History
The Suzuki FA50 was a lightweight Japanese noped sold from 1980 through 1991. In Japan and some export markets it wore the Susie name. Suzuki stripped the fairings and two-speed automatic from the related FZ50 and FS50, aiming at simple, economical transport: foot pegs, a big luggage rack, and a single-speed transmission.
At just 46 kg (101 lbs), the FA50 pairs a 49cc reed-valve two-stroke making 2.4 hp with oil injection and a Mikuni VM12SH carb (#77.5 main jet stock). Depending on rider weight, expect roughly 28 mph stock. The stamped frame is not heavy-duty — broken or improvised foot pegs are common on used examples.
The enclosed driveline is the FA50's engineering highlight. Wet centrifugal clutch, chain, and reduction gears all live inside an oil-bathed case — low maintenance if you change the 500 ml of transmission fluid on schedule. Parts interchange with FZ50 and FS50 siblings, which helps keep survivors on the road.
Rear brake must be applied for the kickstarter to engage — a safety interlock wired into the brake cable. Treat it as a feature, not a fault, when diagnosing a bike that "won't kick over."
Quick specs
| Engine | 49cc reed-valve, oil injection |
| Transmission | Single-speed, enclosed wet clutch |
| Weight | 46 kg / 101 lbs dry |
| Stock speed | ~28 mph |
Buying & ownership
When shopping a used Suzuki FA50, run a warm compression check against a known-good bike, confirm the engine turns freely, inspect frame rust (seat tube, down tube, dropouts), verify title and VIN match, and take a test ride for clutch grab and idle stability. Budget a carb clean, fresh plug, fuel lines, and final-drive service on any “runs good” listing.
Use the full buying guide checklist before you pay, and confirm legal class in your state via US moped laws.
Related on MopedMasters
- All 25 classic mopeds — compare platforms
- Manuals & PDFs — factory literature when available
- Guides hub — jetting, porting, maintenance
- Tuning calculators — port timing, intake, pipe, oil mix
- Maintenance hub — carb, oil, storage basics
FAQ
- Is this a moped or a scooter?
- MopedMasters focuses on pedal-capable / classic moped platforms with chain or geared drive — not modern CVT scooters. See moped vs scooter.
- Where do I start if I just bought one?
- Fresh fuel, plug, air filter, chain slack, and a careful first ride. Then work through the maintenance hub before performance parts.
- Can I use the online calculators on this bike?
- Yes for 2-stroke singles — port timing, intake length, pipe layout, and premix all apply. Start at the tools hub.