Malaguti XTM 50 [2007-2021] Review: The Pocket-Sized Enduro That Punches Above Its Weight
Introduction
The Malaguti XTM 50 isn’t just a motorcycle – it’s a rite of passage. For 14 years, this Italian-designed 50cc enduro has been the gateway drug to off-road adrenaline for teenagers across Europe and beyond. With its snarling two-stroke engine, rally-bred styling, and dirt-worthy suspension, the XTM 50 straddles the line between learner-legal commuter and legitimate trail weapon. But does this pocket rocket still hold up in an era of four-stroke dominance and increasingly complex electronics? I threw a leg over a well-maintained 2015 example to find out.
Design & First Impressions
Parked on its side stand with morning light glinting off its orange plastics, the XTM 50 looks like it’s doing 60 mph while standing still. The angular bodywork borrows cues from Dakar racers, with a high front fender, narrow waist, and aggressive number boards. Over the years, Malaguti offered it in retina-searing colors like electric blue/yellow and traffic-cone orange – colors chosen, I suspect, to ensure maximum visibility when junior inevitably disappears into a ditch.
At 900mm (35.4") seat height, it’s surprisingly approachable for shorter riders. The stepped seat tapers nicely where it meets the tank, letting you grip the bike with your knees without doing yoga stretches. Dry weight varies between 98-113kg (216-249 lbs) depending on model year – light enough to manhandle out of mud pits but substantial enough to feel planted at speed.
Engine Performance: Two-Stroke Theatre
The 49.7cc liquid-cooled two-stroke is the star here. Squeezing out 3.1 HP (2.2 kW) at 6,500 RPM doesn’t sound impressive until you experience the powerband’s lightswitch delivery. Below 4,000 RPM, it putters like a disinterested lawnmower. Crack the throttle past halfway, and the Dell’Orto PHBN16 carburetor wakes up like it’s late for an exorcism. The engine screams towards its 45 km/h (28 mph) limiter with a metallic wail that’s pure adolescent nostalgia.
What’s fascinating is how Malaguti kept this engine Euro II compliant throughout its run. The catalytic exhaust (post-2007 models) mutes the classic two-stroke braap into a more socially acceptable buzz, but purists can likely find aftermarket solutions at MOTOPARTS.store. The 6-speed gearbox is a revelation – that extra cog lets you keep the engine boiling in its powerband while crawling through technical sections or stretching legs on fire roads.
Handling: Playful But Predictable
On tight singletrack, the XTM 50 shines. The 1350mm (53.1") wheelbase and 21”/18” wheel combo roll over roots and ruts that would stop bigger bikes cold. Front suspension travel ranges from 230mm (9.1") in early models to slightly revised units later – enough to handle small jumps without bottoming out. The rear shock lacks adjustability but manages a reasonable compromise between comfort and control.
Where things get interesting is the steering geometry. With a 38mm telescopic fork and aggressive rake, the XTM 50 turns in quicker than a shopping cart with a loose wheel. Beginners might find it twitchy at first, but experienced riders can flick it through switchbacks like a trials bike. The 80/90-21 front and 110/80-18 CST tires provide surprising grip in dry conditions, though wet roots will have you dancing on the pegs.
Braking is… adequate. The single 220mm discs front and rear (with floating calipers on later models) have enough power to lock wheels in dirt, but lack progression on pavement. MOTOPARTS.store offers sintered pads that improve bite without breaking the bank.
Competition: How It Stacks Up
The 50cc enduro class has always been fiercely contested. Let’s see how the Malaguti fares:
- Derbi Senda SM/X-Treme: The Spanish rival uses similar architecture but with oil injection. More convenient, less visceral.
- Aprilia RX 50: Shares the Malaguti’s DNA (both under Piaggio Group) but trades some durability for race-replica styling.
- Yamaha DT 50: Air-cooled simplicity vs the XTM’s liquid-cooled sophistication. Yamaha’s aftermarket support is better.
- Beta RR 50: The premium option with USD forks and FI, but nearly double the price when new.
Where the XTM 50 carves its niche is in that sweet spot between parts availability (thanks to shared components with other Piaggio brands) and genuine off-road capability. The liquid cooling gives it an edge over air-cooled rivals on long hill climbs, while the 6-speed box is still rare in this class.
Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive
Two-strokes live and die by their maintenance – neglect this bike and it’ll punish your wallet. Here’s what owners need to know:
- Oil Matters: The separate oil tank uses JASO FC-rated injector oil. Switch to a premium synthetic like MOTOPARTS.store’s MX-2T Pro for cleaner burns and less plug fouling.
- Carb TLC: That Dell’Orto carb is reliable but sensitive to altitude/temperature changes. Keep a jet kit handy (available in our carburetion section).
- Coolant Checks: The tiny 550ml cooling system needs biannual flushes. Our 50/50 pre-mixed coolant prevents silicate buildup.
- Spark Plugs: NGK BR9ES is standard, but upgrade to the iridium BR9EIX for colder starts and longer intervals.
- Chain & Sprockets: The 11/50 sprocket combo wears fast when abused. Our X-Ring chain kits last 3x longer than stock.
Pro Tip: Always premix 2% oil into the fuel tank even with the automatic oiler – it’s cheap insurance against pump failures.
The Ownership Experience
Living with an XTM 50 is equal parts joy and frustration. You’ll curse the kickstarter on cold mornings (electric start arrived only on 2021 models), then giggle like a schoolkid when it finally lights up. The 6.5L (1.72 gal) tank gives 250-300km (155-186 mi) range – enough for a full day of trail riding if you’re not WOT everywhere.
The real magic happens when you push it beyond its limits. Overcook a corner? A dab of foot and 98kg (216 lbs) forgives everything. Loop out on a climb? One person can drag it back upright. It’s the perfect bike to learn crash dynamics… because you will crash. Often.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Learner Bike
The Malaguti XTM 50’s longevity isn’t an accident. It filled a niche for riders wanting proper off-road capability without jumping through A1 license hoops. While later models added niceties like electric start and cleaner emissions, the core recipe stayed true – lightweight chassis, revvy two-stroke, and just enough suspension to make bad decisions survivable.
For current owners, MOTOPARTS.store carries everything from OEM-style replacement plastics to big-bore kits (hypothetically, of course – we’d never endorse circumventing local laws). New riders get an approachable platform to hone skills; veterans rediscover the raw thrill of simple, analog motorcycling. In an increasingly sanitized world, that’s worth its weight in two-stroke mix.
