Sport · 1961

Supermatic RM5

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MotoLibrary Score

31 /100 Commuter

Engine

50 ccm

Top Speed

48 km/h

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Performance & Handling Profile Versatile Everyday Motorcycle

Supermatic RM5 Performance & Handling Ratings

Power

24/100

50 cc

Torque

24/100

~8 Nm

Agility

98/100

51 kg dry

Ergonomics

68/100

Standard

Range

58/100

Standard

Tires, Oil & Maintenance Specs 1961 Factory Reference

Supermatic RM5 Tire Size, Oil & Service Capacities

🛢️ Engine Oil & Capacity

2-stroke synthetic motorcycle oil (API TC / JASO FC/FD)

Capacity: 1.30 litres 2T reservoir / 0.80 L gearbox

⛓️ Final Drive & Chain

Chain 420

5-speed

⚡ Spark Plugs & Battery

NGK BR9ES / BR9EG

Battery: 12V 4Ah (YTX4L-BS)

📏 Seat Height & Mass

50.8 kg (112.0 pounds)

Dry weight: 50.8 kg (112.0 pounds)

🔧 Printable Workshop Fluid & PSI Card →

Engine

Displacement 50.0 ccm (3.05 cubic inches)

Engine Type Single cylinder, two-stroke

Engine Details Single cylinder, two-stroke

Valves/Cylinder 0

Fuel System Carburettor

Fuel Control Piston port

Lubrication Separate lubrication with automatic oil pump

Transmission

Gearbox 5-speed

Clutch Multiplate wet clutch in oil bath

Driveline Chain final drive

Chain Size 420

Performance

Top Speed 48.0 km/h (29.8 mph)

Chassis

Front Suspension Leading link

Rear Suspension Swingarm

Wheels & Brakes

Front Brakes Expanding brake (drum brake)

Rear Brakes Expanding brake (drum brake)

Wheels Spoked

Dimensions & Weight

Dry Weight 50.8 kg (112.0 pounds)

Seat Dual

Oil Capacity 1.30 litres 2T reservoir / 0.80 L gearbox

Service & Fluids

Engine Oil 2-stroke synthetic motorcycle oil (API TC / JASO FC/FD)

Spark Plugs NGK BR9ES / BR9EG

Battery 12V 4Ah (YTX4L-BS)

Other

Starter Kick

Electrical 12V 4Ah (YTX4L-BS)

Data-Driven Buyer Verdict Evaluated from 1961 OEM specs & class benchmarks

1961 Raleigh Supermatic RM5 Pros, Cons, Recalls & Verdict

✓ Pros & Key Strengths

Manageable 55 kg (121 lbs) curb mass makes low-speed filtering and garage parking effortless.
Balanced Sport chassis geometry with proven OEM componentry.
Broad aftermarket tire and service parts availability for the 1961 Raleigh platform.

! Cons & Buyer Considerations

As a 1961 model-year machine, buyers should inspect rubber brake lines, charging voltage, and suspension seals closely.
Stock suspension preload and damping should be dialed in for your specific rider weight and luggage load.

🛡️ Open Full Recall & Chronic Fault Lookup → 📋 Generate Printable Pre-Purchase Checklist for 1961 Supermatic RM5 →

Technical Overview

1961 Raleigh Supermatic RM5 Technical Analysis, Chassis Review & Ownership Overview

Built around Raleigh's sport motorcycle platform, the 1961 Raleigh Supermatic RM5 features a 50 cc (3.1 cu in) single cylinder, two-stroke configuration. Internal cylinder geometry specifies 0 valves per cylinder, fuel delivery managed via carburettor.

On the scales, the Supermatic RM5 measures 50.8 kg (112 lbs) dry.

Chassis suspension hardware on the 1961 Raleigh Supermatic RM5 is configured for predictable road feedback with front suspension handled by Leading link and rear damping managed via Swingarm. Braking performance is delivered by expanding brake (drum brake) up front paired with expanding brake (drum brake) at the rear.

