Peugeot Jet Force 50 [2005-2015]: A Timeless Urban Warrior
Introduction
The Peugeot Jet Force 50, particularly its C-Tech R-Cup variant, isn’t just a scooter—it’s a statement. Produced between 2005 and 2015, this two-stroke machine carved its niche as a spirited, practical, and visually striking option in the 50cc class. Designed for urban commuters and thrill-seeking teenagers alike, the Jet Force 50 balances French flair with mechanical simplicity. Having spent a week weaving through city traffic and open roads on a well-maintained 2008 C-Tech model, I can confidently say this scooter still holds its own in 2024. Let’s dive into what makes it tick.
Design & Ergonomics: Sporty Pragmatism
Peugeot nailed the "agile commuter" aesthetic with the Jet Force 50. The angular bodywork, sharp lines, and dual headlights give it a futuristic look that still turns heads. Over its production run, Peugeot offered bold color schemes like gray/orange, blue/black, and limited-edition finishes with carbon-fiber accents or aluminum treadboards. The 1915 mm (75.4 in) length and 720 mm (28.3 in) width make it compact enough for lane-splitting, while the 820 mm (32.3 in) seat height accommodates riders of all sizes.
The underseat storage fits a full-face helmet—a rare perk in 50cc scooters—and the analog-digital dash (with a sporty carbon finish on special editions) keeps things legible. My test bike’s glossy black panels showed minor scratches, a reminder that aftermarket fairings from MOTOPARTS.store could easily refresh its looks.
Performance: Two-Stroke Thrills
The heart of the Jet Force 50 is its liquid-cooled 49.9cc two-stroke engine, producing 5 hp at dizzying RPMs. Thumb the electric starter, and the single-cylinder comes alive with a raspy exhaust note that’s music to any gearhead’s ears. Acceleration is brisk for a 50cc scooter, hitting 50 km/h (31 mph) in under 6 seconds. The CVT automatic transmission eliminates gear shifts, making it ideal for stop-and-go traffic.
Top speed? Officially 80-90 km/h (50-56 mph), though my test ride saw a GPS-verified 85 km/h (53 mph) on a flat road. The engine’s character is unmistakably two-stroke: vibey at idle but smooths out once moving. Fuel economy sits around 30-35 km/l (70-82 mpg), but this drops if you’re heavy-handed with the throttle.
Peugeot’s ill-fated TSDI fuel-injected variant promised better efficiency but faced reliability issues. Stick with the carbureted C-Tech—it’s simpler to tune and more forgiving for DIY maintenance.
Handling & Ride Quality: Urban Agility
Weighing 106 kg (234 lbs), the Jet Force 50 feels nimble. The 13-inch wheels (a rarity in its class) add stability at speed, while the 130/60-13 front and 140/60-13 rear tires provide surprising grip. The suspension setup—a telescopic fork up front and a central rear shock—absorbs potholes better than cheaper rivals, though rough roads still send jolts through the frame.
Braking is confident, with a 266 mm front disc and 190 mm rear disc (upgraded to a Shurican rotor on special editions). The bite is progressive, not abrupt—perfect for wet roads. At highway speeds, the lightweight chassis can feel twitchy, but that’s not where this scooter belongs. Its kingdom is the city: filtering through traffic, darting into gaps, and U-turning on a dime.
Competition: How It Stacks Up
The 50cc sport scooter segment was crowded in the 2000s. Here’s how the Jet Force 50 fared against its rivals:
- Gilera Runner SP 50: The Jet Force’s arch-nemesis. The Runner matches its power and topspeed but trades Peugeot’s sharp styling for curvaceous Italian design. The Gilera feels slightly more premium but lacks underseat storage.
- Aprilia SR 50: With liquid cooling and fuel injection, the SR 50 is technically advanced but pricier to maintain. The Jet Force’s carbureted engine is simpler for home mechanics.
- Yamaha Aerox 50: A cult favorite for tuners, the Aerox offers a larger wheels (14-inch) and a racier stance. However, the Peugeot’s suspension is more compliant over bumps.
The Jet Force 50’s blend of style, storage, and tunability makes it a standout—even today.
Maintenance: Keeping the Legacy Alive
Owning a Jet Force 50 in 2024 means embracing its quirks. Here’s what to watch:
- Two-Stroke Upkeep: Mix oil with fuel (1.3L oil capacity) and use super unleaded petrol. Clean the 14mm Gurtner carburetor annually to prevent clogs.
- Cooling System: Check coolant levels monthly. The liquid-cooled engine runs hotter than air-cooled rivals, especially in traffic.
- CVT Belt: Replace the drive belt every 10,000 km (6,200 miles). Symptoms of wear include sluggish acceleration and squealing.
- Brakes: The front disc wears faster than the rear. MOTOPARTS.store stocks OEM-spec pads and Shurican rotors for upgraded bite.
- Electrics: The 12V 12Ah battery can drain if left unused. Keep it on a tender during winter.
Pro tip: Upgrade to a NGK CR9EB spark plug (one step colder than stock) if you’re frequently riding at high RPMs.
Conclusion: A Scooter That Ages Gracefully
The Peugeot Jet Force 50 C-Tech isn’t just a relic—it’s a testament to analog fun in a digital world. Its punchy two-stroke engine, practical storage, and head-turning design make it a joy to own, even as newer scooters flood the market. Whether you’re restoring a barn find or modding one with aftermarket parts from MOTOPARTS.store, this Peugeot rewards those who appreciate mechanical simplicity with a side of French panache.
Ride it hard, maintain it well, and it’ll outlast trends. C’est magnifique!
Specifications sheet
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Stroke: | Two-stroke |
| Max power: | 5 kW | 7.0 hp |
| Fuel system: | Gurtner Carburetor (14 mm) |
| Max power @: | 8000 rpm |
| Spark plugs: | NGK CR7EB |
| Displacement: | 50 ccm |
| Configuration: | Single |
| Cooling system: | Liquid |
| Emission standard: | Euro 2 |
| Number of cylinders: | 1 |
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase: | 1314 mm (51.7 in) |
| Dry weight: | 106 |
| Seat height: | 820 mm (32.3 in) |
| Overall width: | 720 mm (28.3 in) |
| Overall height: | 1165 mm (45.9 in) |
| Overall length: | 1915 mm (75.4 in) |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 8.0 L (2.11 US gal) |
| Drivetrain | |
|---|---|
| Clutch: | Centrifugal automatic |
| Final drive: | belt |
| Transmission: | CVT Automatic |
| Maintenance | |
|---|---|
| Battery: | 12V 12Ah |
| Fuel type: | Super unleaded (E10 compatible) |
| Brake fluid: | DOT 4 |
| Coolant capacity: | 1.3 |
| Gear oil capacity: | 1.3 |
| Additional Features | |
|---|---|
| Starter: | Electric (kick starter on some models) |
| Storage: | Under-seat helmet compartment |
| Color options: | Gray/black, gray/blue, gray/orange, white, green/black, red/black (varies by year/special edition) |
| Special variants: | C-Tech R-Cup, Darkside, Ice Blade (visual/aesthetic differences) |
