Motor Hispania 50 Furia [2005-2010]: A Lightweight Legend for Off-Road Thrills
Introduction
The Motor Hispania 50 Furia (2005-2010) is a motorcycle that punches above its weight class. Designed as a gateway to off-road and supermoto riding, this Spanish-built 50cc machine combines accessibility with a surprisingly capable chassis and the legendary Minarelli AM6 engine. Over its production run, it evolved into two distinct personalities: the Enduro variant for dirt enthusiasts and the Supermoto for urban asphalt warriors. After a test ride on a well-maintained 2009 Furia Max Enduro, it’s clear why this bike remains a cult favorite among riders who value simplicity, agility, and tunability.
Design & Ergonomics
The Furia’s design is unapologetically utilitarian, with a high-mounted fender, slim steel frame, and angular bodywork that screams “ready for mud.” Color options like orange, red, blue, and black gave it a youthful flair, though many owners customized theirs with aftermarket decals. The 930 mm (36.6-inch) seat height is tall for shorter riders, but the narrow seat profile and 85 kg (187 lb) dry weight make it manageable once moving.
The Enduro model rides on chunky 80/90-21 front and 110/80-18 rear knobby tires, while the Supermoto swaps these for street-focused 100/80-17 front and 130/70-17 rear rubber. Both variants share a no-frills dashboard—just a speedometer and warning lights—which keeps the focus on the ride. The 6-liter (1.59-gallon) fuel tank is small but adequate for its intended use.
Engine & Performance
The Minarelli AM6 Heartbeat
At the core of the Furia lies the Minarelli AM6 engine, a 49.7cc single-cylinder powerplant that became a legend in the 50cc scene. Depending on the year and variant, it’s offered in both two-stroke (pre-2008) and four-stroke configurations, paired with a crisp 6-speed gearbox.
Key Specs:
- Bore x Stroke: 40.3 x 39.0 mm (1.6 x 1.5 inches)
- Compression Ratio: 12:1
- Fuel System: Dell’Orto PHBN 16 carburetor (tunable for performance)
- Cooling: Liquid-cooled (two-stroke) / Air-cooled (four-stroke)
Kick-starting the engine requires a firm stab, but once alive, the AM6 delivers a raspy, eager note. The two-stroke models (like the 2007 Furia Max Enduro) are livelier, with a sharp powerband that rewards aggressive revving. Four-stroke variants trade some urgency for smoother low-end torque—better for beginners.
On a tight forest trail, the six-speed gearbox shines. First gear crawls over roots, while sixth cruises comfortably at 70 km/h (43 mph). Don’t expect highway speeds, but for backroads or kart tracks, it’s a blast.
Handling & Ride Experience
Off-Road (Enduro Variant):
The Enduro’s Paioli hydraulic fork and monoshock rear suspension handle jumps and ruts better than expected for a budget bike. At 85 kg (187 lb), it flicks between trees with minimal effort. The 220mm front disc brake (on later models) provides confident stopping power, though the rear drum (on early models) feels vague.
Supermoto (SM Variant):
Swapping knobbies for street tires transforms the Furia into a corner-carving machine. The lower-profile tires and revised geometry make it a riot on twisty roads. The steel frame feels rigid mid-corner, and the monoshock handles urban potholes decently.
Weak Spot: The seat’s thin padding becomes punishing after an hour. An aftermarket gel seat from MOTOPARTS.store would be a wise upgrade.
Competition
The Furia faced fierce rivals in the 50cc enduro/supermoto segment:
| Model | Engine | Suspension | Weight | Key Advantage |
|--------------------|--------------|---------------------|---------|-----------------------------|
| MH Furia 50 | Minarelli AM6| Paioli fork + monoshock | 85 kg | Tunability, 6-speed gearbox |
| Derbi Senda 50 | Derbi AM6 | Upside-down fork | 88 kg | Premium components |
| Aprilia RX 50 | Minarelli AM6| Sachs suspension | 87 kg | Stylish design |
| Yamaha DT50X | Yamaha Minarelli | Conventional fork | 89 kg | Brand reliability |
Why the Furia Stands Out:
- Aftermarket Support: The Minarelli AM6 engine has a vast tuning ecosystem. Enthusiasts often upgrade to 70cc kits, performance carbs, and expansion chambers—all available at MOTOPARTS.store.
