TOP 5 Japanese scooters

The statement that all motorcycles run on gasoline has become an axiom for most. However, this does not mean that there are no motorcycles that cannot use diesel fuel. They are simply so rare that most people have simply never heard of them. You can’t just see them on the street; their rare examples are most often found in the garages of true connoisseurs of such vehicles.

Suzuki Let's 2

Suzuki Let's 2 was created for comfortable movement around the city; thanks to its modern design, representatives of the younger generation often ride it. The model is equipped with a two-stroke air-cooled engine. The Suzuki Let's 2 can seat two people, but there is very little space for a passenger. There is a spacious luggage compartment under the driver's seat, and there is also a rear trunk. The model has a maximum speed of 70 km/h, which other Japanese scooters cannot boast of. At the same time, the scooter is very light - dry weight is 66 kg, and the single-cylinder engine with a thrust of 7.2 l / s gives a good boost of power at low speeds. Hence the fuel consumption per 100 km is about 3 liters.

Most owners note that Suzuki Let's 2 is difficult to repair. For example, spark plugs and piston group are difficult to access. The scooter has a problem area - the oil pump. Due to its frequent breakdowns, the overall impression of the model is spoiled.

Suzuki Let's 2 scooter with 2-stroke 49 cm3 engine

Characteristics of Suzuki Let's 2

The engine is two-stroke.
The volume of the power unit is 49 cm3.
Engine power, (hp/rpm) – 7.2 /6500
Torque, (H*m/ 6500 rpm) – 7.3/ 6500
The power supply system is a carburetor.
Cooling is air.
Average fuel consumption is 3 liters/100 km.
Maximum speed – 70 km/h.
The volume of the gas tank is 4.5 liters.
Dry weight – 66 kg.
Front brake type: drum.
Rear brake type: drum.
Front suspension - telescopic fork.
The rear suspension is pendulum with a monoshock absorber.
Gearbox – variator.
Scooter dimensions, (L x W x H) – 1675 x 650 x 1005 mm.
Ground clearance – 110 mm.
Wheelbase – 1140 mm.
Tire size – R10 90/90.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

Bright design.
High top speed.
Good starting traction.
Wide, stable wheels.
Telescopic fork.
Availability.

Flaws:

Vulnerability of the piston group and oil pump.
High fuel consumption.
Inconvenient repair.
Inconvenient passenger seating.

Price

Suzuki Lets'2 is a very affordable scooter. On the secondary market, the price for models with a decent mileage and defects in plastic starts from 16-18 thousand rubles, for average options you will have to pay 2 times more. A scooter without mileage in the Russian Federation will cost 50-60 thousand rubles.

Suzuki Address V50G

The entire line of Suzuki Address scooters are presented as dynamic vehicles with small dimensions and weight. The 50 cc version is highly maneuverable and is used for driving in the city. The tubular steel frame with telescopic front suspension and swing arm at the rear ensures stable handling on paved roads. The brake system of the Suzuki Address 50G has drum brakes on both sides. The scooter holds high revs well, maintaining maximum speed, while it absorbs small bumps well.

It is worth noting the 4-stroke engine, which has an aluminum cylinder coating. The unit surpasses its competitors in terms of heat dissipation and durability of components. At the same time, manufacturers have kept the scooter environmentally friendly and low fuel consumption, which under normal conditions is 1.3 liters/100 km. As for the trunk: the lower one has a large enough volume to store everything you need. At the front of the Suzuki Address V50G there is an opening pocket that can accommodate 2 500 ml PET bottles.

The Suzuki Address V50G scooter is equipped with a 4-stroke A404 engine

The presented scooter was designed for driving in megacities at a speed of no more than 60 km/h; the model has an elongated seat. To protect against theft, the Suzuki Address V50G is equipped with a built-in alarm system.

