What kind of engine do I have, and does it matter?

[jefe]

I'm totally new to scooters, but last weekend I bought my first. It's a Benelli Andretti M50 made by Power Sports Factory.

The specs say it has a 4.5HP @ 7500rpm, 2-stroke 4.9cc engine. Is there any way to know what type of engine this is, or does that even make sense?

After I do break in miles, I definitely want to squeeze as much power out of it as possible for getting up hills. I thought if I knew the engine type it would get me started on researching options.

["Big Guy"]

Well it depends on who made it, it could be QJ (Qianjiang) or CPI, but it's not 4.9ccs, it's 49. I think the Andretti models are CPI (Taiwan) and the 4.5hp rating is correct.

I haven't heard anyone talk about the engine manufacturer though, so I don't know for sure. Have you tried a Google search?

One thing for sure is you definitely have a really good quality scoot there! And if it's the one I'm thinking of, the 2-stroke model with the 16" wheels, it's a very nice looking one too!


-Rich

[jefe]

It is a QJ, and 4.9 was a typo. I know CPI makes some of these, but mine has QJ all over it.

Not much at all comes from Google search. These are new models and I guess not many people have jumped on them yet. I fell in love with the styling, very Scarabeo without the price tag.

["Big Guy"]

I agree, it's gorgeous no doubt! The only thing you need to complete it is a good windshield.

You're gonna enjoy this scooter, I'm jealous!


-Rich

[Aprilia]

A friend of mine purchased his new about 8 months ago. He has left everything stock except for the rollers. I just installed his new rollers, 5.5g and his scoot cruises at a constant 51 mph on flat ground.

[Aprilia]

As far as the engine, it basically takes most Airsal T6 Cylinders. It is a Minarelli horizontal AC setup with a 40mm bore piston.
The Airsal part number for a 70cc kit is Art.-no. AS11316476
Exhausts:
Hebo Art.-no. HR1000405R
BigOne Sport Art.-no. BG0102
Kama Art.-no. AC017401
Laser X-Pro
Leo Vince ZX Art.-no. L4040
Malossi Art.-no. M3212799
Even PM Power Pipes... which are just plain cool. Art.-no. PM72
Polini Art.-no. P2000246

There are tons of parts for this scoot.

Check out SIP, they carry Benelli stock parts and aftermarket.
www.sip-scootershop.com/

[voodoosix]

we need some pics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the Benellis of old used Minarellis but we'd need to verify that for the QJ bikes.
SIP is showing those parts for '03 and earlier bikes (pre QJ buyout)

[jefe]

Good point. I'll take some pics of the engine when I get a chance. Meanwhile, here are the specs from PSF's website:

Engine Single Cylinder/2 Stroke/ QJ
Bore x Stoke
40 x 39.2

Displacement/Power 49.26cc/4.5HP/7500pm
Carburation Mikuni
Lubrication Separate/Automatic Mixing
Starting Electric/Kick Start/CDI
Cooling Method Air Cooled
Transmission Primary V-Belt/Final Gears
Clutch Automatic Centrifugal
Gears Automatic CVT
Frame Double Single Beam/High Resistance ALS
Cataphoresis Treatment
Steel Tubing Welded in Robotized Block
Front Suspension Telescopic Fork/Rod diameter 28mm
Wheel Travel 68mm
Rear Suspension Oleopneumatic Shock Absorber
Engine Acting as Oscillating Swing Arm
Wheel Travel 68mm
Front Brakes Disc 220mm
Rear Brakes Drum 110mm
Front Tires 2.50x16"
Rear Tires 2.75x16"
Rims 16" Light Alloy
7-Spoke "Petal" Design
Dimensions (LxWxH) 1875mm x 710mm x 1020mm
Wheelbase 1260mm
Seat Height 740mm
Dry Weight 83 kg
Tank Fuel Capacity/Reserve 7.5 litres/1.5 litres
Top Speed 45mph
Licensing DOT/EPA
Options Alarm/Remote Start, Luggage Box

[voodoosix]

from the pic above the trans case is definately different than mine (Minarelli)

[voodoosix]

ok, ive been doing some research on this and still have no solid answer.

im trying to hammer out what engines these and the XT series are running, apparently 150 does not use a GY6 even though it's made in China. Benelli's engineers are supposedly overseeing the production and maybe developed a new engine- the U.S. model get an air cooled 160cc non GY6 and the Euro version gets a liquid cooled 150cc.

no word on what the current Euro model 50cc gets and if it too is different from the U.S. model.

so far you are the 1st ive run into who owns one, keep us updated on its condition. they seem to have taken a different approach with these bikes and maybe these will be the bikes they finally get right.

[jefe]

I'm a little disconcerted by your use of "finally" there.. but here's hoping I got a good scooter here.

These are the best I could get without pulling off body panels. If this doesn't get it, let me know and I'll take a screwdriver with me.

[voodoosix]

ill see if i can get some pics of my engine to compare. the tranny case is different but thats due to length/ wheel size- (expected) the exhaust port looks a little different too but ill have to go crawl under mine to verify. see if you can find a # on the engine anywhere.

my "finally" was aimed at the fact that this isnt a clone of another bike...its the real thing just made at a different factory. if they are built to Benelli's standards then these are most likely the best bikes to roll out of China.

they are using different engines between the 150s made in China and the 150s made in Italy. i cant find any real info on what the Euro 50s get from '04 to present ('03 and below got the Minarelli) so there really isnt anything to compare it too.

i wish there was a dealer near me that i could go check out.

