Original image by Alf van Beem, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
What is the Puch VZ50 and who made it?
The Puch VZ50 is a 50cc sports moped made by the Austrian motorcycle and moped manufacturer Puch between 1965 and 1975.
Unlike many other mopeds at the time, the VZ50 looked more like a small motorcycle – making it appealing to many teenagers in the 1970s.
The engine was also fan-cooled – also quite unusual for mopeds at the time.
“Puch Dakota” – The VZ50 in Sweden
When Sweden started importing the VZ50 in 1966, it got the name “Puch Dakota” – a name thought up by Lundbolagen AB – the Swedish importers of Puch mopeds.
It’s unclear whether it’s South or North Dakota, though.
The first models were available with a British Racing Green paint job, although between 1967-1970, they were also available in red and blue between 1970-1982.
Out of all the Puch models, the Dakota/VZ50 has reached something of a cult status in Sweden.
It’s so iconic that there’s a novelty comedy song named after it:
Quick trivia:
- The blue color scheme available on the 1970-182 models was known as “Dino Blue”
- When it ceased production in 1982, Sweden was the only country in the world where the VZ50 was still being sold
Different versions of the VZ50:
VZ50 V3/Texas
Made between 1973-1984, the VZ50 V3 (aka the “Texas”) is a budget version of the standard VZ50, where several features were removed to keep costs down, including:
- The speedometer
- The luggage rack (later, the 1974 models reintroduced the luggage rack)
Puch “Flagskib”
The “Flagskib” is a unique model of the VZ50 made exclusively for the Danish market that had a rev counter and indicator lights fitted as standard.
And in case you’re interested, the Danish word “Flagskib” literally translates to “Flagship.”
Hello,I hope you can help me I’m looking for tuning kits for my VZ50-3P(1974) but most kits seem to be for the ap50 engine.will this suit my bike or a code for the engine I have searched my manual with no luck even the internet comes comes up with no information.
Thank you
Tony