What is the Puch Magnum?

The Puch Magnum is a moped made between 1978-1979 primarily for the North American market. 

Compared to some other models from Puch, such as the Puch Maxi and the DS 50, the Magnum’s design is more like a small motorcycle with its top-tank design.

During the Magnum’s production span, there were two models available:

  • The XK
  • The MKII

The XK is the base model, with spoked wheels and Puch’s 1-speed E50 engine, while the MKII was equipped with the 2-speed Z50 engine and oil injection.

There’s also a super-rare version of the MKII called the “MKII LTD”, which featured, among other things:

  • Key ignition
  • Turn signals
  • A front fairing and windshield

Watch the video below to see a Magnum MKII LTD in action:

Puch Magnum X

The most significant difference between the Magnum X and the standard Magnum is that the Magnum X is a dirt bike with an E50 engine. 

And since it was designed as an off-highway bike (i.e., not street-legal), the Magnum X had no headlight. 

It was also targeted toward younger riders, evidenced by the owner’s manual, which recommends that “Use of the Magnum X should be controlled by the parents in relation to the rider’s age.”

The manual also contains an entire page with a message from Steyr Daimler Puch of America with the title “Dear Puch Parent,” which reads:

“The Magnum X is designed with features taking into consideration of children’s physical and mental capabilities. We on the part of Puch have to count heavily on their parents for ensuring maximized safety.

In this sense, this owner’s manual is intended for the parents, with a strong hope that it will also be read by the young riders themselves.”

To see a test ride of a Magnum X, check out the video below:

Puch Magnum Specs:

Engine: Single cylinder, air-cooled, 2-stroke

Displacement: 48.8 ccs

Top speed: 48 km/h / 30 mph

Gearbox: 2-speed automatic transmission

Drivetrain: Chain drive

Ignition: Magneto ignition (BOSCH  RDP1 6 Volts, 26-5/10 W)

Spark plug: Bosch W 7 A Champion L 86

Spark plug gap: 0.4-0.5mm / 0.16-.020 inches

Fuel system: Carburetor (Bing 1/12/322)

Fuel tank capacity: 7 liters/1.85 galleons 

Front brake: Drum brake

Rear brake: Drum brake

Wheelbase: 1150 mm/45.3 inches

Front tire pressure: 26 PSI

Rear tire pressure: 32 PSI

Tire dimension: 17”

Ground clearance: 160mm / 6.3 inches

Total weight (dry): 58.5 kilos/ 128.6 lbs

Source: Puch Magnum Owner’s Manual

Puch Magnum X Specs:

Engine: Single cylinder, air-cooled, 2-stroke

Displacement: 48.8 ccs

Top speed: 32 km/h / 20 mph (restricted), 50 km/h / 31 mph (without restrictive devices)

Gearbox: 1-speed automatic transmission

Drivetrain: Chain drive

Ignition: Magneto ignition (BOSCH  RCP1 6 Volts, 26-5/10 Watts)

Spark plug: BOSCH W 5A/W225 T1

Spark plug gap: 0,4-0,5 mm / .016-.020 inches

Fuel system: Carburetor (Bing 1/17)

Fuel tank capacity: 3,5 liters/0.93 galleons 

Front brake: Drum brake

Rear brake: Drum brake

Wheelbase: 1000 mm/39.3 inches

Front tire pressure: 18,5 PSI

Rear tire pressure: 21,3 PSI

Tire dimension: 17”

Ground clearance: 175 mm / 6.8 inches

Total weight (dry): 38 kilos/ 83.7 lbs

Source: Puch Magnum X Owner’s Manual