[voodoosix]

also, is the engine restricted that you know of?

[voodoosix]

i took a couple pics (overlook the dirt please!)





this is where the engine # is located, its between the rear shock mount and the rear wheel. (i left this pic big for detail) there should be a Minarelli logo (a triangle with a V through the top part of the triangle) and the serial # of the engine. on your bike look between the lower shock mount and that black and white sticker.



hope this helps.

[jefe]

Ok my engine # looks like this:

QJ1E40QMB-4
*73144557*

And I don't see a logo.

And it is not restricted. When I bought it, I asked the shop to derestrict it, and they told me they looked and it was never restricted.

The Italian version of this body style is called Pepe but I can't find any good photos of the Pepe engine either to compare.

What model is yours?

[jefe]

Aprilia: Is your buddy's this exact model? Is it a QJ?

Is 5.5g heavier or lighter than the stock rollers?

[voodoosix]

mine's an air cooled horizontal Minarelli (29MY208744), the '03 and older Pepe calls for the same parts as my bike so at one time they had a Minarelli engine.

the QJ in your engine # means it's made at the Qianjiang factory in China. that'll make aftermarket hop up parts harder to come by... if they exist at all. not sure if any of the parts from other Chinese made 50s are compatible.

not saying what you've got is bad or anything but i it would've been sweet if they would've retained the Minarelli engine, in the 50cc range its pretty much unbeatable.

[90GTVert]

Mine's an air cooled Minarelli as well, slightly different than both of yours in appearnace. I think it is a Minarelli in Jefe's scoot though. Different manufacturers change exhaust styles, fan covers, CVT cases, etc...

EDIT : Here are some pics of mine I had on my PC.

[voodoosix]

QJ couldve licensed the design and made their version of it, like Yamaha.

[jefe]

Hey Voodoo..

I stumbled across your post on another forum about this question, and saw you asked why it was badged as "Andretti" instead of "Benelli" for US sales.

I wanted to point out that it is in fact badged as 'Benelli', which you can see the circle logo on the front above the headlight. Also just to the right of the kick-start arm (don't know what that's called" Benelli is embossed on the metal there. The key, manual, etc. also all say Benelli.

The only place it says Andretti is on the side there. my guess is that the PSF was thinking Andretti might have better name recognition here than Benelli, so they double branded it in hopes of getting attention from non-scooter folks like me. I was actually more attracted to the Italian heritage than a superficial blessing from Mario.

[voodoosix]

ya, i never got a straight answer there. i see the Benelli logo on them and the Andretti is where the model name is on the Euro bikes (Pepe, Velvet). as a long time cyclist hoping Benelli would come to the US, it just seems like a strange move since the Benelli name is pretty much in the exotic realm. kinda like if Mercedes Benz imported theyre cars here and called them Earnhardts.

if i bought an XT id have to yank the Andretti decal off and order a Velvet decal from a shop overseas (but thats just me lol)

how is the bike doing? still good i hope.

[jefe]

Yeah it's doing great. I have 150 miles on it already. For the most part it's totally up to snuff. There are some situations where I'd like to see it get just a little more top end. On a flat surface with plenty of runway, I max out around 42. The manual says 45, so it seems like I should be getting at least to that. Of course, I'm 175lbs.

Uphill after coming down another hill, it slows to 35. Downhill, I've hit 48-ish.

I just want to be able to cruise at 45 under regular conditions, so as not to cause a traffic bottleneck. I'm curious about the rollers Aprilia mentioned. There's a guy in my area who does scooter tweaking, and claims to be able to get a lot of speed out of a scooter. But i'm hesitant to void the warranty.

overall.. i'm very happy with my scooter. I get a lot of looks, and a lot of comments. People want to know 2 things: how fast can it go? And what kind of gas mileage it gets.

I went 60 miles on .6 gallons my first refill.

[voodoosix]

cool, i hope these Benellis turn out to be really good bikes, we need more options in the USA!

[couchtour]

I just bought the same scoot, the dealer highly recommended it over all the others in the shop. To my surprise, I was squeezing 45-47 mph's on flat ground with my girl on the back (about 320 lbs between the both of us) So far, i'm happy with her..

[jefe]

Nice couchtour! Where are you posting from? I haven't seen a lot of dealers online that are carrying these things yet. On my way home from work today I ended up in a bit of a scoot-off with what looked like a Zip or something like it. The Benelli blew it away. I first saw him pulling out of the parking lot about 5 cars ahead of me. Shortly after I passed him. Then we got side by side at a stop light heading out of my company's campus, and i zipped out ahead of him. Top end, and off the line, it was performing nicely. I was proud.

I'm still considering dropping the roller weights a wee bit, just to get a little quicker off the line.

[jefe]

Jun 2, 2008 15:53:09 GMT -5 couchtour said:

So far, i'm happy with her..

Wait, did you mean the scooter or the girl? ;D

[couchtour]

Ha, Both... I noticed that right after I submitted it... I picked her up at Scooter City in Island Park, NY... Its a small little shop on Long Island.. I have about 150 miles on my hog, and she is still hitting 45 without any problems.

[jefe]

Just in case anyone has this same scooter and is wondering what the final answer to this question is...

The Benelli does, in fact, have a Minarelli clone engine.. AKA 40QMB, referenced on some sites as a Vento Zip or Strada/Jog style engine.