Yamaha Zuma

2002-2005, 2008-2009 Zuma
Manufacturer Yamaha
Also called BWs, MBK Booster
Production 2002-2005, 2008-2009
Class Scooter
Engine Horizontal Minarelli 49 cc air-cooled (in 2011 Yamaha introduced a 125 cc engine to the Zuma model), carbureted 2-stroke, electronic ignition
Bore x stroke: 40.0 mm x 39.2 mm
Compression ratio: 7.0:1
Top speed 42 mph (68 km/h)
Transmission V-belt automatic
Suspension Front: Telescopic fork
Rear: Single shock
Brakes Front: 115mm disc
Rear: drum
Tires Front: 120/90-10
Rear 130/90-10
Wheelbase 50.2 in (1,275 mm)
Dimensions L: 74.4 in (1,890 mm)
W: 27.8 in (706 mm)
H: 43.7 in (1,110 mm)
Seat height 30.1 in (765 mm)
Fuel capacity 1.5 US gallons (5.7 l)
Fuel consumption 123 mpg-US (1.91 L/100 km)[1]
Related Yamaha Zuma 125

The Zuma is an air-cooled 49 cc two-stroke scooter made by Yamaha Motor Company. It is also marketed as the Yamaha BWs,[2] and the MBK Booster.

Model information

Yamaha numbers its scooter models according to their make (in the case of the Zuma, all models numbers begin with the letters YW), the engine size (given in approximate cubic centimeters— the Zuma's usual 49 cc engine is assigned the number 50) and the year in which the vehicle was made, given as either a one or two letter designation and increasing by one "letter category" each full year, with an optional letter placed either before or after the year letter category and considered an amendment code. For example, the letter designation for the year 2002 for the Zuma was the letter P, so a Zuma manufactured in 2002 would have the designation YW50P. However, Yamaha made some changes to the model during its year run, so some Zumas manufactured in 2002 have the model code YW50AP to distinguish them from the YW50P model. All YW50P Zumas are identical in construction design to all other YW50P Zumas but will differ (in this particular instance, only slightly) from a YW50AP. Yamaha did not use the letter Q, and the letter for 2003 is the letter R (only one model for this year, the YW50R). For 2004, the letter S (the YW50S model). In 2008, assigned the letter X, Yamaha had two models: the YW50XL and the YW50XB. And so on. In 2011 the numbering system moved to the letter A (YW125AB for the 125 CC model and YW50AL for the 49 CC model).

The Zuma has a 14 mm Teikei carburetor with automatic choke, reed-valve induction, a fan-assisted cooling system, an autolube oil-injection system with an indicator light located on instrument panel which alerts rider when oil level gets low, and electric starting with backup kick start.

It also has five spoke-cast wheels with low-profile 120/90-10 front and 130/90-10 rear tires. The front fork has 2.6 inches (66 mm) of travel, and rear shock has 2.4 inches (61 mm) of travel. The scooter also has 155 mm hydraulic front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. (Models through 1998 had front drum brake.)

Under the Zuma's dual seat is a modest storage compartment, and the rear cargo rack has a silver powdercoat finish and has extensions that double as passenger grabrails. Bug-eyed dual headlights mounted atop the fairing for improved visibility; the headlights have a single low beam and high beam (although many users install an inexpensive wiring modification to make both headlamps light with both the high and low beams). The instrument panel has turn signal, high beam and a low-oil indicator light.

The Zuma can carry up to 315 lb (143 kg) of passengers and cargo. Yamaha took the Zuma off the market in the U.S. in 2006 and 2007, and then reintroduced the model in 2008 - 2011. In order to comply with Environmental Protection Agency regulations, the 2008 model has a restricted throttle and a catalytic converter, limiting it to a top speed of 30 mph (48 km/h), compared with around 35 mph (56 km/h) for the 2005 and earlier models). The 2008 - 11 has a slightly higher gear ratio that helps compensate (at the expense of a little less power on take-off).

In 2011 Yamaha introduced the Zuma 125, followed in 2012 by the Zuma 50f (which replaced the 2-stroke version), both 4-stroke fuel-injected models.

Fuel Economy

The United States Environmental Protection Agency mileage estimates for the Zuma are up to 123 mpg-US (1.91 L/100 km; 148 mpg-imp), depending upon how it is ridden, maintenance, road conditions, cargo, and driver/passenger weight.[1]

1989-2001 Zuma
Production 1989-2001
Engine Vertical Minarelli 49 cc air-cooled, carbureted 2-stroke, electronic ignition
Bore x stroke: 40.0 mm x 39.2 mm
Compression ratio: 7.0:1
Top speed 40 mph (64 km/h)
Transmission V-belt automatic
Suspension Front: Telescopic fork
Rear: Single shock
Brakes Front: 155mm disc;drum on earlier models
Rear: drum
Tires Front: 125/90-10
Rear 125/90-10
Wheelbase 50.2 in (1,275 mm)
Dimensions L: 68.3 in (1,735 mm)
W: 24.8 in (630 mm)
H: 41.5 in (1,054 mm)
Seat height 29.3 in (744 mm)
Weight 159 lb (72 kg) (dry)
Fuel capacity 1.1 US gallons (4.2 l)

Popular modifications

The Zuma '02 - '11 uses a "long case" Minarelli engine, which has a large number of aftermarket upgrades available. Many scooter hobbyists replace (among other things) the 50cc piston and cylinder with a larger-displacement 70cc model for faster acceleration and top speed; the carburetor with a larger one (17.5mm, 19mm, and 21mm are the most common sizes); the final drive gears, for a higher ratio and therefore higher top speed; and while it's not street legal in the US, the exhaust pipe.[3][4]

References


Wikimedia Commons has media related to Yamaha BW's & Zuma.