Review Benelli 49x Quattronove Bang for buck the 49x Quattronove is one of the best value scooters on the market & a modifiers dream Brendon First released to the world in 2008 the 49X Quattronove is a completely new Scooter from Benelli. An Italian design produced in China the Benelli 49x Quattronove is one of the most stylish sports scooters on the market. Compared to price rivals it's miles ahead in the looks department.
Where the Benelli 49x Quattronove has attracted our attention is first the styling, second the engine. The 49x Quattronove runs a large port version of the Minarelli designed 2 stroke 50cc engine. This engine design is used in a number of high end & budget scooters. The large port version of this engine is one of the best performing two strokes out there & the choice of aftermarket performance parts its second to none. If you want a pocket rocket the 49X Quattronove is a must look at scooter.
Out of the box the Benelli 49x Quattronove is like all other LA class 50cc scooters able to be ridden on a car licence in some states, speed limited to 50km/h. The restriction device is ring in the transmission limiting the gearing, once removed the 49X runs out to around 70km/h on the dash. We must point out it is illegal to make an LA class scooter do more than 50km/h on public roads regardless of what licence you hold.
We know this engine very well & have built race engines capable of well over 100km/h, how fast you want to go depends on how much money you want to throw at it. Bang for buck the 49X quattronove is one of the best value for money scooters on the market & a modifiers dream. (Watch for a HQ Benelli 69x Quattronove big bore blaster)
Ergonomics on the 49x Quattronove are good for all but the shortest of riders. Adjustable motocross style handlbars, easy to read dash with Speedo, Fuel Gauge, Odometer & clock. Storage is two gloveboxes & a huge underseat storage opened via a release on the ignition so you don't need to remove the key to access the underseat storage. Every scooter should have this. Mirrors are teardrop style that provide OK rear vision, they are wide enough apart so bigger riders aren't looking at their arms.
Handling of the 49X is right on the hammer of some Euro flyers courtesy of a fuel tank located between the riders feet providing the 49X Quattronove with excellent weight distribution. Most 50's in this price range have the fuel tank behind the seat exagerating the rear weight bias. Wheels are lightweight 12" alloy numbers with a wave style front disc brake & drum rear. The CST (Chen Shin Tyres) are standard for this price range & fitted to numerous scooters. Personally I think they are pretty average & grip could be easily improved with a set of decent tyres. The best upgrade you can do to many scooters is decent tyres, the 49x is no exception.
Quality of the Italian designed & Chinese manufactured 49x Quattronove is better than all Chinese built scooters I have seen with the exception of the Piaggio Group models manufactured in the Joint Venture Zongshen Piaggio Foshan factory. It is right on the hammer of the Taiwanese manufacturers. Benelli were recently acquired by Chinese motorcycle & scooter giant QJ (QianJiang), the Italian operation provides high end motorcycle/scooter design & technology. QJ has the manufacturing muscle & ecomomy of scale the Chinese are known for.
The acquisition of a fully functional Benelli by QJ has placed Benelli QJ in a unique position of being able to offer Italian design at Chinese prices.
published 11/06/2009 |