Testi 50 Telstar And 90 Trail King

TESTI 50 TELSTAR AND 90 TRAIL KING

Road Impressions

WE ARE A SUSPICIOUS lot at CYCLE WORLD. When a distributor or representative of a newly imported motorcycle tells us “this is it,” we are usually something less than impressed by the statement if not the machine. However, having heard very good reports on the FB Minarelli two-stroke engines (which the Testi uses), we were inclined to reserve judgment on the importer’s enthusiasm.

Two of these little motorcycles were left with us to test, one being the 90cc fan-cooled trail model designated “Trail King,” the other a trim 50cc touring model. The general appearance of the Trail King is very good; it is quite obviously not just a modified street machine.

Having a full 9" ground clearance, 19" wheels with 2.50 knobby tires and high level exhaust system, there is little doubt that it has been built for the woods.

So we took it to the woods and after playing around in trials fashion, soon discovered it to be a very handy and willing little worker. First gear is low enough for the most ardent trials fan; the low overall weight of 160 pounds helps to make it possible to pick up the front wheel quite easily.

Someone suggested performance tests, which resulted in reaching a very creditable 40 mph down the road. Since there are several under-lOOcc trail bikes among the group, it did not take long for someone else to suggest a race, whereupon the Testi blew off all in sight. This was not without some discomfort though, because we are sure the seat is the hardest that could have been put on a motorcycle. The rear suspension is too stiff and the non-adjustable handlebars did not suit any of us. (The distributor tells us that these complaints are being taken care of. — Ed.)

The engine started first kick without fail and ran smoothly all day long. Gear ratios are very wide, due to the transmission only having three speeds. This does not become a large disadvantage if the machine is used for the purpose for which it was designed — trail riding.

Since we said the appearance of the trail machine was good (and it was) we have to say the street version “Telstar” is excellent. The very racy style gives one the impression of speed before even getting on. Again, 19" wheels are used with 2.25 front and 2.50 rear tires. An enormous seat covers the whole top of the little machine, though it is quite comfortable. In fact, because of the tiny clipon bars, we found it easier to treat it as a road racer, using the rear pegs and a racing crouch. This method cannot be employed on public roads since the controls are “up front.” Handling and general road-holding were excellent, and brakes were adequate to cope with 55 mph top speed and 150-pound machine weight. Lighting and electrical equipment suited our needs and all in all we were quite happy with these new Italian lightweights.

Distributors of the Testis in the United States claim the 50cc is the fastest fifty on the market. Though our test machine had only 80 or so miles on it, we took our courage in hand, limbered up our “two-stroke twitch” in the left hand, and had a go at verifying their claim. Much to our surprise we reached an easy 54 mph in fourth gear, with the engine turning only a percentage of the maximum revs due to cross winds, and an improper fuel mixture. Indications are that once broken in it should quite easily touch almost 60 mph, maybe better when well tuned. We think they are right!