This motorcycle is sold “as is” with all faults, obvious or not. There are no warranties
expressed or implied, including any warranty of merchantability and warranty of fitness
for any particular purpose.
“WARNING”
THE COBRA ECX50 IS A COMPETITION MODEL ONLY AND IS NOT
MANUFACTURED FOR, NOR SHOULD IT BE USED ON PUBLIC STREETS, ROADS
OR HIGHWAYS.
THE USE OF THIS ATV SHOULD BE LIMITED TO PARTICIPATION IN SA NCTIONED
COMPETITION EVENTS UPON A CLOSED COURSE BY A SUFFICIENTLY SKILLED
RIDER AND SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR GENERAL OFF-ROAD RECREATIONAL
RIDING.
IMPROPER USE OF THIS MOTORCYCLE CAN CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH.
THIS BIKE IS INTENDED FOR EXPERIENCED RACERS ONLY AND NOT FOR
BEGINNERS.
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AS THE OWNER OF THIS COBRA PRODUCT OR AS
THE PARENT, OR LEGAL GUARDIAN OF THE OPERATOR, TO KEEP THIS COBRA
PRODUCT IN PROPER OPERATING CONDITION.
THIS ATV WAS DESIGNED FOR RIDERS THAT WEIGH LESS THAN 110 LBS WITH
FULL RIDING GEAR AND SHOULD NOT BE OPERATED BY RIDERS THAT WEIGH
MORE THAT.
BE SURE THAT THE RIDER ALWAYS WEARS ADEQUATE SAFETY GEAR
EVERYTIME HE OR SHE RIDES THEIR COBRA ATV.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE
Failure to follow WARNING instructions could result in severe injury or death to
the machine operator, a bystander, or a person inspecting or repairing the
machine.
CAUTION:
A CAUTION indicates special precautions that must be taken to avoid damage to
the machine.
NOTE:
A NOTE provides key information to make procedures easier or clearer.
2
Table Of Contents
General Information.........................................................................................................5
Type 2-stroke, single cylinder, reed valve
Cooling system Liquid-cooled
Coolant Liquid Performance Mini Coolant or Antifreeze
Displacement 49.8 cc
Bore and stroke 39 mm x 41.7 mm, “V” head
Ignition system Electronic, analog advance
Spark plug Champion 8339-1, 8332-1 hotter, 8904-1 colder
Gap 0.023” – 0.025” (0.58 – 0.64 mm)
Ignition timing 0.040” (1.02 mm) BTDC
Fuel type High octane pump gasoline
Oil type Cobra Venom2-cycle Race Oil
Fuel / oil mix ratios Between 32:1 and 40:1 (after engine Break-In)
RACE FUELS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED
Carburetion 21 mm Dell’Orto PHBG
Slow (Pilot) jet
Float Height 16mm + 0.5mm (0.63” + 0.020”)
Transmission
Speed Single
Final drive ratio 14/38 T
Chain 100 links 420
Transmission / clutch oil type Cobra Venom 3 Shoe Clutch Milk
ft-lb in-lb Nm
Cylinder head nuts 8.8 105 12 M6 x 1.0
Crankcase bolts 8.8 105 12 M6 x 1.0
Spark plug (SP) (SP) (SP) M14 x 1.25
Stator bolts 2.1 25 2.8 M5 X 0.8
Stator cover bolts 1.7 20 2.3 M4 X 0.75
Clutch cover bolts 5.8 70 7.9 M6 X 1.0
Clutch nut 35 420 47 M10 x 1.25*
Clutch bolts 12 144 16 M6 x 1.0
CFD nut 55 664 75 ½” x 20 LHT
Units of mm unless otherwise specified
(G) denotes the use of wicking / bearing retainer (green) thread locking agent to
applied to the mating surfaces of the two components but not the threads.
(SP) To apply the proper torque to the spark plug when inserting, one must first
screw the spark plug in until the metal gasket ring causes resistance and then
turn another 1/8 to ¼ turn.
