MALAGUTI Fifty

History of MALAGUTI Fifty

Production started in 1974 when Malaguti decided to produce an innovative moped model suitable for a young audience. The moped Malaguti Fifty belongs to the category of mopeds called "tuboni" (nickname obtained for the classic shape of the tubular frame that served as a tank). The central beam of the tubular frame, which contained the tank, was increased in diameter to contain more gasoline, for reasons of production cost reduction. The first "tuboni" were born at the end of the 1960s.

Le Fifty was a great success mainly due to his performance. He is still considered the most successful of the tuboni, some even call him “the king of the tuboni†. the Malaguti Fifty had its heyday in the 80s, when versions multiplied. the Malaguti Fifty was marketed until 1997. At the Eicma 2003 fair, a prototype of a new Fifty was built but never went into production.

Technical generalities of the Fifty

Le Malaguti Fifty had a 3,25 liter tank (much bigger than other mopeds like the Piaggio Ciao), a Dell'Orto SHA 14/12 carburetor, a 49,8cc engine, a Grimeca front disc brake and a rear drum disc brake. The engine is for almost all versions of the Malaguti Fifty the Franco Morini of the G-series, equipped with a 3-speed gearbox.

Le Malaguti Fifty also lent itself very well to modifications, using specific kits for the engine and for the exhaust, put on the market par specialized firms like Malossi, Polini, Proma or Pinasco.

According to the law, the Fifty was sold with 1,5 hp and 45 km/h limits; however, if unrestrained (with consequent loss of warranty and limited track use), the engine delivers greater power within an rpm range between 6000 and 10500, also with higher engine torque.

Also among the most successful versions, the Full CX, with indicators and disc brake, but still cooled par air, especially in the color black with gold lettering, unlike the Top which was seen more often in the color red.

The separate mixer only came later and in the 90s the Fifty has undergone a deep aesthetic restyling, which initially only affected the Top model, with a larger windshield, integrated headlight and more rounded lines, until theEvolution renewed. With this 90s restyling, the tank goes from 3,25 liters to 6,5 liters, placed under the seat, like on scooters, but the weight also increases, from 62 kg for the Full Cx to 89 kg for the Evolution version. Par the following, in 1994, the Fifty returns to smaller dimensions and weights, with a tank of 3,5 liters traditionally in the "tube", until 1997, when production stops.

Le Fifty Top

The model Fifty TOP had its last evolution in 1994 with the characteristic color red with gray and yellow decors, black with purple decors and gray with pastel yellow decors. The new model differed from the previous one so much par its aesthetic that par its mechanics; the restyling concerned the entire fairing, now more modern and softer in shape, the windscreen, much more streamlined, and the instrumentation, with a new single meter, smaller but clearer which includes tachometer, speedometer, odometer, warning lights, neutral warning light, fuel reserve warning light, water overheat warning light and clock. The front disc fairing is changing, it is no longer perforated but sculpted horizontally.

Mechanically, however, the new model stands out par its 4-speed gearbox (and no longer 3, thanks to the cancellation of the Italian highway code limitation for 3-speed mopeds).

The front fork is very stiff and this while improving stability on very smooth roads makes the vehicle a bit unstable on bumpy roads. The reduced section of the tires (par compared to modern models) guarantees surprising agility when changing direction at the expense of a lower angle of inclination than current standards.The braking system consists of a Grimeca disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear.

The engine is the Franco series Morini G, with 4-speed gearbox. This engine does not find application on any of the modern mopeds which very often mount Minarelli engines. The light-alloy (aluminum) cylinder with 4 ports is chrome-plated (for high slip) and the piston is a double ring with thin high-slip rings. The feeding of the reeds in the crankcase is entrusted to a simple Dell'Orto SHA 14/12 carburettor and a mixer of the same manufacturer, the expulsion of the exhaust gases is entrusted to a die Generously sized tent with integrated silencer.

TOP version differs from previous par its liquid cooling thanks to a radiator placed at the front. Due to the presence of the electronic starter, the tachometer and the sequential 4-speed gearbox as well as having an oversized optical unit and a windshield bigger.

Le Fifty Top of 1994 represented the most technically and aesthetically modern expression in the construction of mopeds, now replacedepar scooters and motorcycles.

At the opposite end of the range, the version RV was the favoritear the female audience car it had the automatic variator transmission and had a front drum brake.

Today the tuboni are practically extinct and the only builder remaining faithful to this type of project is the German house Sachs, with its funny Madass, offered in 50 and 125 displacements.