1976 Yamaha 49cc FS1-E

1976 Yamaha 49cc FS1-E
Registration no. OBA 206P
Frame no. 468-030854
Engine no. *468-030854*
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 RD350LC, 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.

This beautifully restored FS-1E comes with a thick file of bills made out to the previous owner, most of which date from 2011. One of the bills is for a big-bore (44mm) piston kit. Registered to the current vendor in April 2104, this highly collectible Japanese classic also comes with a V5C registration document and an expired MoT (October 2014).