Size &
Remarks
6
CHASSIS Fastener
Torque Value
ft-lb in-lb Nm
Size &
Remarks
Handle bar mounts 15 177 20 8 x 1.25
Handle bar clamps 15 177 20 8 x 1.25
Front engine mount 22 265 30 8 x 1.25
Rear brake lever pivot 10 120 13.6
8 x 1.25
Upper shock mount 40 480 54 10 x 1.5
Lower shock mount 40 480 54 10 x 1.5
Swingarm pivot 21 250 28 14 x 2.0
Units of mm unless otherwise specified
(R) designates that the application requires the use of high strength (red) thread
locking agent applied to the threads.
(B) designates that the application requires the use of medium strength (blue)
thread locking agent applied to the threads.
Optional Suspension Components
Front shock springs
Weight of Rider (lb) Helper Main
Less than 65
65 to 100
Greater than 100
SCEX1080 (RED,
SCEX1095 (YELLOW,
80 LB/IN)
95 LB/IN)
Rear shock springs
Weight of Rider (lb) Helper Main
Less than 50
50 to 75
Greater than 75
SCEXA145 (RED, 145 LB/IN)
SCEXA155 (YELLOW, 155
LB/IN)
SCEXA165 (BLACK, 165 LB/IN)
7
Break-In Procedure
Your Cobra Motorcycle is a close-tolerance high performance machine and
break-in time is very important for maximum life and performance. The ECX50
can be ridden hard after the first ½ hour break-in time but it is recommended that
no adjustments are made to the carburetion or suspension until the full 8 hours of
bike break-in has elapsed. Also, after the engine, transmission, and drive train
have been broken -in for the full 8 hours, the bike will be faster!
Use a fuel / oil mixture of 32:1 for the full 8 hour break-in period. Be sure to use
93 octane pump gas, or SunocoMO2X , with Cobra’s specially formulated Cobra Venom2-cycle Race Oil. (Part # MCMUOL02)
CAUTION:
Failure to use proper fuel or oil may result in premature engine wear, or damage
to the machine.
Adhering to the following break-in schedule will result in long lasting high
performance machine.
• First 5 minute period, operate the bike in neutral with a combination of idle
and high RPM operation. (avoid prolonged high RPM rev it good at least
once or twice per minute)
• Allow the engine to cool
• Ride for 15 minutes maximum, avoiding prolonged high RPM operation.
• Cool and inspect bike for loose fasteners.
• Next ½ hour of operation, avoid prolonged operation at Wide Open Throttle.
• After 1 hour of operation
o Check for loose bolts and nuts on the bike and retighten as
necessary (proper toque values are listed under Specifications).
o Clean the carburetor bowl.
o Change the transmission / clutch lubricant.
o Replace the fuel filter.
• After 8 hours of operation have a Certified Cobra Mechanic change the
shock oils.
• Your bike is now ready for the highest level of competition!
8
Starting Procedure
Before starting the machine inspect the following:
• Insure that the fuel tank contains an adequate volume of fuel / oil mixture to
complete the distance required. (93 octane pump gas with Cobra’s specially
formulated Cobra Venom 2-cycle Race Oil)
• Check for proper tire pressure in both tires.
• Observe the chain tension and adjust if necessary.
• Observe the coolant level and fill if necessary.
• Verify that the chain rollers do not have improper wear.
• Inspect the frame, for;
o Cracks in the metal.
o Cracking paint which might indicate overly stressed material.
• Verify that the handlebars are tight.
• Check the throttle for;
o Smooth operation and sound closing.
o Frayed strands of the cable inside the throttle housing.
• Check for loose bolts and nuts, and re-torque as necessary.
• Verify that the air filter is clean and properly saturated with oil.
• Turn the fuel on by rotating the fuel petcock knob to the vertically downward
position (reserve position is horizontally inward).
CAUTION:
For best results from your Cobra ATV use only the recommended fuels. Testing
has shown that most ‘race’ fuels actually degrade performance.
When your pre-ride in spection is complete the bike may be started. For a cold
engine follow this procedure.
1. Reaching down to the carburetor, on the left side of the bike, push down on
the black choke lever.
2. Kick start the engine.
3. Rev the engine in short spurts, turning the throttle no more than 1/4 open
until the engine will run without the choke.
