Post Sale Update: This MF1 sold for the opening bid of $995 on eBay in DeLand, Florida.
Built to compete with the Honda Cub, Yamaha decided to go upmarket with their first moped, the MF1. Upmarket is a relative term with mopeds – in this case it refers to the Neidhart front suspension, pressed-metal frame, kick-and-electric starters, three-speed transmission with manual clutch, and as Yamaha themselves boasted, the “largest tail light fitted on any step through.” Fancy!
It weighed 147 pounds, and the 50cc 2-stroke single produced approximately 3 horsepower. For more on the MF1, check out this article (start on page 6) from the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine.
What it’s supposed to look like. Photo from Yamaha
This example is going to need some work – it doesn’t have a key or battery, but the engine has “good compression” and it includes new tubes and a petcock. It also comes with a copy of the original service manual.
Find this MF1 Project for sale in DeLand, Florida with an unmet opening bid of $995 here on eBay.