Suzuki Choinori model history 2003—

I have tried to tell the Choinori model history on this page as I know it. This page is still under construction. I would be grateful of any contributions — sales brochures, magazine ads, magazine articles, pictures, specs, facts, corrections etc. Please scan the material in JPEG format (large enough that all the details are visible) and send them to me. Please tell me the source and the publication date if possible. If you send me pictures of your own bike, please follow these instructions.

2003 Suzuki year code: K3

The Choinori is a new 49cc four-stroke mini-scooter from Suzuki, aimed for the Japanese home market. Suzuki wanted to launch a small scooter model that was clearly cheaper than any other scooter on the market, and managed to do it. The retail price for the Choinori for 2003 is 59.800 Yen in Japan, that is about 40% cheaper than any of its competitors. Simple technology and cheaper components were the key to be able to make the Choinori that cheap. There is no rear suspension, to name a detail. The small engine of the bike delivers 2 hp, giving the bike a maximum speed is less than 40 km/h. That's normal figures for Europe, but the Japanese customers are used to get more power from their 50cc bike engines. The price could have probably be pressed down even more if Suzuki had chosen to assemble the Choinori in China, but to many people's surprise it is entirely made in Japan where the personnel expenses are high. The customers in Japan have mixed opinions of the new Choinori. Some people think that it's uneasy because it is too slow or because it doesn't have any rear suspension but other people think it's fast enough to move around in the town (where it was meant to be used) and the the fact that it is made in Japan tells it should be reliable. Time will tell if the Choinori will be a bestseller or a flop. The extremely low price should be a great advantage. A Japanese friend of mine tried to explain the meaning of the word ”Choinori” for me, it seems to be difficult to translate it to English. Choinori means something like ”to ride a little bit” or ”to ride around one's home, not far away”. The opposite, to ride a long trip, ”touring” in English, would be ”Tohnori” in Japanese. Choi means a little bit, Toh means far away, and Nori means to ride. That is, Choi-nori is the antonym of Toh-nori. Suzuki developed ”high-speed plating”technology for this scooter which enabled them to make sleeveless plated cylinders at a very low cost. This made the Choinori engine lighter than Suzuki's existing four-stroke 50cc engine by about 40%. So it's not just all about being simple. There are some new technology involved that actually help making it cheap. There are now four variations to the Choinori; Standard, Electric start, With front basket and Front basket with electric start. No difference in specs, just weight (39 kg, 42 kg, 41 kg, 44 kg) and price (59,800 Yen, 69,800 Yen, 65,800 Yen, 75,800 Yen). The Choinori created a sensation, mainly from non-motorcycle people, for its low price and the made-in-Japan status; people in Japan are tired of deflation and the flood of cheap Chinese products. It's sales didn't catch on immediately, but now I see a couple everyday during commute so it doesn't seem to be a flop at the moment. Colors available: Beige, Black, Ice Blue, Orange, White, Yellow.

Choinori 2003 Overall Length: 1 500 mm (59.1 in) Overall Width: 620 mm (24.4 in) Overall Height: 975 mm (38.4 in) Seat Height: 680 mm (26.8 in) Wheelbase 1 055 mm (41.5 in) Ground Clearance: 90 mm (3.5 in) Dry Weight: 39 kg (89 lbs) Engine type: Air-cooled 49 cc single cylinder, OHV, 2 valves. Effect, torque: 2 hp (1,5 kW)/ 5.500 rpm, 2,9 Nm (3,0 kg-m)/ 3.500 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

Choinori 2003 Overall Length: 1 500 mm (59.1 in) Overall Width: 620 mm (24.4 in) Overall Height: 975 mm (38.4 in) Seat Height: 680 mm (26.8 in) Wheelbase 1 055 mm (41.5 in) Ground Clearance: 90 mm (3.5 in) Dry Weight: 39 kg (89 lbs) Engine type: Air-cooled 49 cc single cylinder, OHV, 2 valves. Effect, torque: 2 hp (1,5 kW)/ 5.500 rpm, 2,9 Nm (3,0 kg-m)/ 3.500 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

Choinori 2003 Overall Length: 1 500 mm (59.1 in) Overall Width: 620 mm (24.4 in) Overall Height: 975 mm (38.4 in) Seat Height: 680 mm (26.8 in) Wheelbase 1 055 mm (41.5 in) Ground Clearance: 90 mm (3.5 in) Dry Weight: 39 kg (89 lbs) Engine type: Air-cooled 49 cc single cylinder, OHV, 2 valves. Effect, torque: 2 hp (1,5 kW)/ 5.500 rpm, 2,9 Nm (3,0 kg-m)/ 3.500 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

