Kymco Filly 50

Summary
Overall, the Filly 50 will appeal to buyers looking for a basic 4-stroke 50cc scooter who want reliability, low cost and not much else.
Pros
Reliable engine
Affordable
Front disc brake
Cons
Low on features
High seat height
Dated styling
3.7

KYMCO FILLY 50

The Filly 50 was a part of Kymco’s initial line up in the USA for 2001 and it continued to be offered to Americans through 2005. After 2005 the Filly 50 was dropped likely due to slow sales, aging design and its similarly to Kymco’s peppier ZX50 scooter. Outside North America, the Filly 50 had been sold in some countries since the mid-late 90’s.

Motor

The main difference between the ZX50 and the Filly 50 is that the Filly 50 used a 4-stroke engine rather than a 2-stroke. This means that the Filly 50 is a less peppy but more fuel efficient ride. The top speed of the Filly 50 is around 35 mph which isn’t much slower than the restricted ZX50 (40mph) but the ZX50 can be easily derestricted to hit 45-50 mph. For a little more discussion on this topic, check out the 2-stroke vs. 4-stroke article to see which one suits you better. The Filly 50’s 4-stroke motor is the same core engine found in every other 4-stroke 50cc Kymco such as the Sento 50, Vitality 50 4T, Agility 50 and People S 50.

The fuel mileage is a good 80-90 mpg, but it’s not quite as good as the leading fuel injected, 3-4 valve, liquid cooled engines found in some competing 50’s which are capable of up to 110 mpg in real world conditions. Range is a strong point with the Filly 50 with its larger than average 1.6 gallon fuel tank.

Storage and Convenience

Another key difference between the ZX50 and Filly is the storage. Both scooters have a moderate amount of storage under the seat, but the ZX50 also had a nice glovebox, whereas the Filly made do with an open storage slot. These storage slots are far less useful than an enclosed and locking glovebox. In the USA market, Kymco only offered the Filly 50 in silver.

Discussion

Overall, the Filly 50 will appeal to buyers looking for a basic 4-stroke 50cc scooter who want reliability, low cost and not much else. Kymco’s earliest scooters like the Filly 50 lack the same level of refinement as their current offerings, but they are still considered to be a more reliable machine than a Chinese scooter. Since the Filly 50 was sold quite a few years ago, the possibility exists to pick one up in good running condition for a great price. A sub $1000 Filly 50 makes a strong practical case for itself.

Most of the Japanese competition to the Filly used 2-stroke motors (ie. Honda Dio / Elite SR and Yamaha Jog), so the Filly was the fuel milage champ in this class for its time. Newer fuel injected 4-strokes can do a fair bit better than the Filly, but they also carry a higher price tag.

Please consider adding an owner review of your Filly 50. It greatly benefits other readers and improves this site.

Pros:

  • Reliable engine
  • Affordable
  • Front disc brake

Cons:

  • Low on features
  • High seat height
  • Dated styling

Links:

MotorscooterGuide Forums – Visit the forums on this site to chat about this scoot.
KymcoForum.com – A good place to learn more about Kymco’s

Key Specs:

  • Engine: Air cooled, 49cc, single cylinder, 4-stroke
  • Power: 3.7 HP @ 7500 RPM, 2.6 lbs-ft torque @ 6500 RPM
  • Transmission: CVT
  • Bore & Stroke: 39.0mm x 41.4mm
  • Fuel Delivery: Carb with Auto Choke
  • Wheelbase:
  • Length: 67.4”
  • Weight: 196 lbs
  • Starter: Electric and Kick
  • Seat height:
  • Fuel Tank: 1.6 Gallons / 6 Liters
  • Brakes: Single Piston Disc (Front), Drum (Rear)
  • Front Suspension: Telescopic Fork
  • Rear Suspension: Adjustable Single Shock
  • Tires: 90/90-10 (Front), 100/80-10 (Rear)
  • Years Sold: 2003 – 2004 (USA Only)
  • MSRP: $1899 (2005)
  • Colors: Silver only