Characteristics of Suzuki Address V50G

Engine – 4 strokes.
Engine model – A404
The volume of the power unit is 49 cm3.
Power supply system - injector.
Engine power, (hp/rpm) – 5.2 /8500
Torque, (H*m/rpm) – 4.5/ 6500
Average fuel consumption is 1.3 liters/100 km.
Maximum speed – 60 km/h.
The volume of the gas tank is 4.5 liters.
Dry weight – 66 kg.
Front brake type: drum.
Rear brake type: drum.
Front suspension - telescopic fork.
The rear suspension is pendulum.
Scooter dimensions, (L x W x H) – 1670 x 605 x 1005 mm.
Ground clearance – 105 mm.
Wheelbase – 1150 mm.
Tire size – 80/90-10 35J

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

Comfortable fit.
High maneuverability.
Eco-friendly and economical engine.
Compact and low dry weight.

Flaws:

Oil supply design - “hungry” front brake.
Fragile front brake mounts.

Price

Buying a new Suzuki Address V50G will cost approximately 100-150 thousand rubles. If we are talking about used equipment, then the lowest price is 10-12 thousand, and the average is 40-50 thousand rubles for a model with low mileage and satisfactory quality of plastic, as well as main components. A used Japanese scooter Address V50G without mileage in Russia in good condition costs about 60-70 thousand rubles.

Yamaha Jog Aprio

The most modest-sized scooter in the rating. Small dimensions provide the scooter with high maneuverability and comfort. The stock 3KJ 2-stroke engine (considered one of the most reliable) is capable of accelerating to 60 km/h, but is very well tuned. When installing the switch, the maximum speed increases to 70-75 km/h.

The scooter is designed for a quiet and comfortable city ride, but is also capable of driving on slight off-road conditions. The Yamaha manufacturer has provided an increase in ground clearance due to higher wheels to overcome small obstacles. The model features high-quality plastic that covers the frame and engine. When dropped, it does not break, but only cracks a little. Due to the smooth ride and predictable handling, the Yamaha Jog Aprio becomes an excellent scooter for the garden. It forgives errors well and has high reliability of its main components.

Yamaha Jog Aprio scooter with 2-stroke 3KJ engine

Technical specifications of Yamaha Jog Aprio

Engine – 2 strokes.
Engine model – 3KJ
The volume of the power unit is 49 cm3.
Engine power, (hp/rpm) – 6.4 /7000
The power supply system is a carburetor.
Cooling is forced air.
Gearbox – variator.
Average fuel consumption is 1.8 liters/100 km.
Maximum speed – 60 km/h.
The volume of the gas tank is 4 liters.
Scooter weight – 61 kg.
Front brake type: drum.
Rear brake type: drum.
The front suspension is telescopic.
The rear suspension is pendulum.
Scooter dimensions (L x W x H) – 1615 x 630 x 1000 mm.
Seat height – 630 mm.
Ground clearance – 100 mm.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

Reliable engine.
Large gas tank volume.
Telescopic front suspension.
Predictable control.
Availability.
High cross-country ability.

Flaws:

Outdated design.
Lack of engine protection on the rear wheel side.

Price

Starting prices on the secondary market are 14 thousand rubles, the average cost is 30-40 thousand. Without mileage in Russia, the Yamaha Jog Aprio will cost approximately 50-65 thousand rubles, depending on the region. Ideal, well-maintained models from a fresh year of manufacture reach a threshold of 130 thousand rubles.

Rare motorcycles

This is not to say that no one has made attempts to create a diesel motorcycle. There were quite a lot of attempts, but only some of them were successful, and the resulting samples were suitable for use. Only a few made it to production that could be called serial. For the most part diesel motorcycles are custom models created by the hands of enthusiasts. Large companies were also developing, and some of the models were successful enough to go into production.