Choinori 2003 Overall Length: 1 500 mm (59.1 in) Overall Width: 620 mm (24.4 in) Overall Height: 975 mm (38.4 in) Seat Height: 680 mm (26.8 in) Wheelbase 1 055 mm (41.5 in) Ground Clearance: 90 mm (3.5 in) Dry Weight: 39 kg (89 lbs) Engine type: Air-cooled 49 cc single cylinder, OHV, 2 valves. Effect, torque: 2 hp (1,5 kW)/ 5.500 rpm, 2,9 Nm (3,0 kg-m)/ 3.500 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

Choinori 2003 Overall Length: 1 500 mm (59.1 in) Overall Width: 620 mm (24.4 in) Overall Height: 975 mm (38.4 in) Seat Height: 680 mm (26.8 in) Wheelbase 1 055 mm (41.5 in) Ground Clearance: 90 mm (3.5 in) Dry Weight: 39 kg (89 lbs) Engine type: Air-cooled 49 cc single cylinder, OHV, 2 valves. Effect, torque: 2 hp (1,5 kW)/ 5.500 rpm, 2,9 Nm (3,0 kg-m)/ 3.500 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

Choinori 2003 Overall Length: 1 500 mm (59.1 in) Overall Width: 620 mm (24.4 in) Overall Height: 975 mm (38.4 in) Seat Height: 680 mm (26.8 in) Wheelbase 1 055 mm (41.5 in) Ground Clearance: 90 mm (3.5 in) Dry Weight: 39 kg (89 lbs) Engine type: Air-cooled 49 cc single cylinder, OHV, 2 valves. Effect, torque: 2 hp (1,5 kW)/ 5.500 rpm, 2,9 Nm (3,0 kg-m)/ 3.500 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

2003-2004 Choinori (BA-CZ41A) specifications (Japan)
Engine type (Z401):	Air-cooled single cylinder, OHV, 2 valves
Cylinder displacement:	49 cc
Bore x stroke:	36,0 x 48,6 mm (1.417 x 1.913 in.)
Compression ratio:	8,4 :1
Maximum power output:	2 hp (1,5 kW)/ 5.500 rpm
Maximum torque:	2,9 Nm (3,0 kg-m)/ 3.500 rpm
Carburetor:	Mikuni VM12
Lubrication:	Wet sump
Engine oil capacity:	0,35 liter (0.74 US pints)
Clutch:	Wet centrifugal automatic
Transmission:	V-belt automatic
Speed change ratio:	2.260—0.882
Primary reduction ratio:	1.000
Gear ratios:	4.272/3.272
Starter:	Electric starter
Ignition:	CDI
Turning radius:	1,6 m (5.25 ft.)
Frame:	Steel profile
Caster:	25° 00'
Trail:	71 mm (2.8 in.)
Steering angle (left to right):	45°
Front brake:	Mechanical drum
Rear brake:	Mechanical drum
Front tyre dimension:	80/90-10 34J
Rear tyre dimension:	80/90-10 34J
Fuel economy:	76,0 km/l (30km/h)
Fuel tank capacity:	3,0 liter (0.8 US gal.)
Retail price (2003, Japan):	59,800 Yen

2004 Suzuki year code: K4

The Choinori haven't been changed for the 2004. There's new colors to choose from, that's about it. There's still four versions to choose from; Standard, Electric start, With front basket and Front basket with electric start. But there's a new model as well. Suzuki presented a version called Choinori SS in July 29th, 2004. It has the same specs as the standard version but the SS doesn't have the fairing at the front.

Choinori 2004 Overall Length: 1 500 mm (59.1 in) Overall Width: 620 mm (24.4 in) Overall Height: 975 mm (38.4 in) Seat Height: 680 mm (26.8 in) Wheelbase 1 055 mm (41.5 in) Ground Clearance: 90 mm (3.5 in) Dry Weight: 39 kg (89 lbs) Engine type: Air-cooled 49 cc single cylinder, OHV, 2 valves. Effect, torque: 2 hp (1,5 kW)/ 5,500 rpm, 2,9 Nm (3,0 kg-m)/ 3.500 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

Choinori 2004 Overall Length: 1 500 mm (59.1 in) Overall Width: 620 mm (24.4 in) Overall Height: 975 mm (38.4 in) Seat Height: 680 mm (26.8 in) Wheelbase 1 055 mm (41.5 in) Ground Clearance: 90 mm (3.5 in) Dry Weight: 39 kg (89 lbs) Engine type: Air-cooled 49 cc single cylinder, OHV, 2 valves. Effect, torque: 2 hp (1,5 kW)/ 5,500 rpm, 2,9 Nm (3,0 kg-m)/ 3.500 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

Choinori 2004 Overall Length: 1 500 mm (59.1 in) Overall Width: 620 mm (24.4 in) Overall Height: 975 mm (38.4 in) Seat Height: 680 mm (26.8 in) Wheelbase 1 055 mm (41.5 in) Ground Clearance: 90 mm (3.5 in) Dry Weight: 39 kg (89 lbs) Engine type: Air-cooled 49 cc single cylinder, OHV, 2 valves. Effect, torque: 2 hp (1,5 kW)/ 5,500 rpm, 2,9 Nm (3,0 kg-m)/ 3.500 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

