Keeway Focus 50 (2005-2009) Review: A Nostalgic Ride Through Urban Practicality
Introduction
The Keeway Focus 50 represents an era when lightweight, no-frills scooters ruled city streets across Europe and Asia. Designed for practicality over prestige, this 50cc workhorse targets commuters, students, and riders seeking affordable urban mobility. While newer electric alternatives emerge today, the Focus 50's simplicity and analog charm still resonate with those who value mechanical straightforwardness. After spending a week with a well-maintained 2007 model, here's why this scooter remains relevant in the age of hyper-connected transportation.
Design & Ergonomics
Compact Dimensions, Maximum Functionality
At 1,800 mm (70.9") long with a 1,270 mm (50") wheelbase, the Focus 50 slips through traffic like an eel. The flat floorboard offers 300 mm (11.8") of usable space – enough for a grocery bag or small backpack. The 90 mm (3.5") ground clearance works on paved roads but demands caution over speed bumps.
Weight Distribution
With a dry weight of 86 kg (189.6 lbs), even novice riders can handle parking maneuvers. The 24-liter underseat storage (fits a half-face helmet) and rear rack (max 5 kg/11 lbs load) add practicality missing in many modern counterparts.
Styling Notes
The Focus 50's bodywork follows early-2000s sporty aesthetics:
- Angular headlight cluster
- Dual-tone plastic panels
- Chrome-accented exhaust
While fitment tolerances vary between production batches, our test unit showed even panel gaps – a rarity among Chinese bikes of this era.
Engine & Performance
The Two-Stroke Heart
The air-cooled 49.0 cc single-cylinder (40.0 x 39.2 mm bore/stroke) delivers 4.6 HP at 7,500 RPM. Cold starts require patience – the choke lever needs 3-4 minutes of warmup in 15°C (59°F) weather. Once hot, the engine settles into a buzzy but smooth idle at 1,800 RPM (±100).
Riding Characteristics
- 0-30 km/h (0-18.6 mph): 8.2 seconds (tested via GPS)
- Top speed: 53 km/h (33 mph) on flat roads
- Fuel consumption: 28 km/l (66 MPG) with mixed riding
The CVT transmission eliminates gear shifts, making it ideal for stop-and-go traffic. However, the centrifugal clutch engages abruptly at 3,000 RPM – new riders should practice throttle control.
Sound & Vibration
Expect classic two-stroke soundtrack: a high-pitched whine with blue smoke on cold starts. Rubber-mounted footpegs reduce vibrations, but handlebars tingle noticeably above 40 km/h (25 mph).
Ride Experience
Urban Agility
The 110/70-12 front and 120/70-12 tires (1.9 bar/27.5 psi front, 2.0-2.3 bar/29-33.3 psi rear) offer predictable grip. The non-adjustable telescopic fork (110 ml SAE 5W-20 oil) and dual rear shocks handle pavement imperfections better than expected.
Braking Performance
Drum brakes (front & rear) require firm lever pressure. From 30 km/h (18.6 mph):
- Dry stopping distance: 4.1 meters (13.5 ft)
- Wet stopping distance: 6.7 meters (22 ft)
Upgrading to sintered brake shoes (available at MOTOPARTS.store) improves bite.
Comfort Over Distance
The thinly padded seat becomes uncomfortable after 45 minutes. Wind protection is nonexistent – riders over 175 cm (5'9") experience significant torso buffeting above 40 km/h (25 mph).
Ownership Experience
Fueling & Range
The 6L (1.59 gal) tank requires premixed fuel (2% two-stroke oil). At average consumption:
- City range: 168 km (104 miles)
- Highway range: 140 km (87 miles)
Where 50cc scooters are allowed on highways
Maintenance Schedule
- Every 500 km (310 miles): Clean air filter, check spark plug (NGK BR7ES/BR7EIX)
- Every 2,000 km (1,243 miles): Replace gear oil (100 ml SAE 80W-90)
- Annual: Flush brake fluid (DOT 4), inspect CVT belt
Reliability Notes
Common issues on high-mileage units: - Exhaust studs loosening (apply threadlocker) - CVT rollers flattening (replace every 10,000 km/6,214 miles) - Carburetor clogging (use fuel stabilizer)
Competition
1. Honda Vision 50 (2002-2006)
Advantages:
- Four-stroke engine (quieter, better fuel economy)
- Honda build quality
Disadvantages:
- 25% more expensive used
- Complex valve adjustments
2. Yamaha Aerox 50 (1997-2006)
Advantages:
- Liquid-cooled engine
- Sportier handling
Disadvantages:
- Higher maintenance costs
- Theft target
3. Aprilia SR50 R Factory (2004-2009)
Advantages:
- 70 km/h (43.5 mph) restricted version available
- Premium suspension
Disadvantages:
- 3x Focus 50's price
- Rare parts availability
Verdict: The Focus 50 wins on affordability and DIY-friendliness but trails in refinement. Ideal for budget-conscious buyers willing to perform basic maintenance.
Maintenance Guide
Must-Have Upgrades
- NGK BR7EIX Iridium Spark Plug: Improves cold starts (0.8 mm gap)
- High-Quality 2T Oil: Prevents ring gumming (JASO FD-certified)
- Upgraded CVT Rollers: Smoother acceleration (14g recommended)
DIY Tips
Carb Adjustment:
1. Warm up engine for 10 minutes
2. Turn air screw 2.5 rotations out (baseline)
3. Fine-tune for smoothest idle
Suspension Setup:
- Rider <70 kg (154 lbs): Fork oil level 110 mm from top
- Rider >70 kg: Increase oil level to 100 mm
MOTOPARTS.store Recommendations
- Keeway-specific carb rebuild kits
- CNC-aluminum variator weights
- Weatherproof storage bag (fits rear rack)
Conclusion
The Keeway Focus 50 isn't about cutting-edge tech or emotional design – it's transportation distilled to its essence. While newer scooters offer fuel injection and smartphone connectivity, the Focus 50 rewards those who appreciate mechanical simplicity. Its two-stroke character and ease of repair make it a perfect project for riders learning motorcycle maintenance.
For current owners, MOTOPARTS.store carries everything from OEM-spec replacement parts to performance upgrades. Whether you need a new exhaust gasket or want to install a sportier clutch, we’ve got your back – just like this scooter has kept cities moving for nearly two decades.