4. Verify a functional engine shut-off switch by shutting off the engine.
5. Restart the engine and proceed with riding when the engine is sufficiently
warm (i.e. the side of the cylinder is warm to touch).
CAUTION:
Never rev an engine full throttle when it's cold or slightly warmed up. Cobra
recommends that you tell your child to take it easy the first couple of minutes in
practice until the engine comes up to full operating temperature. Make sure your
engine is properly warmed up before racing.
9
General Tips
1. Always wear a helmet and other protective riding gear.
2. Cobra recommends that you tell your child to take it easy the first couple of
minutes in practice until the engine comes up to full operating temperature.
3. Make sure your riders’ foot is not resting on the rear brake pedal while they
are riding.
4. Evaluate the bikes jetting only after it has been warmed up to race
temperatures.
5. A properly maintained machine is safer, faster, and more fun to ride.
6. When washing the bike, be careful to not directly aim the hose at the air
filter area.
7. Keep steering stops adjusted so that the wheels do not scrape on the A-
arms
8. Mare sure that there is adequate free play in both the front lever and rear
brake pedal .
9. The appearance of black ‘stuff’ in the coolant is likely due to a head seal
being compromised. Replace the head seals and keep an eye on the
coolant.
10. Your Cobra ATV has a 10 digit VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The
first three digits indicate the model and the seventh indicates the model
year (MY).
a. Example, EX5xxx6xxx is a 2006 MY ECX50.
10
Maintenance
Schedule & Tips
It is important that you adhere to this maintenance schedule so as to promote the
longevity of your Cobra Motorcycle.
• Between each ride
o Inspect the fuel filter for contaminates.
o Check the air filter (clean and re-oil as necessary).
o Insure the smooth operation of the throttle cable (throttle soundly
‘clacks’ shut).
o Check for frayed strands of the throttle cable inside the throttle housing
and replace if necessary.
o Check for adequate tire pressures and adjust if necessary.
o Check all nuts and bolts for proper torque and re-torque if necessary.
o Spray all moving parts with WD40 or other light oil.
o Check drive chain for
§ Proper tension and adjust if necessary.
§ Adequate lubrication and lubricate if necessary.
o Check the frame for cracks in the metal or cracks in the paint that
might indicate that the metal has been stressed beyond it’s safe limits.
Replace or get properly rewelded as necessary.
• Every 2 hours of operation
o Replace the transmission oil.
• Every 10 hours of operation
o Have the shock oil replaced by a Certified Cobra Mechanic.
CAUTION:
1. If you ever need to weld anything on the bike, disconnect the spark plug
cap, unplug the ignition, disconnect the kill switch, scrape the paint bare
near the area to be welded and put the ground clamp as close to the area
to be welded as possible.
Be sure the fuel tank and carburetor have been removed and safely located
away from the welding process.
2. The frame is a low carbon alloy tubing and it is important to weld it with the
proper rod and heat settings set as light as possible. Cobra recommends
replacing the frame with a new one if the old one becomes damaged.
1. Begin this procedure with a bike that has been ridden more than 5 minutes
but less than 10 minutes. It is desired to have the engine warm enough so
that the oil is ‘runny’ but not so hot that there is risk of being burned by the
engine or the oil.
Hot oil and hot components on the motorcycle may cause burns.
2. Lean bike against something or set on stand with oil drain hole.
3. Remove the oil drain plug located on the right side of the engin e, on the
clutch cover, near the brake lever (figure 1).
Figure 1
4. After it has drained, reinstall the plug, being sure that the gasket is in place.
5. Reapply oil from oil fill plug 235 cc (8.0 oz) Cobra Venom 3 Shoe Clutch Milk
thru the oil fill plug.
NOTE:
Lean bike over onto it’s left hand side so that the clutch cover is up unless you
have a squeeze bottle.
6. Reapply the oil fill plug, hand tight, being sure the fiber gasket is in place.
12
CAUTION:
7. Cobra has spent considerable time and money developing the proper
lubrication to handle the harsh environment of the automatic clutch and
transmission of this motorcycle. Cobra’s specially developed Cobra Venom 3 Shoe Clutch Milk(Part # MCMUGF01) was formulated to provide superior
lubrication and cooling capability over extended periods of time and is the
recommended lubricant for your Cobra motorcycle.
