[Phoenix Engineering Gunner 50]Details and Test Ride Review
The Gunner 50 became a hot topic as soon as it was posted on social media, and its unique style, reminiscent of a bazooka gun, became the talk of the town on social media!
The Gunner 50 is manufactured by an up-and-coming Thai company called Phoenix Engineering. The Gunner 50 is manufactured by the up-and-coming Thai company Phoenix Engineering, and while they don't have a track record in Japan yet, the Moto Shop Chronicle (GPX Chiba), which also handles the Thai manufacturer GPX, is the sole distributor for the Kanto region, so expectations are high.
I had a chance to ride the Gunner 50, so I'll give you my impressions along with the details of each part!
Your adorable styling stands out!
[Total length/Total width/Total height]
1,670mm/690mm/1,270mm
[Vehicle weight]
80kg
The unique style that can be said to be the most distinctive feature is created by the frame that is integrated with each part. Lights are embedded in both ends of the tubular frame, and inside is the fuel tank. The design of this motorcycle has become a hot topic for beginners and experienced riders alike. It looks cute and not like a motorcycle in a good way, and it will be popular as a part of interior design. In fact, there are inquiries from customers who want to display them in their shops. It is small in size so it can be displayed without getting in the way.
Legs and position
[Seat Height]
802mm
[Foot grounding]
Seat height: 802mm (staff height 180cm)
Seat height: 802mm (staff height 180cm)According to the catalog value, the seat height is over 800mm, but the body itself is very thin, so it feels much lower than the value. Despite its small size, I was able to ride the motorcycle in a natural position without my feet hitting the handlebars, even though I am tall (my feet hit the handlebars when I ride the Monkey 50). Even if you think that other motorcycles have too wide a seat, you can ride it with ease! Also, since the vehicle is small and light, I can support it and feel comfortable stepping on it even if something happens.
Test Ride Review
So I actually test rode the Gunner 50 for the first time! I took it for a spin on a public road and a road along a river. I had expected this, but my first impression was "slow! That's not surprising. After all, it's a 50cc with about 3 horsepower. There is no way it can be ridden fast.
However, this is the Gunner 50, and it's slow, but very fun and comfortable.
I never feel like "I have to accelerate hard! I don't feel like "I have to accelerate hard" at all. I had to shift gears early to get the most out of the motorcycle, but it was fun to ride slowly and still feel like I was controlling the motorcycle. The 30km/h limit was a little scary because the route we took happened to be on a busy road with a high speed range, but I was able to genuinely enjoy riding it in a relaxed manner.
Can you go faster than 30km/h? (When the store tried it on a closed course, it was able to go up to 60km/h.) My feeling is that it can go fast, but at 30km/h, the vibration is quite intense and I wondered if my hands would go numb or the engine would stop riding if I went any further (lol).
On the way, I ran a little bit of a steep slope of the gradient, but the third speed 30km/I slowed down drastically in the middle of the race when I tried to do it in h lol. As for hills, you'll have to switch to a lower gear and open up the accelerator to stall the motorcycle. Or you may need to go into it with some momentum.
As for cornering, I didn't drive on the road to experience it that much, so I exaggerated a very gentle curve, but it was so light that I almost fell. It's a bit dangerous if you're a regular rider on a motorcycle and you roll it in like you normally would.
After a few hours of test riding, I thought that many people who are used to riding fast motorcycles would find it lacking. However, I thought the performance was perfect for those who are new to motorcycling or who like to take it slow. It looks cute and stylish, so it's suitable to use it to enjoy riding around the city.
Detail Introduction Lamp & Meter
[Lamps]
The halogen type headlight and tail light are embedded in the frame and it looks like a flashlight when viewed from the side. The number plate is integrated with the mat guard so that the design from the headlight to the tail light is not spoiled when viewed from the side.
[Meter]
The meter is of the digital type. The bar graph type tachometer is placed around the speedometer. There is also an ODO meter and a fuel gauge under the speedometer, and although it is compact, it is equipped with convenient functions.
Details Introduction Driving performance
[Engine]
Engine type: 4-stroke SOHC single-cylinder 49cc
Maximum power: 3.3PS/8.000 rpm
Maximum torque: 3 N-m / 7.500rpm
The horizontal, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine with a carburetor for the fuel supply system produces 3.3PS, almost the same as the Monkey 50 (3.4PS). The muffler is laid out under the belly, which again does not detract from the overall design. As the engine is a familiar horizontal type for the 4-mini, we can expect to see some custom parts such as increased bore.
[Handlebar]
The handlebars are clamped and are a good size in both width and height. Thanks to this handlebar, the position is compact but not cramped. The handlebar switch is also equipped with a hazard.
[Foot grounding]
Front size: 100/90-12
Rear size: 120/70-12
Both the front and rear brakes are 2-pod caliper disc brakes, which provide excellent stopping power for the power (or is that too strong?), and full braking from 30km/h usually locked up the brakes. The tire size is 100/120 with 12-inch front and rear tires, so there is a wide selection of tires to choose from, including high-grip tires for mini-bikes.
The suspension is telescopic at the front and monoshock at the rear, and the rear has stepped preload adjustment.
Detail Introduction Utility
[Tank]
Tank capacity: 3.5L
The frame-integrated tank makes it hard to tell where the tank is from, but there is a fuel gauge so you don't have to worry about refueling timing. The key has the Phoenix Engineering logo printed on it.
[Seat]
The little seat on the little guy is adorable! But when you actually sit and drive it, the small seat and hard seat will make your butt scream early on. The author usually rides a motorcycle produced in Thailand (which also has a hard seat), so he was somewhat accustomed to it, but it is quite tough for people who are used to a soft seat on a domestic motorcycle. It was also hard to sit in the same position all the time because there was almost no range of motion on the seat. Will I be able to go touring with this?
[Key cylinder]
The key cylinder is placed on the side, which is also a bit stylish. You can also lock the handle firmly.
[Kickstarter]
The engine was equipped with a kick pedal as well as a cell to start the engine. It is possible to start the engine even if the battery goes out.
Selling price you are interested in
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (including 10% sales tax)
205,000 yen
As of February 2021
Summary
The Gunner 50 drew a lot of attention because of its outlandish form, but I personally think it should be ridden by a beginner motorcycle rider. It's okay to use a moped scooter, but I thought it would be a good idea to try to feel the fun of riding while changing gears first.
It may be difficult to attach a carrier to the back of the motorcycle or load it with luggage, but it's the perfect motorcycle for those who want to enjoy riding around on a stylish looking motorcycle. It has a shape that you don't see often on other motorcycles, so it gets a lot of attention, and I think it's a great option for you.
