Article: Top 10 Most Popular 50cc Bikes in France | 2025 Guide

Top 10 Most Popular 50cc Bikes in France | 2025 Guide

The 50cc market in France is still going strong. Rideable from age 14 with the AM licence (formerly the BSR), a 50cc is often a young two-wheel fan's very first machine. At BikeSellier, we make custom seat covers for every one of these models. Here's our rundown of the 10 most popular 50cc bikes in France, with the key specs, strong points and our customisation tips for each one. And if you're after the ultimate in customisation, give our 3D Configurator for 50cc Bike Seat Covers a go.

1. Derbi Senda DRD Racing

The Undisputed Benchmark

The Derbi Senda DRD is hands down the most iconic 50cc bike in France. Built by Spanish manufacturer Derbi (Piaggio group), it has ruled the market for years thanks to its bulletproof AM6 engine and its well-earned reputation for performance. The Senda DRD Racing stands out with its stiff aluminium frame, quality suspension and strong braking with a 260mm front disc.

Engine: AM6 engine, 2-stroke, liquid-cooled. In stock form it puts out around 2.7 bhp, but the tuning potential is huge thanks to the massive supply of aftermarket parts.

BikeSellier customisation: The Derbi Senda is our absolute best-seller. We offer dozens of possible setups with our 3D configurator, from aggressive racing looks to more understated styles. Grip is especially popular on this model given how it's ridden hard.

2. Beta RR 50

The Sporty Italian

The Beta RR 50 is Italy's answer to the Spanish giants of the 50cc market. Built by Beta Motor in Florence, this 50cc enduro wins riders over with its top-notch build quality and seriously sharp performance. The double-cradle steel frame is rock-solid, while the adjustable suspension lets you dial it in perfectly for your weight and riding.

Engine: AM6 (Minarelli) engine, 2-stroke, liquid-cooled. 6-speed gearbox. The Beta RR is known for its mechanical reliability and the quality of its stock exhaust.

BikeSellier customisation: The Beta RR's seat is one of the nicest to customise thanks to its ergonomic shape. Grip/synthetic leather combos are in high demand, especially in red and black to match Beta's livery.

3. Yamaha DT 50

The Timeless Classic

The Yamaha DT 50 is a living legend of the 50cc world. Even though production has stopped, it's still hugely popular on the used market thanks to its legendary reliability and an active community. The DT 50 has trained entire generations of French riders and remains a go-to choice for restoration and tuning fans.

Engine: Minarelli AM6 engine, 2-stroke. Depending on the version (R, SM, X) the specs vary, but the engine block stays the same proven AM6. The DT 50 is known for its exceptional mechanical longevity.

BikeSellier customisation: The DT 50 has a very active community of enthusiasts who customise their machines heavily. Our Alcantara covers are especially popular for giving a premium look to these bikes, which often need a freshly redone seat.

4. Rieju MRT 50

The Spanish Challenger

The Rieju MRT 50 has stepped up over the past few years to become one of the best-selling models in France. The Catalan manufacturer offers a modern machine with excellent bang for your buck. The MRT comes in SM (supermoto) and Trophy (enduro) versions, covering the two main demands of the market.

Engine: AM6 engine, 2-stroke, liquid-cooled. The latest Euro5 versions get electronic fuel injection. Performance on par with the competition, with fuel use kept in check.

BikeSellier customisation: The Rieju MRT has a modern-looking seat that lends itself perfectly to customisation. Tricolour combos are in high demand for creating original looks.

5. KTM SX 50

The Motocross Beast

The KTM SX 50 is the absolute benchmark in 50cc motocross. Built for competition, it stands out with its chromoly steel frame, high-quality WP suspension and KTM's own engine. It's the bike of choice for young riders racing in championships or hitting the track hard.

Engine: KTM single-cylinder 2-stroke, liquid-cooled. Unlike the other 50cc bikes on this list, the KTM uses its own engine block — seriously punchy, but with its own dedicated parts network.

BikeSellier customisation: Grip seat covers are pretty much a must on the KTM SX 50 to keep the rider planted through jumps and corners. Our full-grip covers in KTM orange are very popular.

