derbi Senda 50

The Derbi Senda 50 has been around for over 10 years and many 16-year-olds - especially taller riders - really like its enduro motorcycle looks, decent handling chassis and revvy two-stroke motor. The 2000 onwards Derbi Senda 50 features an all new alloy beam frame, and in 2005 a range of extra versions, including Derbi Senda Xtreme, Derbi Senda Supermoto, Derbi Senda DRD Pro and Derbi Senda Racing in 50cc sizes and a Derbi Senda 125 four stroke Supermoto/enduro. Modern Senda's are road biased motorcycles, but still good fun.

Engine

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The Derbi Senda 50 has a lively enough motor, at least in de-restricted mode, which is how most 16 year olds would want to ride this motorcycle. The modern Derbi Senda 50s can hit nearly 60mph on a good day, which is fast enough to put a smile on your face. The older Derbi Senda 50 could hit 50mph flat out and was more than competent on the dirt too. Sadly the UK laws require a 30mph top speed, which makes the restricted 6 speed Derbi Senda 50 hard work to ride. Tough, reliable water-cooled engine though.

Ride and Handling

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There are several versions of the Derbi Senda 50 on the market, with a Supermoto model, a DRD Limited Edition featuring gold anodised Marzocchi forks and the Xtreme 50R, which has spoked wheels, MX mudguards and knobbly tyres for off-road action. All share the same basic alloy beam frame and lengthy swingarm, although brakes, suspension and wheels differ on each model and the handling is excellent for a 50cc machine.

Equipment

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Some models of the Derbi Senda 50 motorcycle, like the Derbi Senda Xtreme Supermotard, with its moody black paint, twin headlight nose fairing and stylish dashboard, really look stunningly featured motorcycles - any teenager would be proud to own one. Others, like the Derbi Senda 125 R are more basic, rugged all-rounder motorcycles, but still have details like a luggage rack, twin headlights and twin mirrors. Overall, equipment is good on all the Derbi Senda range.

Quality and Reliability

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The post-Piaggio takeover Derbi Senda 50 models are in a different league to earlier motorcycles, with much improved build quality. There are top class suspension and braking components on the Derbi Senda 50 range and some details like the chrome exhaust on the DRD Racing SM are way above the average standard for the 50cc motorcycle class.

Value

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There's just one problem when you turn 16 years of age and want one of these funky mopeds - the cost. At around £2500 the Derbi Senda 50 range are way beyond the financial reach of most sixteen year olds. The Derbi Senda 125 bikes are only slightly more dosh, but £2800-ish is still a fair sum for a new 125 trailie. No matter how good the quality of the Senda's ride is, you just know that a cheap internet trailbike for half the money is gonna tempt some.

Insurance

Insurance group: 3

Model History

1993: Derbi Senda 50 launched.
1995: Derbi Senda 50 gets 6 speed gearbox.
2000: New alloy beam frame replaces steel tubular.
2001: Derbi Senda Supermoto appears.
2004: Piaggio buy out Derbi.
2005: Derbi Senda Xtreme, Derbi Senda DRD, Derbi Senda Supermoto 50cc models launched, Derbi Senda 125R and Derbi Senda SM models too.

Other Versions

Derbi Senda 125R: 124cc, 12bhp version.
Derbi Senda 125SM: Smaller wheeled, street-tyred, 'supermoto' version of 125.

Specifications

Top speed	60mph
1/4-mile acceleration	21 secs
Power	9bhp
Torque	5.4ftlb
Weight	90kg
Seat height	810mm
Fuel capacity	7 litres
Average fuel consumption	55mpg
Tank range	80 miles
Insurance group	3

Engine size	49cc
Engine specification	2 stroke, 6 gears
Frame	Aluminium twin spar
Front suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound
Front brakes	Single 260mm disc
Rear brake	Single 260mm disc
Front tyre size	100/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	130/70 x 17