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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