Introduction

Aprilia SR 50 Racing (LC, 1999-2000, ZD4MZ)

The sporty scooter was produced by the Italian manufacturer Aprilia between 1999 and 2000. It belongs to the SR 50 series, known since 1992 for its innovative technology and dynamic design. The SR 50 Racing was developed to offer riders in the 50cc class a powerful and agile option with a pronounced racing character, suitable for both urban use and sporty riding. This model is aimed primarily at riders seeking an agile vehicle with a distinctive appearance that 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 quickly established itself as a pioneer in the scooter segment. The SR 50 Racing (LC, 1999-2000, ZD4MZ) belongs to the second generation of this model family, which was launched in 1997 with a revised, more aggressive design and technical improvements. The designation "LC" stands for "Liquid Cooled," distinguishing this model from earlier air-cooled variants. The SR 50 Racing represents an evolution of the sporty line that began in 1994 with the introduction of liquid cooling and was complemented in 1997 by dual disc brakes. In 1999, Aprilia also introduced the DiTech model with direct injection, while the ZD4MZ as a racing variant continued to rely on classic two-stroke performance with carburetor technology. During this phase, Aprilia competed with brands like Yamaha and Piaggio, aiming to appeal to the younger rider demographic with a mix of performance and style.

Technical Details

Technically, the Aprilia SR 50 Racing (LC, 1999-2000, ZD4MZ) is powered by a single-cylinder two-stroke engine with a displacement of 49cc. The engine is liquid-cooled and equipped with a carburetor, enabling an output of about 4.5 kW (6.1 hp) at 7,000 rpm. The top speed is limited to about 45 km/h, with unrestricted versions capable of reaching higher speeds depending on the approval. The vehicle features a continuously variable transmission (CVT), providing simple and direct power delivery.

Chassis and Brakes

The chassis consists of a hydraulic telescopic fork at the front with 90 mm of travel and a single shock absorber at the rear, giving the scooter sporty stability. The braking system includes a 190 mm diameter disc brake at the front and a 110 mm drum brake at the rear, providing reliable braking performance for this class. With a dry weight of about 95 kg and a wheelbase of 1,275 mm, the SR 50 Racing offers high maneuverability. The tires, sized 130/60-13 at both front and rear, emphasize the sporty claim and ensure good grip.

Color Variants

The Aprilia SR 50 Racing (LC, 1999-2000, ZD4MZ) was available in several color variants, which could vary depending on the market. Common paint schemes include "Rosso" (Red), "Nero" (Black), and "Grigio" (Gray), often combined with racing-inspired graphics that emphasized the racing character. There are no clear indications that official special models were produced for this specific model. While the SR series in other years produced limited editions like the "Spiderman" or "Poggiali" variants (especially in the DiTech models), the focus for the SR 50 Racing from 1999-2000 was on a standard production with a sporty orientation. Individual customizations by dealers could have occurred.

Aprilia SR 50 Replica (1994-1996, ZD4MR)

The sporty scooter was produced by the Italian manufacturer Aprilia between 1994 and 1996. It belongs to the SR 50 series, first introduced in 1992, which quickly made a name for itself for its innovative technology and dynamic design. The SR 50 Replica was developed to offer riders in the 50cc class a powerful and agile option with a strong racing connection, inspired by Aprilia's successes in motorsport. This model is aimed primarily at riders seeking an agile vehicle with a distinctive appearance that can be ridden in many countries with a moped or AM license.

Development and Design

The SR 50 series debuted in 1992 and laid the foundation for Aprilia's reputation in the scooter segment. The SR 50 Replica (1994-1996, ZD4MR) belongs to the first generation of this model family and was introduced as a special variant to emphasize the connection to Aprilia's racing tradition, particularly to the successes in the 125cc and 250cc African class. Unlike the base versions of the SR 50, available from 1992, the Replica is characterized by a striking paint job and sporty details. From 1994, Aprilia introduced liquid cooling in other SR models, while the ZD4MR remained as an air-cooled version (AC – "Air Cooled") with a focus on simplicity and performance. During this phase, Aprilia positioned itself in competition with brands like Yamaha and Piaggio, aiming to reach the younger rider demographic with a mix of performance and motorsport flair.

Technical Details

Technically, the Aprilia SR 50 Replica (1994-1996, ZD4MR) is powered by a single-cylinder two-stroke engine with a displacement of 49cc. The engine is air-cooled and equipped with a carburetor, enabling an output of about 3.5 kW (4.8 hp) at 6,500 rpm. The top speed is limited to about 45 km/h, with unrestricted versions capable of reaching higher speeds depending on the approval. The vehicle features a continuously variable transmission (CVT), providing simple and direct power delivery.

Chassis and Brakes

The chassis consists of a hydraulic telescopic fork at the front and a single shock absorber at the rear, giving the scooter solid road holding for this class. The braking system includes a 190 mm diameter disc brake at the front and a 110 mm drum brake at the rear, providing reliable braking performance. With a dry weight of about 90 kg and a wheelbase of 1,275 mm, the SR 50 Replica offers high maneuverability. The tires, sized 130/60-13 at both front and rear, emphasize the sporty claim and ensure sufficient grip.

Color Variants

The Aprilia SR 50 Replica (1994-1996, ZD4MR) was available in color variants inspired by Aprilia's racing history. Common paint schemes include combinations like "Rosso" (Red) with white and black or "Nero" (Black) with yellow and red accents, reminiscent of the designs of racing machines. These paint schemes emphasized the Replica character of the model. There are no clear indications that further official special models within the Replica series were produced during this period, as the ZD4MR itself was already conceived as a special variant of the SR 50 series. The focus was on a standard production with motorsport flair, with individual customizations by dealers possibly occurring.