Yamaha FS1-E SS – The Legendary "Popsicle Purple" Fizzy POA

POA

For many, the Yamaha FS1-E wasn't just a moped; it was a first taste of freedom. Introduced to comply with UK "moped" laws that required pedals on 50cc machines, Yamaha cleverly designed the FS1-E with a "bicycle" mode that allowed the pedals to be rotated forward to serve as motorcycle footpegs.

This SS (Sixteener Special) model is the "full-fat," unrestricted version, capable of reaching speeds that left its competitors in a cloud of two-stroke blue smoke. Presented in its signature Popsicle Purple with high-gloss chrome fenders and that iconic 1970s slimline tank, this bike is a time capsule of British youth culture. It is an absolute must-have for any collector of vintage Japanese machinery.

Key Facts & Specifications

• Engine: 49cc, single-cylinder, 2-stroke air-cooled engine featuring rotary disc valve induction.

• Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox with a wet clutch—a rarity for mopeds of the era.

• The "Pedal" System: Equipped with functional pedals to meet 1970s legal requirements, though they were almost exclusively used as footrests.

• Color: Popsicle Purple, one of the most iconic and sought-after factory colors from the 1974–1976 production run.

• Performance: An unrestricted 4.8 bhp, allowing for a top speed of approximately 45–50 mph—significantly faster than the 30 mph limit imposed on later 1977+ models.

• Chassis: Pressed steel tubular backbone frame, keeping the bike lightweight at just 70kg.

• Fuel Economy: Capable of an impressive 95+ mpg.

Sales Highlights

• "SS" Designation: Authentic "Sixteener Special" branding, marking it as a pre-restriction era icon.

• Showroom Condition: Features pristine chrome, vibrant paintwork, and period-correct details like the side-mounted ignition switch.

• Investment Potential: As the definitive 70s sports moped, the FS1-E continues to see strong appreciation in the collector market.