What is Our Engine Based On?

[Bravin Neff]

Hello folks, first time poster here. I just picked up a 2002 People 50 that I am restoring. My research suggests the engine is based on a Honda AF16 Dio. Is there any truth to this? I am trying to determine what aftermarket parts are compatible with the bike. Thanks!

Bravin

[BettinANDlosing]

Good news, it's 100% Kymco design. The only Kymco that uses the "DIO" copy is the zx50. After alert parts will be listed for the Kymco AC (air cooled) scooter under any name except zx50. Lots of good stuff out there, check if scooter west.com still has any $100 malossi kits, cheapest you'll ever find. Racing planet.com has lots, but expect a wait time if coming from Europe warehouse, they always have have delivered though.

[Bravin Neff]

Great info, thank you!

[mclark999]

From http://motorscooterguide.net/Kymco/People/People.html

Engines
The smaller People 50 scooter utilized the same 2-stroke engine found in all of Kymco’s 50cc 2-stroke models. This motor is a CLONE of Honda’s nicely designed AF18E/AF16E motor found in North American scooters like the ’94-’01 Honda Elite SR. This motor is hugely popular worldwide and has quite a following of aftermarket parts. You can read all the in-depth information this motor including information on derestricting it on the Kymco Super 9 page.

Having seen this, I've also seen that you need be very careful when parts hunting because the Kymco is enough different from the Honda that some parts aren't interchangeable.

[BettinANDlosing]

From http://motorscooterguide.net/Kymco/People/People.html

Engines
The smaller People 50 scooter utilized the same 2-stroke engine found in all of Kymco’s 50cc 2-stroke models. This motor is a CLONE of Honda’s nicely designed AF18E/AF16E motor found in North American scooters like the ’94-’01 Honda Elite SR. This motor is hugely popular worldwide and has quite a following of aftermarket parts. You can read all the in-depth information this motor including information on derestricting it on the Kymco Super 9 page.

Having seen this, I've also seen that you need be very careful when parts hunting because the Kymco is enough different from the Honda that some parts aren't interchangeable.

Not true!! The Kymco zx50 is the only one that uses the af16 clone engine!!! The others are horizontal not vertical, and share 0 parts with the af16 "DIO".

[mclark999]

Not true!! The Kymco zx50 is the only one that uses the af16 clone engine!!! The others are horizontal not vertical, and share 0 parts with the af16 "DIO".

Did some more research and you are right.  It is amazing though how many sites list it as that Honda clone.