The Zip Cat 50cc was a 4bhp, 2 stroke scooter released in January 2001 in the UK by Piaggio. The Zip Cat was a variation of the Zip 2000 with basically the same features and styling.
The Zip 50 Cat had a catalytic converter on the exhaust system and the word ‘Catalyst’ just under the word ‘Zip’ on the badges either side of the tail panel!
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Models and years (in the UK)
Zip Cat 50cc (Jan 2001 to 2002)…..
Description:
Modern scooter with telescopic forks, 10 inch 3 spoke wheels, headlight mounted in the handlebars, integrated front and rear indicators and a dual seat with underseat storage.
Cost new:
£1199
Zip Cat 50cc (Jan 2003 to 2004)…..
Description:
Same as above model.
Cost new:
£1249 to £1299 (the RRP changed from £1249 to £1260 in 2003 then to £1299 during 2004)
Zip Cat 50cc (2004 to 2005)…..
Description:
Same as above model.
Cost new:
£1349 to £1199 (the RRP changed from £1329 in 2004 to £1349 then was reduced to £1199 in 2005)
Please note – Piaggio specify a good quality fully synth 2 stroke oil for the Zip 50. This is because, as with most plastic wrapped scooters, they have a tendency to run hot and a proper fully synthetic 2T oil will protect the engine better!
The frame number on the Zip 50 is a real PITA to get to. It’s located on a metal plate just behind where the riders foot would be on the underneath of the scooter.
Because of the location the frame number plate is prone to rust and corrosion which can make the frame number very difficult to read!
Piaggio Zip 50 ignition switch and shopping bag holder
Useless stuff…..
The Zip Cat 50 was released in January 2001 and was one of the 2nd generation models of 2 stroke Zip 50.
Similar to the earlier Zip 50 models introduced in 1993, the Zip 50 Cat was a small and agile scooter with a large under seat storage compartment and smart styling which made the scooter popular around towns and cities as well as popular with younger (16 year old) riders.
The Piaggio Zip 50 was also popular with some take away restaurants due to the low new price, fair reliability and simple maintenance (it is fairly common to see Zip 50’s with 50k + kilometers on them in Europe!).
Zip 50 Cat’s were also fairly similar to other 2 stroke Zip 50’s between 2000 and 2010, which means parts are often interchangeable with earlier and later models.
Buying advice…..
As with all 50cc scooters, it can be tricky buying older Piaggio Zip 50’s 2nd hand.
Thankfully, Piaggio Zip 50’s didn’t have any problematic and expensive to replace coded ignitions to worry about and parts are plentiful and fairly cheap for them.
It’s always better (although sometimes difficult to check) to buy one that’s been run on a good quality fully synthetic 2T oil. Piaggio recommended a full synth 2 stroke oil as, like most plastic clad scooters, the Zip’s did have a tendency to run hot which can tend to break down low spec/cheaper 2 stroke oils.
It also worth checking the bike has been cleaned regularly, especially if it’s been used over the winter. As with most Italian scooters the Zip Cat was built for a warmer climate and a build up of road salt around the engine, front caliper and other parts can lead to corrosion of the metal parts like the engine casings (which makes the casing brittle), exhaust and other parts.
The Zip 50’s were fairly easy to steal if not chained up, so stay away from anything that doesn’t have key’s or a logbook.
Disclaimer: The Piaggio Zip 50 Cat specs and information on this page is correct to the best of our knowledge. But the info should NOT be taken as 100% accurate as we can, occasionally, make mistakes!
If you think we’ve missed any important info out or have something to add, please feel free to leave a comment below…..
48 responses to “Piaggio Zip 50 Cat Specs and Info (2001 to 2005)”
John Norcott
Hello,
Very helpful web site.Lots of good info.To be recommended.Thank you.I will look at this again when I need simple information,such as;carb make,weight, oils to use,and so on. Great!
this is very informative, but it lacks in some areas, I would like to know how to take the rear side panels off so I can reach the carburettor and air filter, but the side panels are obstructing the screws, please could I have any opinions or suggested emailed to me asap, thank you
Sorry for the blog article lacking in some areas (we try our best to list as many specs for this bike as we have available).
You can get to the air filter from the side of the scooter (it is visible so you shouldn’t need to remove any panels). You can also try removing the access panel at the bottom of the storage compartment, under the seat to see if you can access the carb (you can also get to the engine from the panel behind where your feet go).
If you want to remove the side panels, the part pic on the page below should give you a better idea of how to remove it:
Hi i have problem with zip 50 ,intermiting ,ignition does not come on ,and by presing horn,it lights up,it just effects starter and flashers,lights are ok ,I think it is earth ,so how could i fix .thanks Mike.