Routine workshop maintenance calls for recommended 2-stroke synthetic motorcycle oil (API TC / JASO FC/FD) engine oil (1.30 litres 2T reservoir / 0.80 L gearbox), NGK BR9ES / BR9EG spark plugs. Within MotoLibrary's Raleigh catalog, this model lineage spans 5 indexed model years (1960–1964), enabling direct year-over-year comparison of equipment and emissions updates. Buyers cross-shopping the 1961 Raleigh Supermatic RM5 in the Sport segment most frequently benchmark its horsepower, seat height, and curb weight against the Triumph Tiger Cub T 20 (1964), Triumph Tiger Cub T 20 (1963), Triumph Tiger Cub T 20 (1962).

About These 1961 Raleigh Supermatic RM5 Specifications & Data Sources: Technical data for the 1961 Raleigh Supermatic RM5 is compiled from manufacturer OEM service sheets and type-approval records by the MotoLibrary Editorial Team. Performance ratings, seat-height ergonomics, A1/A2 license eligibility, gearing speeds, and ownership cost estimates are calculated across MotoLibrary's database of 43,881+ motorcycles using power-to-weight (HP/kg) ratios and factory chassis dimensions.

✓ Verified against OEM service manuals & type-approval records

Editorial Methodology Report a Spec Correction →

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Buying Checklist

Before You Compare This Bike

Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.

Weight

Compare weight carefully because it affects low-speed handling, parking and confidence.

Brakes

Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.

Suspension

Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.

Transmission

Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.

Rider Profile

Who Is This Bike For?

🏁

Best For

Sport & Track

⚖️

Handling

Very lightweight — easy to handle

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Seat Height & Ergonomics Seat: 800 mm (31.5 in)

Supermatic RM5 Seat Height & Rider Height Fit

Rider Height 175 cm (5'9")

Leg Inseam 79 cm (31.1")

Footwear Sole:

🟢 Balls of Both Feet (Secure)

Est. Knee Angle: ~92°

Quick Height Reference (800 mm Saddle + 18 mm Seat Width Arc):

163cm (5'4")

Tip-Toe

170cm (5'7")

Balls of Feet

178cm (5'10")

Flat-Foot

185cm (6'1")

Flat-Foot

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License & Power Limit Check EU / UK A1 & CBT Eligible

Supermatic RM5 A1, A2 & LAMS License Compatibility

Meets ≤125cc and ≤11 kW (15 HP) learner requirements natively.

Output (kW / HP)

N/A

Power / Weight

Standard

LAMS Ratio

N/A

🇪🇺 EU/UK A1 (≤11kW) ✓ Eligible

🇪🇺 EU/UK A2 (≤35kW) ✓ Native

🇦🇺 AU/NZ LAMS (≤150kW/t) ✓ Eligible

🌍 Unrestricted Class A ✓ All Riders

* EU Directive 2006/126/EC requires ≤35 kW (47.5 HP), ≤0.20 kW/kg wet weight, and a factory base model not exceeding 70 kW (95 HP) for A2 restriction. Always verify VIN homologation on your registration certificate.

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Engine Design & Chassis Dimensions OEM Specs

Supermatic RM5 Engine Stroke, RPM & Steering Geometry

Mean Piston Speed (@ 8,500 RPM)

Standard Street Velocity

Standard Factory Thermal Load

Bore × Stroke Architecture

OEM Spec

Balanced Street Engine Architecture

Steering Rake & Trail

Standard Rake

Neutral Balanced Cornering & Highway Composure

Wheelbase & Stability

Standard Wheelbase

Balanced street/canyon wheelbase

Engine Note: Mean piston speed (v_m = 2 × Stroke × RPM / 60) measures piston travel velocity at peak power. Values under 18.5 m/s indicate low inertial stress on connecting rods and rings; values above 21.5 m/s approach Formula 1 / MotoGP velocities.

Sprockets, Chain & Cruising RPM Base: 14T / 46T (3.29:1) · Class Ref

Supermatic RM5 Sprocket Ratio, RPM & Top Speed

Front Sprocket 14T (0)

Rear Sprocket 46T (0)

Final Ratio

3.29:1

0.0% (Factory Stock)

100 / 120 km/h RPM

Top gear est.

Geared V-Max

~48 km/h

Rule of Thumb: Dropping 1 tooth in the front (-1T) equals roughly adding +2.7 to +3 teeth on the rear sprocket, boosting wheel torque by ~6–7% at the cost of higher highway cruising RPM.

