By offering Stealth Vortex 50 to customers, the company relied on a combination affordable price and attractive appearance. The decision turned out to be successful, because 50 cc mopeds usually bought by beginners, who do not understand the technical component, but are greedy for design. Later, 2-stroke bikes were still almost completely replaced by 4-stroke ones, but during this time the manufacturer managed to sell many thousands of copies through dealerships, which are still being ridden on Russian roads.
Design
The appearance of Stels Vortex 50 is clearly inspired by sports models of Japanese and European scooters. The moped looks very nice, but its technical characteristics do not correspond to its daring appearance, and there is absolutely nothing sporty about it. This may cause dissonance among some owners, but one cannot help but admit that the Chinese design still turned out to be very interesting.
Stealth Vortex 150 - Brief Review
Stels Vortex 150 / Stealth Vortex 150
Stels Vortex 150 is a scooter that amazes with its dynamics and practicality. The design of the body kit is exclusive and fast, emphasizing the speed characteristics of the bike. Stylish sports stripes stand out on the plastic
The power of the power unit is sufficient for fast, confident acceleration, which is very important in a densely populated metropolis.
As standard, the Stels Vortex 150 scooter is equipped with an alarm system with automatic engine start. A comfortable two-seater seat, folding footrests and a handle will be appreciated by the bike's passenger, whose driver will be able to forget about fatigue for a long time, enjoying a comfortable ride. The CVT automatic transmission makes the scooter more attractive for beginners.
The details of the night road are effectively illuminated by the modern optics of the Stels Vortex 150 scooter. Significant road irregularities are compensated by reinforced suspension using hydraulic dampers in the front fork. An informative dashboard allows you to control the bike. What makes the scooter more controllable are powerful brakes that can stop it safely in a critical situation.
Specifications
This model was assembled from what was found from spare parts suppliers at the lowest prices. There is nothing modern about the scooter except its appearance, and in terms of design it is similar to its counterparts produced at the end of the last century. But we can’t deny it decent dynamics, and we won’t discount maintainability either.
Engine
The scooter received a 2-stroke air-cooled engine QJ1E40QMB-4 , well known to all motorcycle mechanics who work with equipment from the Middle Kingdom - this motor is installed on many models from different manufacturers. It has a shorter lifespan compared to 4-stroke models, but has good performance, producing as much as 5 hp. at 49.9 cu. see volume . You shouldn’t expect much agility from it, but it provides good dynamics by the standards of the moped class, accelerating the bike to a maximum speed of almost 70 km/h according to the speedometer. Torque – 3.5 Nm at 3400 rpm .
Transmission
The most common variator , slightly “braking”, but quite reliable. This unit usually does not require the owner’s attention, especially if it is maintained according to the manual. It works quite noisily, and when picking up speed it emits a low hum, which, if you’re not used to it, can even make you think about some kind of malfunction, but in reality there’s nothing wrong with it.
Chassis and brakes
The front wheel has a brake disc with a simple single-piston caliper , the rear wheel has a classic drum mechanism, which has not changed for the last 50-60 years, and is of little use. However, the front brake works satisfactorily, and this somewhat corrects the situation. The same cannot be said about the suspensions - on uneven road surfaces it seems that the scooter does not have them at all, and every pebble on the road is fully felt by the fifth point. You can, of course, change the shock absorbers to more efficient ones, but the costs will be disproportionately high compared to the price of the moped itself.
Electronics
An ordinary generator, a 12-volt low-capacity battery, lighting equipment and, perhaps, that’s all. The electronics in Stealth Vortex 50 are no more complicated than in some Vyatka or Voskhod. Considering the low quality of many small parts made in China, this is for the better - the simpler the design, the less chance of unexpected breakdowns and malfunctions.
Weight and dimensions
The Stels Vortex 50 weighs less than 100 kg ( just over 97 ), comparable to hundreds of other similar lightweight bikes. Physically, any driver, even the most inexperienced, can handle it , and you can store it in the corner of the garage; it won’t take up much space. The length and width at the extreme points do not exceed 183 and 69 cm, respectively, and thanks to this compactness, this scooter is an excellent tool for cutting through city traffic jams.
Controllability
and the short wheelbase plays into its favor . But due to the small-diameter wheels, it is sensitive to the quality of the road surface, and on bad asphalt you constantly have to “catch” the steering wheel to prevent it from leaving the trajectory. The turning radius is small, not much longer than the length of the bike itself.
