50cc World Championship
| Category | Grand Prix motorcycle racing |
|---|---|
| Inaugural season | 1962 |
| Folded | 1983 |
The 50cc World Championship was a class of Grand Prix motorcycle racing for motorcycles with engines of up to 50 cc. It was part of the FIM motorcycle racing world championship from 1962[1] until 1983.
History
The 50cc class was introduced to provide competition for lightweight motorcycles and became one of the categories in the Grand Prix motorcycle racing championship. The class encouraged manufactures to develop extremely small but highly advanced racing engines.
The motorcycles featured advanced two-stroke engines, lightweight frames, and high-speed gearboxes.
Championship history
The 50cc category became known for intense competition between European and Japanese manufacturers. Suzuki developed[2] a successful range of lightweight Grand Prix motorcycles, including the Suzuki RK66 and Suzuki RK67, while Kreidler and other manufacturers also achieved championship success.
The class remained part of Grand Prix motorcycle racing until the end of the 1983[3] season. It was replaced by the 80cc World Championship in 1984.
Manufacturers
During the 1960s and 1970s, manufactures including Suzuki, Honda, Kreidler, Derbi and Minarelli competed in category.
Notable riders
Motorcycles
- Suzuki RK66
- Suzuki RK67
- Kreidler Van Veen
- Derbi 50cc Grand Prix motorcycles
See also
- Grand Prix motorcycle racing
- Suzuki Grand Prix motorcycles
- 80cc World Championship
References
- ↑ Walker, Mick (1998). The Grand Prix Motorcycle. Hazleton Publishing.
- ↑ Wilson, Hugo (1995). The Encyclopedia of the Motorcycle. Dorling Kindersley.
- ↑ "FIM World Championship Grand Prix Regulations and History". Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme. Retrieved 21 July 2026.