- Weight: At 85 kg, it’s lighter than most rivals, aiding maneuverability.
- Gearing: The 6-speed transmission is rare in 50cc bikes, offering versatility.
Maintenance & Ownership Tips
The Furia is reliable but demands regular care:
Critical Maintenance Items:
- Carburetor Cleaning: The Dell’Orto carb is prone to clogging if left unused. Clean every 3 months or use ethanol-free fuel.
- Two-Stroke Oil: For pre-2008 models, use high-quality synthetic oil at a 2% mix ratio (50:1).
- Chain Adjustment: The O-ring chain stretches quickly off-road. Check slack every 500 km (310 miles).
- Cooling System (Two-Stroke): Flush coolant annually to prevent corrosion.
Common Upgrades:
- Exhaust: A aftermarket expansion chamber (e.g., Arrow or LeoVince) unlocks 10-15% more power.
- Suspension: Progressive springs improve bottoming resistance on jumps.
- Brakes: Swap sintered pads for better bite.
Pro Tip: Keep a spare clutch cable under the seat—the wet multidisc clutch can be temperamental in muddy conditions.
Conclusion
The Motor Hispania 50 Furia isn’t about luxury or cutting-edge tech. It’s about raw, unfiltered riding joy. Whether you’re a teen earning your motorcycle license in Europe or an adult revisiting two-wheeled fundamentals, the Furia delivers grins per euro like few others. Its lightweight frame, tunable engine, and rugged simplicity make it a perfect project bike—especially when paired with MOTOPARTS.store’s catalog of performance upgrades.
Just don’t forget to upgrade that seat.
Ready to personalize your Furia? Explore our curated selection of Furia 50 parts & accessories today.
Specifications sheet
Engine | |
---|---|
Stroke: | Four-stroke |
Fuel system: | Carburettor (Dell'Orto PHBN 12) |
Displacement: | 50 ccm |
Bore x stroke: | 40.3 x 39.0 mm (1.6 x 1.5 in) |
Configuration: | Single |
Cooling system: | Liquid (some models) |
Compression ratio: | 12.0:1 |
Number of cylinders: | 1 |
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Wheelbase: | 1305 mm (51.4 in) |
Dry weight: | 85 |
Seat height: | 930 mm (36.6 in) (adjustable, lowest setting) |
Overall width: | 750 mm (29.5 in) |
Overall length: | 1970 mm (77.6 in) |
Fuel tank capacity: | 6.2 L (1.64 US gal) |
Drivetrain | |
---|---|
Clutch: | Wet multidisc |
Final drive: | chain |
Transmission: | 6-speed |
Maintainance | |
---|---|
Engine oil: | 10W-40 (four-stroke models) |
Break fluid: | DOT 4 |
Spark plugs: | NGK CR8E (inferred for four-stroke models) |
Tire pressure recommendations: | Check manufacturer guidelines (varies by tire type/model) |
Additional Notes | |
---|---|
Starter: | Kick |
Color options: | Red, orange, blue, black (varies by year/model) |
Engine variants: | Some models feature two-stroke engines (use 2T oil pre-mix) |
Chassis and Suspension | |
---|---|
Frame: | Steel |
Rear tire: | 110/80-18 (endu-o) o- 130/70-17 (supe- mota-d) |
Front tire: | 80/90-21 (endu-o) o- 100/80-17 (supe- mota-d) |
Rear brakes: | Single disc |
Front brakes: | Single disc (double piston caliper on some models) |
Rear suspension: | Monoshock |
Front suspension: | Hydraulic telescopic fork or Paioli (varies by model) |