Fuel consumption
Two-stroke engines, designed using advanced technologies from half a century ago, have never been particularly economical. So the Stealth Vortex 50 shamelessly consumes 2.5 liters of gasoline per 100 km, sometimes even more. The quality and octane number of the fuel do not matter; it can run on any gasoline, but you will have to refuel often - the tank volume does not exceed 5.2 liters .
orion-100
Orion 100: RUB 26,200
Orion 100: RUB 26,200
The cheapest of the devices we tried, oddly enough, gave us more pleasant minutes than we could have expected. A high-torque engine with a mechanical clutch and a four-speed gearbox allows you to misbehave and perform some elements of stunt riding (for example, wheelies or rolling burnouts). Despite the fact that the scooter accelerates to 80 km/h, the wheels are equipped with weak drum brakes. Yes, on dirty and unpaved roads super-grippy brake mechanisms are not needed, but on good asphalt I do not recommend getting carried away with an aggressive driving style - the brakes quickly overheat and greatly lose their already low efficiency. Perhaps “Orion” will be registered at the dacha as a traveling vehicle. Its utility is confirmed by a strong and large trunk at the rear and a basket-like storage space between the driver's legs. For a complete set, in my opinion, a large basket on the front fender is missing. And 17-inch spoked wheels and energy-intensive suspensions help ensure accurate delivery of groceries from the store on roads with poor or no surfaces. There is only one drawback - the shape of the kickstarter lever, which does not allow you to properly place your right foot on the footrest. But, since the kick is equipped with an electric start, the lever can be removed painlessly.
Scooter price
The model has been discontinued, so you can only buy a used copy. The cost varies from 15 to 30 thousand rubles , and many options are already equipped with a larger-volume piston, usually 65 cc. see. But, if belonging to the “M” category is not critical for you, it is better to pay attention to the Vortex 150 - it costs the same on the secondary market, but rides much more vigorously.
Repair and tuning
What made Chinese scooters so popular was not their quality, but their cheapness and abundance of available parts. All of them, to one degree or another, are “constructors” in which you can replace anything you want, and it will not cost much.
Repair
Even an inexperienced but diligent motorcycle mechanic will be able to perform any service operations. The design of the brainchild of the Chinese-Russian company is as simple as three kopecks, and almost everything can be repaired in it. And what cannot be repaired can always be replaced by selecting the necessary part from some other similar scooter, fortunately, the unification of spare parts among Chinese manufacturers is enormous.
Spare parts
Much fits from other Stels scooters, as well as from bikes from other manufacturers, so there are no problems finding the right parts. They are very cheap, which is good news - no one would want to buy expensive spare parts for a cheap moped. But the cost of maintaining the Vortex 50 remains low mainly due to affordable spare parts.
Tuning
The most common tuning for this model is aimed at increasing engine capacity .
The corresponding set is inexpensive; CPGs of 65 and 80 cubic meters are available on the market, and they are almost the same in price. Many owners also install a center pannier and replace low-quality standard parts with others, such as mirrors and steering wheel grips.
arrow-50-benelli
Arrow 50 Benelli: RUR 51,520
Arrow 50 Benelli: RUR 51,520
The design of the “Strela” is so aggressive and futuristic that it seems that if you touch the throttle, the front wheel will fly away. Alas! - it only seems so. In fact, acceleration is somewhat duller than that of the Alpha, even though the engine is one-tenth more powerful. But the scooter itself is as much as 11 kg heavier. “Strela” not only looks advanced, but is also equipped with very high technology. There are LED turn signals and lensed optics with good light. The simple analog instrument panel looks somewhat archaic against this background. Utility is alien to this scooter. Not only do the two tiny glove compartments in the front panel not lock, but it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to put anything larger than a pack of cigarettes in there. There is also not much space under the seat. And you can’t put anything between your legs—the tunnel is in the way. However, this tunnel has almost no comfort: there is enough space for the legs. And the advantage of a “naked” steering wheel is the ability to adjust it. Arrow is a good base for tuning. If you replace the cylinder-piston group, carburetor and gearbox, you will get a decent racing projectile. True, depending on the depth of “interference in the design,” your wallet may lose the cost of another scooter.
Advantages and disadvantages
When evaluating extremely budget motorcycles, you should not expect any impressive qualities or characteristics from them. But even the most inexpensive bike can be built well, with a well-thought-out design and no weak points, although more often the opposite is true. Stealth Vortex falls somewhere in the middle.
Advantages
- Stylish appearance with sporty features;
- Undemanding to the quality of gasoline;
- Low cost of maintenance;
- Good performance of the front disc brake .
Flaws
- fuel consumption for a 50cc engine ;
- Small gas tank and modest range;
- Fragile plastic with large gaps between elements;
- Hard and ineffective suspensions .
trigger_ON-OFF_road
Trigger ON Road/OFF Road: RUB 50–60,500.
Trigger ON Road/OFF Road: RUB 50–60,500.
