Keeway F Act 50 (2007-2012) Review: A Compact Urban Companion Revisited

Introduction

The Keeway F Act 50, produced between 2007 and 2012, occupies a unique niche in the scooter world. Designed for urban mobility, this 50cc two-stroke scooter blends simplicity with just enough style to stand out in crowded city streets. While it may lack the prestige of Italian rivals or the bulletproof reputation of Japanese counterparts, the F Act 50 offers a no-nonsense approach to commuting that still resonates with riders today. Let’s explore what makes this lightweight machine tick and whether it deserves a spot in your daily routine.

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Design & Ergonomics: Function Over Flair

Aggressive Styling on a Budget

The F Act 50’s design language leans into the "sporty commuter" aesthetic popular in the late 2000s. With its angular bodywork, dual headlamps (on Racing models), and black alloy wheels, it projects more attitude than typical A-to-B scooters. The 72-inch (183 cm) length and 45.1-inch (114.5 cm) height give it a surprisingly substantial presence, though the 27.2-inch (690 mm) width keeps it narrow enough for lane filtering.

Practical Touches

• Step-Through Frame: The low 3.5-inch (90 mm) ground clearance and flat floorboard make mounting effortless
• Dual-Tone Seat: Firmer than premium scooters but adequately padded for short commutes
• Color Options: Vibrant schemes like racing blue/white and matte black appeal to younger riders
• Instrument Panel: Basic analog speedometer with fuel gauge – no frills, but legible at a glance

The 4.8-liter (1.27 US gal) fuel tank under the seat is accessible but requires seat removal for refueling – a minor inconvenience offset by stellar fuel economy.

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Performance: Small Bore, Big Personality

Engine Characteristics

The air-cooled 49.3cc two-stroke single delivers 3.4 HP at 7,000 RPM and 3.9 Nm (2.9 lb-ft) of torque. While these numbers seem modest, the 189-205 lb (86-93 kg) dry weight makes for zippy urban performance:

• 0-30 km/h (0-18.6 mph): 5-6 seconds – adequate for traffic light dashes
• Top Speed: 45 km/h (28 mph) governed, with slight variations between models
• Fuel Economy: 2.0 L/100km (117.6 mpg) under ideal conditions – expect 1.27 US gallon tanks to last 150+ miles

The automatic CVT transmission eliminates gear shifts, though belt-driven systems require more maintenance than chain final drives.

Riding Experience

• Throttle Response: Immediate pickup below 30 km/h, tapers noticeably near top speed
• Vibration: Typical two-stroke buzz intensifies past 6,000 RPM
• Exhaust Note: Higher-pitched than four-strokes, with a nostalgic "ring-ding" character

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Handling & Braking: City Slicker

Chassis Dynamics

The 50-inch (1,270 mm) wheelbase and 12-inch wheels strike a balance between stability and agility:

• Low-Speed Maneuvers: The 27.6 lb-ft (12.5 kg) steering effort makes U-turns effortless
• High-Speed Stability: Wobbles emerge near top speed, especially on uneven surfaces
• Suspension: Basic telescopic forks and twin rear shocks handle pavement cracks adequately

Braking Performance

• Front 220mm Disc: Provides 70% of stopping power with wooden feel
• Rear Drum: Lacks bite but prevents lockups in wet conditions
• Combined Performance: 10.8 meters (35.4 ft) stopping distance from 30 km/h – average for class

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Competition: How It Stacks Up

Key Rivals (2007-2012 Era)

1. Honda Vision 50:
2. Superior build quality (+2.5x price)
3. 4-stroke engine lasts longer but feels lethargic

4. Lacks F Act’s sporty styling

5. Yamaha Aerox 50:

6. Liquid-cooled engine with better top-end
7. More premium suspension components

8. 25% heavier, affecting fuel efficiency

9. Peugeot Speedfight 3:

10. French design with better ergonomics
11. Complex fuel injection vs Keeway’s simple carburetor
12. Higher maintenance costs

The Keeway Advantage

• Affordability: Base models cost 40% less than European competitors
• Ease of Repair: Carbureted two-strokes are mechanics’ favorites
• Customization: Extensive aftermarket support (more below)

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Maintenance: Keeping Your F Act 50 Thriving

Critical Service Intervals

• Oil Mixing: 2% ratio (20ml oil per 1L fuel) for pre-mix systems
• Spark Plug: NGK BR6HS every 1,500 km (930 miles)
• Drive Belt: Inspect every 3,000 km (1,864 miles) – replace if cracked
• Carb Cleaning: Annual service recommended for ethanol-blended fuels

Common Upgrades

1. Performance Exhaust: Aftermarket pipes add 2-3 km/h top speed
2. Variator Kits: Improve acceleration without sacrificing reliability
3. Brake Pads: Sintered compounds reduce stopping distance by 15%
4. LED Lighting: Bolt-on kits enhance visibility

MOTOPARTS.store Pro Tip: Our #KEE-220 drive belt kit includes OEM-spec components with 20% longer service life than original parts.

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Long-Term Ownership: What Riders Say

Reliability Notes

• Engine Lifespan: 12,000-15,000 km (7,456-9,320 miles) with proper maintenance
• Weak Points:
• Exhaust mounting brackets prone to fatigue cracks
• Handlebar switches degrade after 5+ years
• Fuel taps benefit from inline filters

Urban Warrior Credentials

• Parking: Fits in bicycle racks in most cities
• Storage: Optional top box increases utility
• Theft Risk: Invest in our KEE-LOCK-50 disc lock alarm

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Conclusion: A Cult Classic in the Making

While no longer in production, the Keeway F Act 50 remains a compelling choice for budget-conscious urbanites. Its blend of retro two-stroke charm, dead-simple mechanics, and aggressive styling continues to win over new generations of riders. For those willing to embrace its quirks and stay on top of maintenance, this plucky scooter delivers miles of affordable smiles.

Whether you’re keeping a vintage example roadworthy or modifying one into a cafe racer, MOTOPARTS.store carries all the essentials – from air filters to wheel bearings – to keep your F Act 50 running like new.

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Specifications sheet

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