Presentation of the Yamaha PW 50

La Yamaha PW 50, an incredible career for a mythical motorcycle

La Yamaha PW 50 is a 2-stroke, single-cylinder motorcycle with a fully automatic 3-speed transmission. It was launched in 1980. Since that date, the model has hardly changed.

La PW is certainly the best-known motorcycle model for very young riders. A real institution, even obvious for some when it comes to introducing children to motorized two-wheelers.

This iconic mini-bike is designed to provide years of enjoyment free from technical issues. Many PW50 pass from hand to hand within the same family over the generations, creating memorable memories. With over 380 units sold in 000 countries, this "little giant" can be proud of how far it has come.

The PW50 has marked many generations of riders, it represents for many of us the beginning of a great adventure on two wheels. Many amateurs and professional riders have taken their first two-wheel rides on this iconic model. And 40 years after making its global debut in the US market, the timeless PW50 - affectionately nicknamed " PeeWee – is as popular as ever.

Birth of a myth

At the end of the 1970s, the pilots of Yamaha had won three motorcycle world championshipscross, which has led to a massive increase in demand for off-road racing motorcycles YZ. At the same time, the designers of Yamaha set out to design a new type of mini-motorcycle for young children who wanted to emulate their motorcycle racing heroescross.

It is first under the name of YZinger what is marketed in the United States in 1980 this 49 cm3 of initiation to the motorcyclecross. The first color is yellow and the "number one" which appears on its number plates is not confusing: this little motorcycle is indeed from the same family as the YZ. The following year, it was marketed under the name of PW - Where peewee, and in a more sober style (white tank, black saddle). The cosmetic modifications will be repeated at regular intervals over the next three decades, in accordance with the color codes of the YZ, but technical developments will be very limited.

Designed to be easy, strong, inexpensive, non-hazardous, the PW50 uses a p-cooled two-stroke single cylinderar air housed in a tubular frame. The automatic gearbox allows the young pilot to concentrate on steering, accelerating and braking (par two handlebar levers), without having to learn how to change gears. Autolube separate lubrication, transmission par universal joint or the adjustment of the maximum power (by limiting the race of the bushel) are other practical aspects which will contribute to the success of the PW50. It will be available in 80 cm3 from 1982 and even attached to a side-car in 1984.

Very small, very cute, she has everything to please. From par its size really adapted to the youngest, its ease of use, and above all, it's a real motorcycle!

The small Yamaha does not pretend: studded tires, carburetor, single cylinder, kick starter, gasoline fumes, an accelerator and brakes to manage. It is indeed a pocket-sized motorcycle.

De Marc Marquez à Pierre-Alexandre Renet, Chad Reed à Michael Pichon, fabio quartararo à Richard Angot PW sparked passions.

Why choose the PW 50?

Motorcycling is easy, not tricky, light and lots of fun. A little caution at the start all the same.

Make sure that the child is comfortable so as not to be surprised. It's not a balance bike. The PW 50, reacting to the same physical rules as any other motorcycle, demands par following the same technical learning to better enjoy it. The gaze, the supports, the management of the power, the movement of the suspensions, etc...

Yamaha has also planned to simplify the maintenance of his favorite toy. No need to fuss about mixing: the PW has a separate oil reservoir and takes care of handling the cocktail. The transmission par gimbal prevents grease splashes, hands getting dirty...or getting them caught in the chain.

The speed limiter makes it possible to adapt the power to the skills of the young driver and the automatic gearbox simplifies learning.

In L'Hexagone, more than 45 thousand parents will have chosen it for their offspring, proof of great popularity.

Find all the specifications and all the parts and consumables for your Yamaha PW 50.