Yamaha also brought out some fully modified GYT-R TT-Rs for us to take some laps on. Hopped up with handlebar kits and top triple clamps, the riding position can grow with the young ones or fit kids at heart. There is also a taller seat with cushy, if not totally mushy foam. In the engine department was a full motor kit bumping the displacement up to 88cc with a carb, cam, cylinder, head and all the gaskets you need, as Yamaha has found this is the best size for power increase and durability with a reported doubling of the output. It ran really well without being too racy. The GYT-R TT-R has a big boost in torque, allowing it to pull gears easily without hesitation even with heavy adults on the machine. It revs up to a little faster speed but not so much as to get uncontrollable; plus, it revs out further and freer with the help of a pipe. In the strengthening department are a footpeg bracket, footpegs and an aluminum brake pedal. There were a lot of cosmetic items on the bikes-from engine covers to graphics kits-to make them look even faster. And for kids who are going to jump the baby Yamie, or for heavier guys, come stiffer springs for the suspension. They make a noticeable difference, but they are not magic. The damping quality of the stock shock and fork need more than just springs to truly work on motocross-type obstacles.
Yamaha has a real winner on its hands largely because of the electric starter on a perfect kid bike. Although my dad used the old saying, "You can ride it when you can start it," as so many other fathers did, this Yamaha will surely get kids riding quicker because starting is no longer a chore, taking one of the struggles out of the learning process. Maybe times will change and dads will now have to say, "I'll give you the key when your homework is done."
OpinionsYou wouldn't think putting an electric starter on a kid's bike would be such a big deal. But it is. Anyone who's taught a youngster sees the frustration just starting the bike can evoke, even though the chore is a valuable lesson. It does get old and tedious having to start the bike again and again after stalls and tip-overs. Plus, even seasoned riders seem to prefer pushing a button to kicking, so the TT-R50 having an electric starter is a no-brainer and makes it a winner from the first push on the button.-Jimmy Lewis5'10"/175 lb/37 y.o./Minibike legend (in his own mind)
It didn't make that noise like my Kawasaki KDX50 does over jumps. I fell a few times, but my dad fixed it [he shifted the bike into second, since Dylan doesn't shift yet], and it was better. I want one of these. [Big puppy-dog eyes asking if he can ride it some more since he doesn't talk much.]-Dylan Bloomer3'11"/55 lb/6 y.o./Novice
It is fatter than my KTM in the middle and felt longer, too. It's better as a trailbike because I didn't like going over jumps. I liked shifting it because my KTM doesn't have gears. I was scared about shifting, but I had fun doing it. This bike is a better bike for my little brother Jake. Having a brake for my foot is better because I don't know which brake I pull with two levers on the bar on my KTM. I liked starting it myself as that means I can ride whenever I want, but my dad says he will take away the key. -Evan Allen4'2"/50 lb/8 y.o./Novice
What's New* Everything-even though it looks just like a blue Honda, it's all Yamaha.
What's Hot* Electric-starting kiddie bike. Dad doesn't have to kick it every time.* Cool styling that mimics the YZ line.* Should run forever; pass it down from generation to generation.* There is plenty of hop-up stuff already, and there will only be more. This bike can grow with the rider or be modded to fit an adult.
What's Not* Yamaha's helping to grow a generation of riders who won't know how to start a motorcycle the "old" way.* Stock handlebar is welded on; there is no adjustment.* You can easily spend more than the MSRP on mods.
SpecificationsMSRP: $1149Claimed dry weight: 119 lbActual weight (ready to ride, no gas): 129 lbSeat height: 21.8 in.Fuel capacity: 0.8 gal.