Check the earth connections and make sure they are clean and properly attached.
If there ok, check the wiring, starting at the ignition switch and working back to see if any wires are damaged, corroded or exposed.
How much you should use will depend on mileage, riding style, the bikes oil settings and which oil you use.
You need to keep a careful eye on the 2 stroke oil reservoir under the seat and top it up whenever theres space.
Also helps if you keep a bottle of 2 stroke oil under the seat for topping up.
Show people where the restriction cable is. : )
Disable this to go faster!
Top speed is then around 65-70kmph with belts adjusted correctly.
: )
Fanging round town and keeping up with traffic is a good thing!
I have a 2009 Zip 502T, it has only done 1500 km. goes well, however on starting at low revs get a loud from the screech from the belt casing. It goes away once the revs go up at the bike starts moving. Is this an issue and if so how can I fix it?
No, it isn’t a normal sound to get from the casing. Have you tried removing the casing to see if there’s any marks or damage that would indicate something rubbing?
Allright mate was just wondering if you could help me my moped is blowing from underneath and its sound really loud when reving it isn’t the exhaust because I have tightend it
How do I change the gearbox oil and the engine oil in a piaggio zip 4 stroke please 2009? Which oil should I use? I have taken it to the garage for a service in the past but I want to do it myself.
Just picked up piaggio zip 50 2t that has had a newer engine fitted.
Log book shows engine as C259M and the new engine shows C25EM. Are there any significant differences i should be aware of when servicing or ordering spares ? Thanks
Not sure to be honest, but, there’s likely to be so you would be better off ordering engine parts for the 2009 to 2013 Zip 50 model (the C25EM engine code was used on the 09 to 13 year model).
I would like to buy a piaggio 50cc scooter, second hand, what should I check to know if it is a good buy or not ? I dont want to buy something that has not been looked after.
I would like to buy a piaggio 50cc scooter, second hand, what should I check to know if it is a good buy or not ? I dont want to buy something that has not been looked after.
Your best bet, if you aren’t sure about buying, is to take a friend or relative who has bought bikes before with you for advice and guidance.
There’s no real things to look for, but obviously a good few hundred quid bike with low mileage and service history is likely to be alot better then a high mileage, scratched and ‘modified’ bike for £100……
Things to look out for are:
Mileage (lower the better).
Any unusual engine noises (knocking, pinging etc)
Very high levels of smoke
General condition of the bike (scratched/damaged bikes with bald tyres aren’t usually a sign of an owner who’s cared for the bike!).
I would advise doing an HPI check on the bike your buying to check for outstanding finance, insurance and Police history and avoid anything with a damaged ignition as there’s loads of stolen bikes about….
Are you sure it’s a 2 stroke and not a 4 stroke bike (if it’s 2 stroke the oil filler cap should be under the seat, on the opposite side to the petrol cap)?
I have a 2016 zip 2t 50cc and when i get near three quarter throttle the motor seems to not want to pick up anymore revs or speed and it bogs down, would this be due to a restricted cdi, too small carb, or the cat exhaust, i have removed the airbox and fitted a foam pod filter, upjetted carb and have mid to dark tan plug, also removed restrictor plate from carb and removed spacer from between pulley halves, and cut off dead end pipe from header pipe an welded shut the hole in header pipe, im getting 65kmh on a flat road and 72kmh on slight down hill road, my zip is quicker from standing start up to around 55kmh, i want to fit expansion chamber exhaust system could you recommend a suitable system and where to find one please ,(im in New Zealand), also an unrestricted cdi unit, cheers.
At a very rough guess, I would say it’s possibly a carb problem, either dirt in them or else they need upgrading to match the rest of the performance mods?
There’s plenty of aftermarket exhaust systems and parts for you bike but I don’t know any suppliers where you are!
Hi!
I just bought a 2015 2 stroke Zip 50cc.
The manual says its time to lubricate the transmission elements. Any idé what parts need lub? And what lub to use?
Thanks in advance!
They have a combined spark plug coil and CDI, if you follow the thick, black lead back from top of the spark plug you’ll find a box attached to it, this is the CDI/coil.
Greetings from California! Many thanks for all the info. I have a 2003 Derbi GP1 which as far as I can tell is very similar to this Scoot. (apart from being liquid cooled) Tough to find info on odd scooters in the states!
hello , some great questions that your answers have helped me a lot , could you please put up a pic of where the rear brake fluid goes, as i really cant find it and the rear brake is getting long to brake , thanks in advance and i have bookmarked this page for future referance ,,
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