2009 Yamaha TT-R50E Review

Introduction

Immediately recognized as one of the best 50cc beginner dirt bikes and a small blast on the trails, the 2009 Yamaha TT-R50E won’t start disappointing. It is still being powered by the 49cc air-cooled SOHC 4-stroke; 2 valves engine which in communion with the constant-mesh 3-speed transmission and automatic clutch becomes a model of user-friendliness.

Your kid won’t be finding himself needed to kick start the thing until you get to it, but simply push-start and go on learning. I mean, what could you ask more? It has a decent ground clearance of 5.3 inches and a seat height of 21.8 inches, more than suitable for five-year-olds and more.

History

2006 Yamaha TT-R50E

The Yamaha TT-R50E had entered the scene in 2006 as an alternative for the long-present Honda CRF50 (previously known under the name of XR50) and short after its introduction it proved to have accomplished the goal of its creation successfully.

Riders now had not only a direct competitor for the CRF50, but also a Yamaha bike that addresses to the most courageous and the smallest of them out there.

As you can remember, it was introduced featuring all the present goodies from the specs sheet: electric start, inverted fork and monocross rear suspension. But what is nicer is that it looked just like the CRF50, something that made Honda people very intrigued.

Even more, with its wide range of accessories, Yamaha became the public’s favorite. The bolt-on pieces either get more power out of it or make it stronger in order to sustain those who shouldn’t quite really ride such a small bike. You, that is!

Competition

2009 Honda CRF50F

Honda continues producing the CRF50, now as a 2009 model year, seeming unbothered by its equally-potent competitor. Its engine is the same 49cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke, SOHC; two-valve as well as the three-speed with automatic clutch transmission, which makes us look at the small things that usually make a difference. But not in this case as the seat height is 21.6 inches (0.2 inches smaller than on the TT-R) and the front fork is also inverted. A Honda advantage would be weight (110 pounds instead of 125), but being that close to the ground, it doesn’t quite feel the difference. Both bikes are being fitted with drum brakes.

As Suzuki and Kawasaki didn’t bother building 50cc off-roaders, this class is being disputed only by Honda and Yamaha. Let’s call it a draw for the moment.

Exterior

2009 Yamaha TT-R50E

Designing the TT-R50E, Yamaha has also inspired on the already successful Honda CRF50, ending up creating a very similar trail bike. This gives riders an even harder decision to make, but what’s easy in the wonderful world of motorcycles?

Small, but still capable of showing its aggressive side, the small Yamaha features YZ genes all over the place. Practically a miniature race bike, there is no wonder it managed to have a strong word against the Honda.

Even though a 50cc, it has spoked wheels, the fenders are way up and it is being fitted number plates and mudguards. Also, featuring a pair of unique side panels surrounding the nicely-shaped tank, it has success written all over it.

The exhaust contours nicely around the engine. Not an easy task for engineers, considering that the exhaust valve is underneath the engine’s block.

With new decals on the Blue and White color combination, this TT-R is ready for 2009.

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