Yamaha DT50MX
 | |
| Manufacturer | Yamaha |
|---|---|
| Production | 1981–1996 |
| Predecessor | Dt50M |
| Successor | DT50MX2 |
| Class | Motocross |
| Engine | 49 cc (3.0 cu in) 2-stroke single |
| Transmission | 5-speed, multi-plate wet clutch |
| Suspension |
Front: Telescopic forks Rear: Yamaha Mono-cross |
| Brakes |
Front: drum Rear: drum |
| Wheelbase | 1,280 mm (50 in) |
| Dimensions |
L: 2,055 mm (80.9 in) W: 835 mm (32.9 in) H: 1,135 mm (44.7 in) |
| Seat height | 820 mm (32 in) |
| Fuel capacity | 8.5 l (2.2 US gal) |
| Related | DT80MX, DT50-LC |
The Yamaha DT50MX is the most common 50cc in the Yamaha DT series. It superseded the DT50M when introduced in June 1981 and can easily be identified by its Mono-Cross(MX) rear suspension with a silver painted square-section rear swinging arm and a more angular tank as opposed to the more rounded one found on the M variant. The 'MX' designation was commonly used on Yamaha motorcycles fitted with the 'Mono-Cross' rear suspension, which was the first to employ a single shock absorber. It remained in production largely unchanged until 1996, gaining only a CDI ignition system and a change to square bodied direction indicator lights in 1986 with the introduction of the 2FN model (sometimes referred to as the MX-S). The moped is very common in Scandinavia where its leading competitor was the Honda MT50 and can be ridden on a CBT at 16 in the UK.
An "LC" (liquid-cooled) model was release to the US and Europe, featuring a liquid-cooled 49cc engine, a taller fuel tank and a different headlight nacelle with a rectangular air vent beneath the headlamp.
Intake was by means of either a Mikuni vm18 smoothbore flatslide or a TK carburettor and the exhaust was expansion chamber type with interchangeable addons (BigOne and DEP manufactured an improved system),
There was also a Paris Dakar style bodykit available which featured a wraparound fairing incorporating a stationary headlamp nacelle, different side panels, sump guard and a tank cover, these were originally only available in white with red decals.
References
- Yamaha DT50 & 80 Trail bikes, Haynes