Two identical motorcycles, designed in enduro and supermoto formats. The only differences are the wheels and the front brake. But the engine is so weak at low and medium speeds that driving on public roads is not fun at all. It will be possible to move quickly on the “Trigger” only if the crankshaft speed is at least two-thirds of the maximum. If you turn the engine, the “switch”, of course, does not begin to “tear and throw”, but the ride begins to be noticeably more fun. You can’t lift it onto the rear wheel, but you still manage to roller-burnout. However, you won’t be able to climb a one and a half meter 45-degree slope from a standstill on this enduro - only on the move. Otherwise, “Triggers” is very good. Lightweight and maneuverable, they allow you to play around on dirt paths, clearings and asphalt areas. If it weren't for the motor! But the chassis can easily withstand an engine with more power. By investing two thousand dollars, you can remove 25-27 hp from this engine. won't be difficult. And then you can get adrenaline in buckets! In terms of comfort, the devices are close to real enduro and supermoto. From the narrow and hard seat, the “fifth point” begins to beg for mercy after half an hour of driving. Due to the low handlebars, riding in a standing position is not very comfortable. But don’t forget that “Triggers” is aimed at teenagers, and the seat and steering wheel will be just right for them.
Owner reviews
The moped is very good for fifty dollars, it accelerates briskly from a standstill, the maximum speed is about 70 according to the speedometer, but it eats an unreasonably much amount. If you drive around the city, which is what I usually do, the consumption, according to my measurements, approaches 5 liters per hundred, and this is no big deal, motorcycles with 10 times the engine volume consume the same amount. Moreover, it really smells like gasoline, it feels like the engine simply doesn’t burn half the fuel, but just throws it out into the exhaust pipe, so its efficiency is near zero. This is probably why two-stroke bikes have already been banned in many countries. Boris, Lipetsk
An ordinary stool, everything is like everyone else’s, except that there are no built-in speed limiters, so you don’t have to cut them out. The ground clearance is 20 cm, enough for convenient avoidance of traffic jams on the side of the road, you can even safely drive over curbs. On a regular basis, little things fall off, but there has never been a time when the scooter refused to start or didn’t make it home. The mileage is already over 30k, I drive it to the fullest. Dmitry, Rostov-on-Don.
I drove it for one season, bought it with a mileage of 3000 km, and drove the same amount myself. An ordinary Chinese moped with fragile plastic and paint that can be scratched with a fingernail, but overall there are no complaints about the quality. It drives normally, from 65cc the piston engine accelerates to 80. The brakes suck, especially the rear ones, but you can get used to them. The foot platform is made comfortably, the covering is corrugated, the feet do not slip in the rain. The trunk is not particularly roomy, but you can take it to the store, it’s enough. Igor, Tula.
Manual
If you purchased this model of scooter from Stels and you are interested in the details of its proper operation, then you should carefully study the instructions that the seller must provide you with the product.
The Stels Skif 50 model is very easy to use
If not, then some of the most important aspects will be discussed below:
- First of all, you should follow the traffic rules. Be sure to wear a protective helmet and gloves. You should operate the scooter with both hands and keep your feet on the footrests.
- Full concentration is strongly recommended during movement to avoid injury.
- While driving, keep your right hand on the throttle grip and your left hand on the left grip.
- When transporting things on the trunk, they should be carefully secured. Carrying heavy loads is strongly discouraged to avoid injury and fines.
- To maintain the scooter in optimal condition, you should check it regularly: after long-term parking, when operating in rainy and dusty weather. It is recommended to check the scooter at least twice a season in a special service workshop.
- You should wash the scooter yourself only after the engine has completely cooled down. This should be done with a sponge and a special vehicle cleaner. Polishing should be done with polishes that match the color.
The Stels Skif 50 model is highly maneuverable
- Before storing equipment for a long time, you need to thoroughly wash and dry it, fill the tank with gasoline and stabilizer. Then you need to let the engine run for about 10 minutes and drain the fuel from the carburetor. Then disconnect the battery and plug the exhaust pipe with a rag, coat all parts with a wax-based preservative and cover the scooter with a special cover.
- Do not start the engine without connecting the battery properly as this may damage some electrical components.
- For questions regarding warranty and post-warranty repairs and maintenance, please contact the company where you purchased the scooter.
Battery
You should check the electrolyte level in the battery every 1000 km. Exceptions include maintenance-free batteries. On the lid of these it will be written: “DO NOT OPEN”.
To check the battery, you first need to remove it. To do this, you need to open the battery compartment cover and disconnect the positive and negative contacts. Then check the electrolyte level and add distilled water if necessary. When reassembling, the positive contact is connected first, and then the negative one.
