Riva 180 / 200

YAMAHA RIVA 180 / 200 (XC180 / XC200)

Yamaha showed up in North American with the Riva 180 (XC180) for 1983, beating Honda to the large scooter market by a full year. The Riva 180 was a powerful 4-stroke scooter with a respectable top speed of 70-75 mph. This was similar to the 250cc Elite and Helix scooters Honda would introduce in the coming years. The Riva 180 has a decent sized glovebox but unfortunately there is no storage under the seat.

The Riva 180 was sold from 1983 - 1985. Over this time span, Yamaha sold three versions; the regular Riva 180 (code XC180), an upgraded ‘Z’ version (code XC180Z) and then a ‘Deluxe’ version (code XC180D). All of the model codes are then followed by a letter corresponding to the year (1983 = K, 1984 = L, 1985 = N). So for example, a 1985 Deluxe Riva 180 would be model code XC180DN. The standard version of the Riva 180 was sold all three years, but the Z version was sold only in ’84 and ’85. The Deluxe version was only sold in 1985.

Opting for the Z trim over the regular Riva 180 got you a two-tone paint job with pin-striping, color matched rims, a digital clock in the dash, a ‘plush’ two step seat and the option to add a tinted windscreen. The Deluxe trim took things a step further and added digital instrumentation, turn signals that shut off automatically (really?) and a carpeted floorboard (weird). Checkout the brochure scans at the bottom of this page for a look at the Deluxe Riva 180.

Yamaha withdrew the Riva 180 from our shore after 1985 but they returned for the 1987 model year with an improved Riva 200 (XC200) capable of 70-75mph. In addition to an extra 20cc, the Riva 200 had an improved dual sided fork, and improved auto choke system and a few other tweaks like new aluminum rims. This improved Riva was sold from 1987 until 1991, again in several trim levels. 1987 saw both a regular and ‘ZC’ version. Presumably the C stands for California, so maybe the Z version was only sold in California since just a Z version is not listed. In 1988 through 1991, both regular and Z versions were sold, except for 1990 when just the Z was available. Opting for the Z version netted you the same upgrades as mentioned early for the Riva 180 Z.

Owners and buyers should be aware that a recall exists for '87 - '88 RIva 200 scooters (Recall code: 89V099000) that corrects a weakness in the front brake compression bar. Of interest, Yamaha has stated this recall applies to 3506 vehicles, so we know that's how many Riva 200's were sold in the USA during those 2 years. That means that sales were roughly 1750 units/year. You can use this to get a rough idea of how many might be in existance for all years, but keep in mind that scooter sales dropped off quite a bit by '89 and stayed low for over a decade.

Yamaha sold quite a few neat accessories for their Riva 180/200 scooters including rear cases, a ‘streamliner’ windscreen and an unusual tennis racquet holder rack. I wonder what portion of Riva owners are also avid tennis players? Apparently Yamaha hopes quite a few are.

The Riva 180/200 is supposedly a very comfortable ride and great for covering long distances. Unfortunately, the 180cc models are plagued by an expensive and difficult to solve auto choke problem. These auto choke problems often require unclogging the starter jet and/or a $200 ‘bystarter control valve’ from Yamaha to fix. Until this problem is fixed, these Riva’s are difficult or impossible to start. To make sure you have the hoses hooked up properly, follow this diagram.

For more information on the Riva 180/200, check out this Yahoo! group. You need to sign up for Yahoo to access their group but they have complied an impressive collection of information that makes sign up worthwhile. They’ve got scans of the service manuals, a FAQ and parts lists. There’s also a photos section and a message area where you can talk to other owners.

Pros:
* Fast
* Comfortable
* Nice glovebox

Cons:
* Notorious for autochoke problems.
* No underseat storage

Colors:
1983: Mist Blue Metallic, Champagne Gold, New Silver Dust
1984: Mist Blue Metallic, Champagne Gold, New Silver Dust, Black Gold (Z trim)
1985: Black, Splendid Beige (Deluxe), Urushi Black/Black Gold (Z Trim)
1987: Bordeux Red, Sparkle Maroon, Urushi Black (Z Trim)
1988: Bordeux Red, Sparkle Maroon, Samson Blue, Urushi Black (Z Trim)
1989: Bordeux Red, Aurora Silver, Sparkle Maroon, Samson Blue, Urushi Black (Z Trim)
1990: Bordeux Red (Z Trim), Urushi Black (Z Trim)
1991: Bordeux Red, Sparkle Maroon, Marshall Gold, Urushi Black (Z Trim)

Links:
MotorscooterGuide Forums - Visit the forum on this site to chat about this scoot.
'83-'85 XC180 Service Manual - Very helpful for anyone who works on their own scooter.
XC200 Service Manual - Very hopeful for anyone who works on their own scooter.
BikeBandit.com - Good for looking up OEM parts and finding out what’s still available
RivaRiders - Yahoo group of Riva 125, Riva 180 and Riva 200 owners.
JacksScooterShop - Great Info on the Riva 125 and all Japanese scooters.
Common Riva 180/200 Problems - This is part of Jacks Scooter Shop that describes common problems for this scoot.

More Brochure Scans Here