Photo: Michiel1972 at Dutch Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Honda SS50
73/100 Overall
58 On the road88 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Honda SS50 vs Suzuki AP50
Honda SS50 scores 73/100 overall against Suzuki AP50 on 72/100. On the road: 58–53. As classics: 88–90. Overall result: Honda SS50.
Photo: Morebikes · Public domain
Suzuki AP50
72/100 Overall
53 On the road90 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Honda SS50 | Suzuki AP50 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 2 | 3 | Suzuki AP50 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 4 | 4 | Level |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 9 | 7 | Honda SS50 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 7 | Honda SS50 |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 5 | 4 | Honda SS50 |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 8 | 9 | Suzuki AP50 |
Choose the Honda SS50 if…
you want smooth four-stroke Honda engineering, classic sports-moped styling and a gentler alternative to the two-stroke crowd.
Choose the Suzuki AP50 if…
you want one of the FS1-E's great British rivals, with proper motorcycle looks and strong 1970s learner-bike nostalgia.
Background
History
Honda SS50
The Honda SS50 was produced from 1967–1977 and used a 49cc air-cooled four-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, reliability, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Suzuki AP50
The Suzuki AP50 was produced from 1975–1977 and used a 49cc air-cooled two-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, historic importance, collector appeal. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Honda SS50
- Its production span in this library runs from 1967 to 1977.
- The recorded engine description is: 49cc air-cooled four-stroke single.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, reliability, historic importance.
Suzuki AP50
- Its production span in this library runs from 1975 to 1977.
- The recorded engine description is: 49cc air-cooled two-stroke single.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, historic importance, collector appeal.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Honda SS50
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda SS50. Its library score for styling is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Suzuki AP50
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Suzuki AP50. Its library score for styling is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Honda SS50
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Suzuki AP50
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Honda SS50
Rivals to the Suzuki AP50
Final result
The verdict
Honda SS50 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Suzuki AP50 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Honda SS50 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.