two passengers. As for the design of the scooter, the company did an excellent job in this regard, because outwardly the new product can be called sporty. The presence of carbon elements adds style.
Pros:
- Lots of luggage compartments
- Excellent opportunities for cargo transportation
- Low price stealth skiff (from RUR 30,000)
- Good fit
- Possibility to buy a scooter with a security alarm
- Sporty design
Minuses:
- Some models come across as defective
- There were reviews about high fuel consumption
- Not suitable for big and tall people
Characteristics of Stealth Skif 50
The details of this scooter are quite standard for a Chinese vehicle. But every model has something of its own. This scooter has improved load capacity and fuel tank capacity. To be more precise, the scooter can be filled with 5.2 liters, and this model can carry a weight of about 140 kg. The dimensions of the scooter are also quite standard - 174, 66, 113 cm. The dry weight of the Stealth Skif 50 is 82 kg. But if you are the owner of this scooter or intend to become one, you will be interested in the engine characteristics in any case.
Engine Stels Skif 50
- Engine – 1 cylinder, 2-stroke, CVT
- Cooling – air
- Engine volume – 49.9 cm cubic.
- Power – 4.9 hp. (at 7000 rpm)
- Starting the engine - electric starter, kickstarter
- Speed – 60 km/h
- Torque – 3.16 Nm
- Fuel: AI-95
Buying the Stealth Skif 50 is necessary for those who plan to travel well in the city, because the scooter is not afraid of traffic jams, which are easy to get through due to its small size. They gave the scooter maneuverability and easy controllability. Also, judging by numerous reviews, the scooter can reach a maximum speed of up to 75 km per hour, but only after a complete and high-quality run-in. Another excellent feature of the scooter is the presence of an oil tank and a fuel tank, because this is why the scooter does not smoke, which cannot be said about other Chinese models that need to mix fuel with oil. The stealth skiff scooter, spare parts for which can be found in any store at a low price, can be easily repaired on your own, because this model has a simple 2t engine with quite standard components.
As you can see, judging by the characteristics of the scooter, it can serve you as an excellent vehicle for moving around the city. You don’t have to worry about inconvenient operation; the manufacturers took care of this by making a comfortable seat and plenty of luggage compartments.
