Suzuki Hyper (AE 50)

Summary
The Hyper/AE50 competes with sporty nineties 2-strokes like Honda’s Dio and Yamaha’s Jog. The Hyper is certainly much less common than these other two scooters, so finding used parts locally and getting OEM parts from Suzuki is probably much more difficult.
Pros
Powerful
Neat little piece of history
Underseat storage
Cons
Difficulty getting OEM parts
60mpg
3.7

SUZUKI HYPER (AE 50)

Suzuki’s AE50 was introduced to the Canadian market and several other markets around the world (e.g. Japan, UK) in 1990. The AE50 arrived as a competitor to the popular Yamaha Jog and Honda Dio, but for whatever reason, it wasn’t sold in the USA. In Canada, it seems that some examples were badged with the name ‘Hyper’ while others were just labelled as the ‘AE 50’. Overseas this scooter was called the AE50, “Style” and the “Hi Up”.

So what do I know about the AE50? Not much….basically that it is a 50cc 2-stroke scooter that Suzuki sold in Canada and overseas in the early to mid 90’s. It seems to have been sold in Canada from 1990 until 1999. Very little information exists online for this scooter so most of the following information comes from a few owners who have contacted MSG.

Motor

The Hyper/AE50 uses a 50cc 2-stroke motor that is the popular “Moto Morini” design, so it was used in many 50cc scooters from Suzuki, TGB and Hyosung. Thus replacement and aftermarket parts are widely available including aftermarket parts such as 70cc big bore kits and variators. OEM parts can be ordered at MegaZip, while good aftermarket parts vendors include PartsForScooters.com and RV Moto (Canada).

The Hyper also shared this 50cc 2-stroke motor with Suzuki’s AD50 scooter (sold overseas only), so that’s another avenue to explore if you’re looking for parts. Also, a similar but detuned motor was used in Suzuki’s AP50 scooter and you can download a PDF of that service manual. Also helpful are the AE50 exploded parts diagrams.

In stock form, the Hyper’s top speed is a bit over 60 km/hr (40mph). This scooter is extremely peppy for a 50cc, but the top speed is limited by a restriction in the variator, as is the norm for 2-stroke 50’s. An aftermarket variator could easily remedy this.

This scooter makes an impressive 6.5hp @ 6500 RPM which is great for a 50cc. That’s comparable to Honda’s 2-stroke 80cc Aero. Perhaps this scooters peppy nature is the reason why fuel economy is typically reported as being poor (for a scooter). From my reading, observed fuel economy is typically around 60mpg, which means that filling up the 3 litre (0.8 gallon) tank happens pretty often – about every 60 miles.

Storage and Convenience

Ergonomically speaking, some AE50 owners have complained of an uncomfortable seat while other owners haven’t noticed a problem. A common complaint is that the mirrors are too narrow so visibility is poor. This could be remedied fairly easily with some wider aftermarket mirrors.

The gauges on this scooter are pretty standard fare. You’ve got a fuel gauge and odometer (which rolls over at 9999.9 kms), as well as a speedometer and warning lights for the oil, blinkers and high beams.

The AE50 does not have a glovebox but it does have some storage space under the seat. The storage area isn’t huge but you could fit your lunch here or a rain suit. The small fuel tank and smaller still oil tank are both also located under the seat, which limited the amount of storage Suzuki could find.

Comparison

The Hyper/AE50 competes with sporty nineties 2-strokes like Honda’s Dio and Yamaha’s Jog. They’re all fairly reliable machines and have a good available of aftermarket parts. The Hyper is certainly much less common than these other two scooters, so finding used parts locally and getting OEM parts from Suzuki is probably much more difficult, but if you’re resourceful you should be able to get whatever you need online.

Of these three scooters, the Hyper is the most unique and the most powerful. Just adding an aftermarket variator might get you to 80km/hr. So the Hyper would make a fun project.

If you’re simply looking for a peppy and practical scooter, I’d look at Yamaha’s Jog and Honda’s Dio, as they are both very similar style-wise but those scooters have larger followings with more abundant parts availability – or opt for a newer used scooter. However, if you found a great deal on a Hyper or you’re looking for more unique – then go for it as long as you’re comfortable wrenching on it yourself.

Pros:

  • Powerful
  • Neat little piece of history
  • Underseat storage

Cons:

  • Difficulty getting OEM parts
  • 60mpg

Links:

MotorscooterGuide Forums – Visit the forum on this site to chat about this scoot.
1990 AE50 Brochure – Nice little brochure from Suzuki Canada
Suzuki Style (AE50) UK – Two page sales brochure from Suzuki UK

Key Specs:

  • Engine type: Air-cooled 49 cc horizontal 2-stroke.
  • Power: 6.5 hp @ 6500 rpm, 5.3 lbs-ft torque @ 6000 rpm
  • Bore x Stroke: 41.0mm x 37.4mm
  • Transmission: V-belt automatic
  • Starting: Electric and kick
  • Colors: Blue, Black, Red, White, Purple
  • Tires: 2.57 x 10 (Front), 3.0 x 10.0 (rear)
  • Tire Pressure: 18 / 25 Psi (front/rear)
  • Brakes: Drum / Drum
  • Fuel Tank: 3 litres (0.8 gallons)
  • Fuel Milage: 60mpg
  • Years Sold: 1990 – 1999