One of the most recognised mini bikes ever made, the Yamaha PW50, has turned 30. The iconic kids' bike was launched in 1981 and has been the ride of choice for several top flight motocross riders when they were starting out.
Names such as James 'Bubba' Stewart and Australia's own Chad Reed both cut their teeth on the two-stroke PW50 (pictured) and Ricky Carmichael is another name you can add to the list.
The compact dirt bike is designed for very small riders and kids, and the if you take a look at the pictures of the original Yamaha PeeWee 50 (in yellow) and the current model (in blue) you'll notice that many parts remain fundamentally unchanged.
Three-spoke cast wheels remain, as does the two-stroke engine and even the duckbill front end design are close approximations of the original 1981 design.
The bike features a scooter-like automatic gearbox so kids won't have to worry about changing gear, while bicycle-inspired brakes - one on each side of the handlebars - are "handily located within grasp of little fingers" and activate twin drum brakes.
It has a two-litre fuel tank and weighs 39kg.
There has been conjecture about the safety of fun bikes and the ability of children to control them, an issue like front-mounted number plates that seems to rear its head every few years.
Nevertheless, fun bikes are some of the best selling models in their respective markets and Yamaha hopes to entice a few more buyers with who place their orders in the lead up to Christmas. Priced from $1799, all Yamaha PW50 models come with a free kid's camping pack valued at $220, which includes a tent, sleeping bag, aluminium drinks bottle and backpack. If financed with Yamaha Motor Finance (YMF) an extra $200 worth of free gear is added to the deal.
Yamaha PW50 specifications
Engine
Type Air-cooled, 2-stroke, reed-valve
Displacement 49 cc
Bore x Stroke 40.0 x 39.2 mm
Compression Ratio 6.0 : 1
Lubrication System Yamaha Autolube
Fuel Management VM12
Ignition CDI
Starter System Kick
Fuel Tank Capacity 2 L
Oil Capacity 0.3 L
Transmission Automatic
Dimensions
Length 1245 mm
Width 575 mm
Height 715 mm
Seat Height 485 mm
Wheelbase 855 mm
Ground Clearance 105 mm
Wet Weight 39 kg with 2 litres of fuel
Chassis
Suspension Front Telescopic fork
Suspension Rear Unit swing
Brakes Front Drum
Brakes Rear Drum
Tyres Front 2.50-10-4PR
Tyres Rear 2.50-10-4PR
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