Yamaha Zuma 50 Third Generation YW50: 2012 - Today

Almost everything new for 2012 (but very similar) is the Yamaha Zuma 50 F. This new Zuma has an updated style and a four-stroke engine, which shocks the tuning lovers. Despite the complete overhaul and the new engine, Yamaha has retained the YW50 model code for this third generation.

With the third generation, the style is completely new, but the changes are subtle. Some adjustments were made to his stylistic connections with the greatest Zuma 125. The alarm's headlights are still there, but most of the other parts are new. This new model has great lines on the back with a more shapely and fluid shape that improves compared to its already beautiful predecessor. The red rear spring and the front saddle are beautiful touches.

Perhaps in response to the love it or hate the headlights of eye bugs, Yamaha has released a unique headlight version called Zuma FX (USA) or Zuma X (Canada) for 2014 (below). The Zuma FX has a tidy front end reminiscent of the Asian program Zuma 125, giving it a more mature look. In addition to the new light, the Zuma FX adds "race inspired" handles, white rims and a 2-tone painting. The color options are listed at the bottom of this page. This version remained on sale for 5 years (2014 - 2018).

The 4 o'clock engine that will now power the Yamaha YW50 Zuma will probably not be as good a lover of long-lasting performance who love pep on 2 time, but it is a large small engine that still has pretty good performance, advanced technology and excellent fuel consumption. This is a high-tech fuel injection, 3 valve, the liquid cooled engine, which is probably the best 4-time 50 o'clock engine in the North American scooter market.

This new Zuma is lighter than the previous Zuma at 2 lbs, but it's still heavy enough for a 50cc. It erases the mark of 200 lbs with a weight of 205 lbs. Most of the 50s are lighter than the latter, with the exception of metal vespas. The 180mm disc brake adopts the previous model, which is good news as this stopper works very well. The bit suspensions are new and the way down is 0.2" front and rear at 2.3" and 2.2" respectively. The rear tyre is also 120/90-10.

A small change is the carved fuel tank, which contains only 1.2 instead of 1.5 gallons. The 4 o'clock engine is smaller, but has a higher mileage, so the owners of 4-gear swingers have a similar range to previous generations, despite the smallest tank. The seat guard has been improved with this new model, especially due to Yamaha's wise decision to move the gas tank from under the seat to the inside.

This reduces the centre of gravity of the scooter and increases the seat, with the disadvantage that a fuel pump is now needed. The idea of moving the fuel tank in the bottom plate has been seen on other scooters over the past decade, and it's great to see how Yamaha has this idea of smart design. The new generation of YW50 still doesn't have a glove compartment, but a hook now replaces the largely useless "gear gap" found in the previous generation.

Yamaha Zuma 50 (F, FX, X) YW50 Specification (Third Generation 2012-Now)

     Engine: 4-stroke, 3 valve, liquid cooled, fuel injected 49cc single
     Power: 3 lbs-ft @ 6500 RPM
     Bore and Stroke: 38.0 x 43.6 mm
     Compression Ratio: 12.0 : 1
     Maximum Torque:
     Fuel Delivery: Fuel injection with 19mm Mikuni throttle body
     Claimed milage: 132 mpg
     Ignition: DC CDI
     Suspension (Front): Telescopic fork (2.3”)
     Suspension (Rear): Single shock unit swingarm (2.2”)
     Brakes (Front): 180 mm disc
     Brakes (Rear): Drum
     Tires (Front): 120/90-10
     Tires (Rear): 120/90-10
     Length: 73”
     Width: 28.7”
     Height: 43.1”
     Wheelbase: 50.3”
     Seat Height: 30.7”
     Fuel Capacity: 1.2 gallon (4.5 L)
     Wet Weight: 205 lbs