1977 Yamaha FS1 - E, 49 cc. Registration number UHK 142R. Fr...

Hammer

£4,200

1977 Yamaha FS1 - E, 49 cc. Registration number UHK 142R. Frame number 57449. Engine number *394 - 057449.
Now elevated to cult status, Yamaha's FS1-E 'Sixteener Special' first appeared in 1973. Dropped from the range in 1979, the model was later revived by Yamaha - an almost unprecedented occurrence - with production recommencing in 1987. Originally the 'FS1', the model later gained a set of bicycle pedals to meet UK moped legislation, becoming the 'FS1-E'. In its pre-August 1977, unrestricted form, the 'Fizzie' produced 4.9bhp and was good for around 45mph flat out. When the model was revived, without pedals but now equipped with Autolube, it was available in restricted form only, though the missing horses were relatively easily restored. The passage of time and attendant nostalgia effect has seen the humble FS1-E elevated to the status of one of the most collectible of 'modern' Japanese motorcycles, perhaps only second to the Yamaha RD500LC, (one of which we are also offering) with a whole generation of 50-something motorcyclists eagerly buying and restoring the humble 'Fizzie' in an effort to recapture the spirit of their youth.
The FS1-E had the ability to be powered by pushbike type pedals since this was a legal requirement for registration as a moped in the United Kingdom and some other European countries at the time.
The special pedal cranks allowed both pedals to be rotated forward so that the pedals would form motorcycle-style footrests in normal operation. To engage the pedals, the left-hand pedal crank could be rotated 180 degrees backwards and locked, and a drive gear engaged allowing the user to pedal. A short chain connected the pedal drive to the main engine-chain drive system. Pedalling was hard work for the rider: there was no freewheel and the pedal gearing was very low. The engine could be started with pedal drive engaged, causing the pedals to rotate under engine power when the bike was in gear.
UHK has had some 23 previous owners before it arrived with the previous owner who commissioned a full restoration of the machine and was then displayed at his home. Our vendor purchased it, along with three other fully restored machines, in April 2019, for his own collection. They have remained in a bike cocoon and not used or fired up.
Sold with the V5C, this iconic bike will need recommissioning if you wish to take it on the road or else it is ready for display in your sitting room. Purchasers are recommended to check fluid levels before any use.