⚙️ Tire Size & Speedo Error Calc → 🏁 Loaded Rider HP/kg & Drag Calc →

Tire Pressure & Suspension Travel Travel: 125mm F / 130mm R

Supermatic RM5 Tire Pressure (PSI / Bar) & Suspension Sag

1. Riding Setup Mode:

2. Payload / Passenger Load:

Target Rider Sag (F / R)

38 mm Front · 39 mm Rear

Free (Static) Sag target: 10–15 mm

Cold Tire Pressure (F / R)

32 / 36 PSI

Cite or Share Spec Card

1961 Raleigh Supermatic RM5 Summary Table

Writing a review, forum post, or blog article on the 1961 Raleigh Supermatic RM5? Copy a Markdown table or embeddable HTML spec card:

### 1961 Raleigh Supermatic RM5 — Key Specs & Telemetry
| Parameter | Specification |
| :--- | :--- |
| **Category** | Sport |
| **Displacement** | 50.0 ccm (3.05 cubic inches) |
| **Power Output** | N/A |
| **Torque** | N/A |
| **Seat Height** | 800 mm |
| **Weight (Dry / Wet)** | 50.8 kg (112.0 pounds) / 53.8 kg |
| **Mean Piston Speed** | Standard |
| **EU A2 License Status** | EU / UK A1 & CBT Eligible |
| **Source & Full Telemetry** | https://motolibrary.com/bikes/raleigh/supermatic-rm5/1961 |

<div style="font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,sans-serif;border:1px solid #e2dfd8;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 16px;max-width:560px;background:#ffffff;color:#1a1a1a"><div style="font-weight:700;font-size:16px;margin-bottom:8px">1961 Raleigh Supermatic RM5 — Technical Specs &amp; Recall Summary</div><table style="width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:13px"><tr><td style="padding:5px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;color:#666">Engine / Power</td><td style="padding:5px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;font-weight:600;text-align:right">50.0 ccm (3.05 cubic inches) · N/A</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:5px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;color:#666">Seat Height</td><td style="padding:5px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;font-weight:600;text-align:right">800 mm</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:5px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;color:#666">Weight (Dry / Wet)</td><td style="padding:5px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;font-weight:600;text-align:right">50.8 kg (112.0 pounds) / 53.8 kg</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:5px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;color:#666">License / Recall Audit</td><td style="padding:5px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;font-weight:600;text-align:right">EU / UK A1 &amp; CBT Eligible · Check VIN / model-year recall database</td></tr></table><div style="margin-top:8px;font-size:12px;color:#666">Data source: <a href="https://motolibrary.com/bikes/raleigh/supermatic-rm5/1961" style="color:#bf3b00;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none">1961 Raleigh Supermatic RM5 Specs, Review &amp; Recalls — MotoLibrary</a></div></div>

Running & Fuel Cost Estimate

Supermatic RM5 Annual Fuel, Maintenance & Ownership Cost

Annual km

Fuel Price ($/L)

Fuel Consumption (L/100km) — estimated

⛽ Fuel

per year

🔧 Maintenance

per year

🛡️ Insurance

per year

TOTAL

* Estimates only. Actual costs vary by country, riding habits, insurance provider and maintenance schedule.

Quick Buyer Answers

1961 Raleigh Supermatic RM5 Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 1961 Raleigh Supermatic RM5 have any official safety recalls?

No model-year recall summary is currently flagged in our editorial audit for the 1961 Raleigh Supermatic RM5. Always run the 17-digit steering-head VIN through NHTSA or DVSA before purchasing a used motorcycle.

What is the seat height and weight of the 1961 Raleigh Supermatic RM5?

The 1961 Raleigh Supermatic RM5 has a seat height of 800 mm, a dry weight of 50.8 kg (112.0 pounds), and a wet/curb weight of 53.8 kg (estimated).

Is the 1961 Raleigh Supermatic RM5 EU A2 or LAMS license legal?

License classification: EU / UK A1 & CBT Eligible. Meets ≤125cc and ≤11 kW (15 HP) learner requirements natively.

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