Introduction

Sporty Scooter by Aprilia

The model "Aprilia - SR 50 (AC, 1997–2001, ZD4LY)" is a sporty scooter produced by the Italian manufacturer Aprilia between 1997 and 2001. It belongs to the SR 50 series, which has been known since its launch in 1992 for its dynamic appearance and innovative technology.
The SR 50 was developed primarily to appeal to younger riders looking for a nimble and powerful vehicle for urban use, especially within the 50 cc class, which can be ridden in many countries with a moped or AM license.

Development and Design

The SR 50 series was first introduced in 1992 and is considered a milestone in the segment of sporty scooters. The ZD4LY, built from 1997 to 2001, belongs to the second generation of this model family, which was revised from 1997 onward.
This phase brought a more aggressive design and technical improvements compared to the first series. With the SR line, Aprilia set benchmarks by introducing technologies like liquid cooling (from 1994) and dual disc brakes (from 1997).
The ZD4LY, however, is an air-cooled version (AC stands for "Air Cooled"), designed for simplicity and reliability while maintaining the sporty character of the series. During this time, Aprilia positioned itself against brands like Yamaha and Piaggio and strengthened its reputation as an innovator in the scooter market.

Technical Details

Engine and Performance

Technically, the Aprilia SR 50 (AC, 1997–2001, ZD4LY) is powered by a single-cylinder, two-stroke engine with a displacement of 49 cc. The engine is air-cooled and fuelled by a carburetor, delivering approximately 3.5 kW (4.8 hp) at 6,500 rpm.
The top speed is limited to around 45 km/h, although derestricted versions could reach higher speeds depending on country and regulations. The vehicle features a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for ease of use.

Chassis and Brakes

The chassis consists of a hydraulic telescopic fork at the front and a single rear shock absorber, providing stable road handling.
The braking system includes a 190 mm front disc brake and a 110 mm rear drum brake – a solid braking setup for this class at the time.
With a dry weight of approximately 90 kg and a wheelbase of 1,275 mm, the SR 50 is highly agile. The 130/60-13 tires on both ends underline the sporty character and ensure sufficient grip.

Color Variants and Special Editions

The Aprilia SR 50 (AC, 1997–2001, ZD4LY) was available in several color variants that could vary by market. Common paint schemes included "Rosso" (Red), "Nero" (Black), and "Grigio" (Grey), emphasizing the dynamic look of the scooter.
There is no clear evidence that official special editions were produced for this specific model. However, the SR line was known for offering limited editions or special designs in certain years, especially with liquid-cooled versions like the SR 50 DiTech (from 1999 onward).
For the ZD4LY, the focus was on standardized production for a wide customer base, with individual customizations potentially offered by dealers.