The Derbi Senda is a supermotard made by the Spanish firm Derbi. Launched in 1994, it became one of Derbi’s most popular models thanks to its appeal to young riders, its styling and the number of ways it could be tuned. It was built in 50 and 125 cc form, with enduro and circuit versions, until the end of the 49 cc two-stroke in 2021.
Derbi Senda at a glance
| Maker | Derbi, Catalonia (Spain) |
|---|---|
| Model | Senda |
| Launched | 1994 |
| Capacities | 50 cc two-stroke and 125 cc four-stroke |
| Types | R (enduro) and SM (supermotard) |
| Engine, 1995–2005 | EBS 050 on the GPR, EBE 050 on the other models |
| Engine, from 2005 | D50B1 on the GPR, D50B0 on the other models |
| 50 cc engine | 49.76 cc single-cylinder two-stroke, liquid-cooled |
| Bore and stroke | 39.88 × 40 mm |
| Compression | 11.5:1 |
| Carburettor | Dell’Orto PHVA 17.5, 14 mm before 2005 |
| Gearbox | six speeds |
| Fuel tank | 7.45 litres |
| Frame | steel perimeter frame, from 2000 |
| Tyres | 100/80-17 front, 130/70-17 rear |
| Restricted speed | 45 km/h for the 50; 97 km/h for the 125 |
History of the Derbi Senda
The Derbi Senda was launched in 1994. During the 2000s it went through several design changes: the early models had a steel perimeter frame, later refined to improve rigidity and handling, and in 2006 Derbi gave the bike a significant restyling with sharper bodywork and a more modern look closer to larger enduro and supermoto machines. In 2000 a new version arrived with the steel perimeter frame. The Senda is closely related to the Gilera SMT 50, RCR 50 and GSM 50 and to the Aprilia SX 50, RX 50 and RX 125, built to the same design.
Two main variants defined the model. The Senda R is the enduro version, with off-road tyres and long-travel suspension; the Senda SM is the supermotard, with road tyres and stiffer suspension settings. The two differ in tyres, mudguards and seat height. Over the years the range spread into a long list of models: the Senda L of 1994–1999, the R and SM of 1994–2000 and again of 2000–2005, the X-Treme of 2000–2005 and then 2005–2019, the X-Race of 2002–2005 and 2005–2011, the DRD of 2002–2005, the DRD Racing of 2005–2019 and the DRD Pro, a competition version with electric starting, in 2005–2013.
The engine changed over the years. Between 1995 and 2005 the Senda used the EBS 050 on the GPR and the EBE 050 on the other models; after 2005 it used the D50B1 on the GPR and the D50B0 on the rest. The 50 cc engine is a liquid-cooled two-stroke of 49.76 cc with a 39.88 mm bore and a 40 mm stroke, a compression ratio of 11.5:1, separate lubrication, a Dell’Orto PHVA carburettor of 17.5 mm (14 mm before 2005), Ducati CDI ignition and a six-speed gearbox. The tank holds 7.45 litres, the tyres are 100/80-17 at the front and 130/70-17 at the rear, and the 50 cc model with the perimeter frame measures 2,123 mm long with a 1,400 mm wheelbase and an 870 mm width at the handlebars.
A 125 cc four-stroke was also offered, in the Senda R 125 Baja, Senda SM 125 Baja and Senda DRD 125 4T, reaching 12 hp at 6,500 rpm and a top speed of 97 km/h. The 50 cc versions are restricted for road use and homologated for 45 km/h, and they deliver about 4.2 hp in restricted form. In 2021 the Piaggio group, which owns Derbi, ended sales of its 49 cc geared two-strokes after the arrival of the Euro 5 standard.
Design and features
- Two characters: enduro R and supermotard SM versions.
- Popular with young riders: light, cheap and easy to tune.
- Long model life: from 1994 to the end of the 49 cc two-stroke in 2021.
- Shared design: the same machine was sold as a Gilera and as an Aprilia.
- DRD versions: competition models, with electric starting on the DRD Pro.
Derbi Senda versions
- Senda L (1994–1999): the earliest model.
- Senda R and SM (1994–2000): the first enduro and supermotard pair.
- Senda X-Treme (2000–2019): the longest-running version, in R and SM form.
- Senda X-Race (2002–2011): a sportier model of the range.
- Senda DRD Racing (2005–2019): the racing-liveried version.
- Senda DRD Pro (2005–2013): competition model with electric starting.
- Senda 125 Baja and DRD 125 4T: four-stroke versions of 125 cc.
The Derbi Terra was the small enduro derived from the Senda’s mechanicals, and the GPR the faired sports model of the same years. More motorcycles are in the Derbi collection.
Sources
- Derbi Senda, English Wikipedia: history, versions, engine
- Derbi Senda, French Wikipedia: models, specifications, end of production