M2: Chain adjustment
Tools needed:
• 13 mm wrench or socket
• 5mm pin (Screw driver or hex key will do)
Procedure:
1. Loosen the eccentric housing on the swingarm with two 13mm tools.
2. Stick the 5mm pin through the sprocket into the eccentric hole.
3. Push the quad forward or backward, turning the wheels (i.e. the sprocket) in
the direction shown until the desired chain tension is achieved (see fig. 2).
Figure 1
NOTE:
The location of the pin hole is the ‘fattest’ part of the eccentric. Restated, if the
pin hole is all the way forward, the chain is as tight as possible, and if the pin hole
is all the way back, the chain is as loose as possible.
CAUTION:
Proper chain tension allows no less than ½” (12mm) free play through out the
range of rear suspension travel.
NOTE:
It may be handy to set backwards on the seat and feel the chain as you weight,
and unweight, seat to feel for chain free play.
13
4. After achieving the proper adjustment retighten the two eccentric pinch
bolts.
CAUTION:
Be sure to remove the pin from the eccentric before riding.
M3: Air Filter Cleaning
This Cobra Motorcycle comes with a unique air filter / air boot unit designed to
facilitate motorcycle service.
Tools recommended for air filter maintenance:
• Srewdriver
• Foam filter oil
Procedure
1. Removed the filter from the carburetor.
2. Clean the filter with cleaning solvent and then again with hot soapy water.
3. Allow it to dry thoroughly.
4. Saturate with foam filter oil and remove excess.
Do not clean the air filter with gasoline or other highly volatile petroleum product.
Cleaning solvent, diesel fuel, or kerosene would be preferred but caution should
still be taken.
NOTE:
The biodegradable air filter oils, greases, and cleansers work acceptably with this
Cobra Motorcycle.
NOTE:
It is very important to keep the air filter clean and properly oiled with high quality
water-resistant foam filter oil. It’s very important to oil your filter consistently each
time because varied amounts of oil will change your carburetor jetting.
NOTE:
Make sure you change or clean your filter after each moto or significant ride. We
recommend carrying three or more filters in your toolbox.
• 1 for practice
• 1 for each moto
CAUTION:
Dusty conditions will require more frequent cleaning.
14
M4: Front end
Toe in adjustment
Riders and parents have provided feedback that they prefer the toe in adjustment
between ½” (12mm) out to ½” (12mm) in. This is set by adjusting the length of
the tie rod assemblies. See figure 3 for direction of turn.
Adjust both wheels so that they have the same amount of toe in.
Figure 3
Steering
The unique Cobra front end will exhibit some free play from the factory and that
the seals (it that’s what you want to call them) will fall out after the first ride. We
have found that this causes no adverse effects and that the looseness does not
get significantly worse as long as the bearings are sprayed with a spray lubricant
(WD40 or similar) upon each ride.
15
Parts
Parts – Air Inlet System
Figure 4
Coolant System
REF # PART # DESCRIPTION
1 RCMU0403 FILTER ASSEMBLY
2 MCKGHO01 HOSE CLAMP – BOOT TO CARB
3
4 RCKG0021 CARBURETOR, 21MM DELL’ORTO PHBG
5 MCKGHO04 HOSE CLAMP – CARB TO MANIFOLD
6 HCBC0625 M6X25 SOCKET HEAD CAP SCREW
7 HCWF0601 6MM FLA T WASHER
8 ECKG0203 INLET MANIFOLD
9 ECKG0202 REED CAGE ASSEMBLY WITH REEDS
NOT SHOWN ECKG0205 REED REPLACEMENT KIT
10 ZCMU0132 GASKET – REEDS TO ENGINE
11 FCEX0016 THROTTLE, QUAD THUMB STYLE
12 FCPW0004 THROTTLE CABLE END GROMMET
13 RCEX0002 CABLE - THROTTLE
14 FCMU0027 FUEL LINE 5 INCH
15 FCDC0093 FILTER, FUEL
16 RCEX0019 COVER, AIR FILTER