6. Sherco 50 SE-R

The French Bike With Character

Sherco is one of the few French manufacturers still active in the 50cc segment. Based in Nîmes, the brand offers a quality enduro in the 50 SE-R, drawing on real know-how from trial and enduro competition. The steel frame and quality components make it a reliable bike that's a pleasure to ride.

Engine: AM6 engine, 2-stroke, liquid-cooled. Standard performance for the category, but with proven reliability and close-to-home manufacturer support.

BikeSellier customisation: As a French brand like us, Sherco has a special place in our catalogue. We offer specific patterns for every generation of the 50 SE-R.

7. Fantic Casa 50

The Italian Revival

Fantic Motor, a historic Italian brand relaunched in recent years, offers a full range of modern 50cc bikes with the Casa 50 (and the Performance 50). The slick Italian design and build quality make them seriously eye-catching machines.

Engine: AM6 engine, 2-stroke. The latest models meet Euro5 standards with electronic fuel injection. Fantic also offers an electric version, a sign of just how modern the brand is.

BikeSellier customisation: The shape of Fantic seats allows for elegant customisation. Synthetic leather covers with the rider's first name embroidered on are in high demand on this premium-looking model.

8. Honda CRF 50

Japanese Reliability

The Honda CRF 50 is mainly a beginner's motocross bike for the youngest riders. Its legendary Honda reliability and easygoing 4-stroke engine make it a great choice to get started. While it's technically less powerful than the AM6 bikes, it makes up for it with ease of use and minimal maintenance.

Engine: Single-cylinder 4-stroke engine, air-cooled. Kick-start. A simple, reliable engine that barely needs any upkeep. Perfect for learning the ropes.

BikeSellier customisation: Covers for the Honda CRF 50 are often customised with bright, fun colours. Grip is recommended to keep young riders firmly planted on the seat.

9. MBK X-Limit

Yamaha's Partner

The MBK X-Limit is actually a rebadged Yamaha DT 50, built at the MBK factory in Saint-Quentin in the Aisne. So it gets the same proven mechanicals and the same reliability as its Japanese cousin. The X-Limit was hugely popular in the 2000s and 2010s and is still common on the used market.

Engine: Minarelli AM6 engine, identical to the Yamaha DT 50. Same performance, same reliability, same tuning potential. Yamaha and MBK parts are interchangeable.

BikeSellier customisation: The MBK X-Limit seat cover patterns are identical to those for the Yamaha DT 50. So every design available for the DT also fits the X-Limit.

10. Aprilia SX 50

Italian Style

The Aprilia SX 50, from the Piaggio group like Derbi, offers a tempting supermoto version with an aggressive design penned by the Aprilia styling centre. Its light aluminium frame and quality components make it a fun, capable machine. The SX 50 stands out with its carefully worked looks and clean finish.

Engine: AM6 engine, 2-stroke, liquid-cooled. The same block as the Derbi Senda but in a different outfit. Identical performance with a flat-out sporty style.

BikeSellier customisation: The Aprilia SX 50's seat has a specific shape that works well with two-tone designs. Grip/synthetic leather covers in Aprilia colours (black/red or black/grey) are the most popular.

How to Choose Your 50cc

What to Look For

Choosing a 50cc bike comes down to a few things:

First off, budget: new prices range from 2,500 to 5,000 euros depending on the brand and model.

On top of that, how you'll ride it: road (SM), trails (enduro) or track (motocross).

Next, parts availability: AM6 models have a huge choice of aftermarket parts.

Next, dealer network: check there's a dealer near you.

And finally, community: an active community makes it easier to get help and to resell.

New or Used?

The used 50cc market is very active in France. Watch out, though, for machines that have been over-modified or poorly looked after. Always check the condition of the engine, frame and forks before you buy. At BikeSellier, we also offer used seat covers in excellent condition for tighter budgets.

Customise Your 50cc With BikeSellier

Whatever your 50cc model, BikeSellier offers a made-to-measure custom seat cover. Our online 3D configurator lets you create the design of your dreams in just a few clicks. With over 20 colours, 3 premium materials and custom embroidery options, the possibilities are endless.

Join the thousands of riders who already trust BikeSellier to turn their 50cc into a one-of-a-kind machine.