Choinori 2004 Overall Length: 1 500 mm (59.1 in) Overall Width: 620 mm (24.4 in) Overall Height: 975 mm (38.4 in) Seat Height: 680 mm (26.8 in) Wheelbase 1 055 mm (41.5 in) Ground Clearance: 90 mm (3.5 in) Dry Weight: 39 kg (89 lbs) Engine type: Air-cooled 49 cc single cylinder, OHV, 2 valves. Effect, torque: 2 hp (1,5 kW)/ 5,500 rpm, 2,9 Nm (3,0 kg-m)/ 3.500 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

Choinori 2004 Overall Length: 1 500 mm (59.1 in) Overall Width: 620 mm (24.4 in) Overall Height: 975 mm (38.4 in) Seat Height: 680 mm (26.8 in) Wheelbase 1 055 mm (41.5 in) Ground Clearance: 90 mm (3.5 in) Dry Weight: 39 kg (89 lbs) Engine type: Air-cooled 49 cc single cylinder, OHV, 2 valves. Effect, torque: 2 hp (1,5 kW)/ 5,500 rpm, 2,9 Nm (3,0 kg-m)/ 3.500 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

Choinori 2004 Overall Length: 1 500 mm (59.1 in) Overall Width: 620 mm (24.4 in) Overall Height: 975 mm (38.4 in) Seat Height: 680 mm (26.8 in) Wheelbase 1 055 mm (41.5 in) Ground Clearance: 90 mm (3.5 in) Dry Weight: 39 kg (89 lbs) Engine type: Air-cooled 49 cc single cylinder, OHV, 2 valves. Effect, torque: 2 hp (1,5 kW)/ 5,500 rpm, 2,9 Nm (3,0 kg-m)/ 3.500 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

Choinori SS 2004 Overall Length: 1 500 mm (59.1 in) Overall Width: 620 mm (24.4 in) Overall Height: 975 mm (38.4 in) Seat Height: 680 mm (26.8 in) Wheelbase 1 055 mm (41.5 in) Ground Clearance: 90 mm (3.5 in) Dry Weight: 39 kg (89 lbs) Engine type: Air-cooled 49 cc single cylinder, OHV, 2 valves. Effect, torque: 2 hp (1,5 kW)/ 5,500 rpm, 2,9 Nm (3,0 kg-m)/ 3.500 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

Choinori SS 2004 Overall Length: 1 500 mm (59.1 in) Overall Width: 620 mm (24.4 in) Overall Height: 975 mm (38.4 in) Seat Height: 680 mm (26.8 in) Wheelbase 1 055 mm (41.5 in) Ground Clearance: 90 mm (3.5 in) Dry Weight: 39 kg (89 lbs) Engine type: Air-cooled 49 cc single cylinder, OHV, 2 valves. Effect, torque: 2 hp (1,5 kW)/ 5,500 rpm, 2,9 Nm (3,0 kg-m)/ 3.500 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

Choinori SS 2004 Overall Length: 1 500 mm (59.1 in) Overall Width: 620 mm (24.4 in) Overall Height: 975 mm (38.4 in) Seat Height: 680 mm (26.8 in) Wheelbase 1 055 mm (41.5 in) Ground Clearance: 90 mm (3.5 in) Dry Weight: 39 kg (89 lbs) Engine type: Air-cooled 49 cc single cylinder, OHV, 2 valves. Effect, torque: 2 hp (1,5 kW)/ 5,500 rpm, 2,9 Nm (3,0 kg-m)/ 3.500 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

Choinori SS 2004 Overall Length: 1 500 mm (59.1 in) Overall Width: 620 mm (24.4 in) Overall Height: 975 mm (38.4 in) Seat Height: 680 mm (26.8 in) Wheelbase 1 055 mm (41.5 in) Ground Clearance: 90 mm (3.5 in) Dry Weight: 39 kg (89 lbs) Engine type: Air-cooled 49 cc single cylinder, OHV, 2 valves. Effect, torque: 2 hp (1,5 kW)/ 5,500 rpm, 2,9 Nm (3,0 kg-m)/ 3.500 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

Choinori SS 2004 Overall Length: 1 500 mm (59.1 in) Overall Width: 620 mm (24.4 in) Overall Height: 975 mm (38.4 in) Seat Height: 680 mm (26.8 in) Wheelbase 1 055 mm (41.5 in) Ground Clearance: 90 mm (3.5 in) Dry Weight: 39 kg (89 lbs) Engine type: Air-cooled 49 cc single cylinder, OHV, 2 valves. Effect, torque: 2 hp (1,5 kW)/ 5,500 rpm, 2,9 Nm (3,0 kg-m)/ 3.500 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.