Honda Dio AF 68

When the problem of choosing a 50cc scooter arises, first of all, most people remember the Honda Dio. This technique appeals to every beginner; it is loved by car drivers who are temporarily unable to drive four-wheeled vehicles. Honda Dio AF 68 managed to gain popularity thanks to its excellent technical characteristics, ease of use and reasonable price. It has a durable and lightweight frame, low weight and high maneuverability. It is well tuned and consumes a record low amount of fuel per 100 km - only 1.25 liters. The maximum speed of the scooter is 60 km/h, which is enough for comfortable driving around the city.

It is also one of the few two-seater scooters that features wide seats, one of which can accommodate a passenger. Underneath there is a convenient trunk, which can accommodate bags with necessary items and hand luggage. Otherwise, this is an excellent model for beginners, simple and inexpensive to maintain, and easy to operate. The Honda Dio AF 68 was loved for its maneuverability and the ability to go uphill due to the light weight of the frame.

The photo shows a Honda Dio AF 68 scooter with a 4-stroke AF 67E engine

Technical characteristics of Honda Dio AF 68

Engine – 4-stroke.
Engine model – AF 67E
The volume of the power unit is 49 cm3.
Power supply system - injector.
Engine power, (hp/rpm) – 4.1 /8200
Torque, (kg*m/rpm) – 0.38/7500
Power supply system - injector.
Cooling is air.
Average fuel consumption is 1.25 liters/100 km.
Maximum speed – 60 km/h.
The volume of the gas tank is 4.6 liters.
Front brake type: drum.
Rear brake type: drum.
The front suspension is telescopic.
The rear suspension is pendulum.
Gearbox – variator.
Scooter dimensions, (L x W x H) – 1720 x 630 x 1020 mm.
Seat height – 695 mm.
Ground clearance – 110 mm.
Wheelbase – 1180 mm.
Scooter weight – 73 kg.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

Good brakes.
Maneuverability.
Record low fuel consumption.
Spacious fuel tank.
Very high liquidity.

Flaws:

Low landing.
Small trunk.

Price

You can purchase a new Honda Dio AF 68 without mileage for a price of around 65-75 thousand rubles. Supported models will cost from 25 to 40 thousand rubles. This scooter is often ordered from Japanese motorcycle auctions, because in Japan and Russia the device is extremely liquid.

Government project

One of the models that was mass produced was the HDT M1030M1, an off-road motorcycle. It was designed for extreme off-road driving; it was created on the basis of the Kawasaki KLR650 enduro. The developer of the motorcycle is Hayes Diversified Technologies, which specializes in fulfilling orders from the US Department of Defense. Accordingly, the motorcycle was also intended for the military.

It was used for some time by the Marine Corps and NATO, so the developer had a real opportunity to evaluate its performance in "mass testing". Meanwhile, the results were disappointing. The diesel engine and the design solutions necessary for its operation greatly increased the weight of the motorcycle.

Its handling decreased, and the load on the suspension increased, accelerating its failure. It could even be fueled with diesel fuel, but fuel and oil consumption increased significantly. All this, coupled with an unreliable engine, forced us to abandon the use of a diesel motorcycle.

Honda Lead AF 48

Honda Lead AF 48 is a continuation of the series started by the Lead AF01 model, released in 1980. The presented scooter has the makings of good cross-country ability, while it feels confident in urban conditions. Compared to the previous model, the manufacturers made a completely different scooter.

The scooter has a horizontal engine with a high degree of environmental friendliness, which is achieved through a catalytic converter. Together with a passenger, the Honda Lead AF48 is capable of accelerating to 60 km/h, after which an electronic limit is set. The maximum speed can be increased using a switch.

Honda Lead AF 48 is equipped with a 2-stroke AF48E engine

Japanese scooters from Honda, and in particular the Lead AF 48, cope well with road irregularities thanks to a reinforced rear shock absorber and a hydraulic fork on the front suspension. If we compare its strength with competitors such as Honda Dio, Suzuki Lets, then it is easier to maintain. The presented model is equipped with a combined braking system, has a spacious underseat trunk and the ability to install trunks and baskets.