Most spare parts can be found in service centers
Wiring
Let's briefly look at the operating features of the Stels Skif 50 CPG. When the engine is running, a large load is placed on the cylinder. Chemical energy is released, but only a small part of it is converted into mechanical work. Most of the remaining heat is removed by cooling air created by the cylinder fins. These fins must be kept clean to avoid thermal insulation of the cylinder, causing the piston and the cylinder itself to become deformed.
In completely new engines, the piston in the cylinder is likely to scuff. For engines that have undergone appropriate tuning, there may be a gap between the cylinder and the piston.
Such clearances are checked during special tests of prototype engines.
The temperature of the piston is not the same during engine operation, so its shape is adjusted solely to avoid various types of deformation. After all, at maximum thermal load the piston expands, but there must be a working gap between it and the cylinder.
At a fairly low and affordable price you can purchase spare parts for Stels Skif 50
In order to check the Stels Skif 50 starter relay, you must first disconnect the red and white motor wire. Next, turn the scooter's ignition switch and squeeze the brake lever. Press the starter button and check the continuity of the circuit; it should not be broken.
Similar models
- Stels Nirvana 50 . Another two-stroke bike from the same manufacturer, with technical characteristics almost identical to the Vortex.
- 50 Keeway Street . A budget model from a well-known company that has been present on the Russian market for a long time.
- ABM ZX50S . Quite a nice option, also with a 2-stroke engine. It costs about 50 thousand rubles in new condition and under warranty.
table_no_copyright
It is logical that Velomotors has singled out very budget equipment into a separate brand (Orion), but the one that is more expensive and with a double name (Stels-Benelli) differs from “just Stealth” even more - both in design and quality. There are probably even more reasons to separate it into a separate brand. But, be that as it may, the wide range of small-capacity equipment completely covers the “mass” niche - and is capable of more than successfully competing with Chinese (or even Taiwanese) analogues. This was shown by both our test review and the growing number of Stealth and Orions on Russian roads.
From heaven to earth - Stels scooters and mopeds
Conclusion
The era of two-stroke scooters in Russia is gradually coming to an end, and they are being replaced by less powerful, but more durable 4-stroke models that cost comparable money. The Stealth Vortex, however, is unlikely to disappear from the roads in the foreseeable future - a huge number of copies have been produced over the years of production, and thanks to the availability of suitable spare parts, they will remain on the road for many years to come. This model has a lot of minor flaws and general quality problems, but everything can be easily replaced if desired, and the main components are quite reliable.
Specifications
| Maximum engine power: | 4.9 hp at 7000 rpm HP |
| Torque: | 3.16 N•m at 4000 rpm Nm |
| Working volume: | 49.8 cm3 |
| Motor type (cylinder arrangement, number of strokes): | |
| Number of valves: | |
| Intake type (Injector / Carburetor): | |
| Bore and stroke: | |
| Starting system (Electric starter, kick starter): | |
| Maximum speed in km/h: | 70 km/h |
| Cooling system: | Air |
| Transmission (gearbox): | Variable speed drive |
| Clutch (Dry / Wet): | |
| Drive unit: | Belt |
| Frame: | Steel tubular |
| Chassis | |
| Suspension (front/rear travel): | |
| Brakes (Front/Rear): | |
| Wheels / Tires / Rubber: | |
| Dimensions and weight | |
| Dimensions (Length / Width): | |
| Seat height: | |
| Ground clearance: | |
| Curb weight: | |
| Wheelbase: | 1270 mm |
| Weight: | 97.2 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 5.2 l. |
| Battery capacity: | |
| Year of release: | |
| Country of Origin: |
alpha-50-benelli
Alpha 50 Benelli: RUB 47,450
Alpha 50 Benelli: RUB 47,450
An urban scooter model with a classic design. In Europe it is known as the Benelli Pepe 50. It differs from the “Europeans” in its “stripped” steering wheel, separate seat and metal trunk. In my opinion, this is one of the most convenient “fifty dollars”. Despite its very modest dimensions, it allowed even me, who is 184 cm tall, to sit comfortably behind the wheel. The low floor and high steering wheel allow you to sit almost cross-legged. Everything here is done to make moving around the city as comfortable as possible. A decent steering angle allows you to turn, as they say, around the scooter itself. 16-inch wheels, coupled with soft suspension, “eat up” almost any unevenness. For the sake of experimentation, I even went to a field where I quite calmly accelerated to 40 km/h without a significant loss in comfort. By the way, Alpha is one of the fastest fifty-kopeck Stels. The Alfa's underseat capacity is narrow and deep - the integral won't fit, but it will fit a lot of things. The kit also includes a trunk (which, by the way, withstood jumps across the fields) plus a small lockable glove box in the front panel for small items.