A person of any age, build and height will be comfortable behind the wheel. Honda Lead AF 48 is ideal for daily comfortable movement. Structurally, the motor is not without flaws: it literally begins to “crumble” if it is used to the maximum every day. Breakdowns often include chafing of the front brake hose due to the fact that it is not reinforced.

The average fuel consumption of the Honda Liad AF 48 is 2.17 liters per 100 km.

Technical characteristics of Honda Lead AF 48

Engine – 2 strokes.
Engine model – AF48E
The volume of the power unit is 49 cm3.
The power supply system is a carburetor.
Engine power, (hp/rpm) – 5.8 /6750
Torque, (H*m/ rpm) – 6.5/ 6000
Cooling is air.
Average fuel consumption is 2.17 liters/100 km.
Maximum speed – 60 km/h.
The volume of the gas tank is 7.5 liters.
Front brake type: disc.
Rear brake type: drum.
The front suspension is telescopic.
Rear suspension - shock absorber.
Gearbox – variator.
Scooter dimensions, (L x W x H) – 1795 x 680 x 1060 mm.
Wheelbase – 1255 mm.
Scooter weight – 84 kg.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

Modern design.
Good optics.
High cross-country ability.
Ergonomic fit, comfortable rear seat.

Flaws:

Lack of top speed.
Weak front brake hose.

Price

The price of a new scooter without mileage varies around 65-70 thousand rubles. On the used market, the lowest price starts from 20-25 thousand rubles for a scooter with a mileage of about 40,000 km. The average cost is 50 thousand rubles

The best Japanese 50cc scooters, according to user reviews, are the Honda Lead AF 48 and Honda Dio AF 68. It’s not for nothing that this Japanese manufacturer managed to capture a large part of the scooter market. Scooters from Honda have high reliability, low fuel consumption, and maneuverability. At the same time, they are very liquid and you can always find spare parts for them.

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At the same time, differences of opinion regarding the rationality of the above motor for vehicles on two wheels do not cease. Just think for yourself - if a diesel motorcycle was the most profitable option, wouldn’t it be able to surpass the iron horses running on gasoline? The Dutch company, which has the Track brand, has managed to make its mark on the modern market for vehicles on two wheels. It was under this name that it was decided to release the motorcycle from the assembly line. Now you don’t have to independently modernize domestically produced equipment, trying to turn it into the most economical version of a two-wheeled vehicle. Most users have the opportunity to install a diesel engine on IZH, Ural, and Dnepr motorcycles, but will such actions be reasonable? It may be better to get a factory-produced option that will certainly pay for itself on long, long trips. Highly functional and beautiful, the Track T800Cdi turbo-diesel motorcycles stand out on European roads with their massive dimensions. They are produced not only in serial quantities for the domestic market of the Netherlands, but are also actively delivered to various parts of our planet.

A motorcycle with a diesel engine of the above model was able to instantly win the hearts of the people of Great Britain, and this already shows a lot. The design of the bike, running on diesel fuel, its weight and power were able to guarantee this iron horse a high degree of popularity among true fans of motorcycle technology, in particular those who expect it to become as economical as possible.

You don’t have to install diesel on Dnepr and Ural vehicles if you have the opportunity to buy a small Dutch-made motorcycle. In addition, the T800Cdi model will certainly never disappoint you. It has a fairly powerful turbodiesel three-cylinder engine. The production of the motor for this Dutch engine was carried out by the world-class company Daimler-Benz. The very use of three “pots” on the engine, and even the ability to run on diesel fuel, makes such a vehicle simply unique. The power unit described above is distinguished by the presence of fairly high power. Distinguished by the presence of a working part of the engine of 799 cubic meters, the motorcycle is capable of surpassing bikes running on gasoline many times over. Not to mention its efficiency and smooth operation compared to other models.