Jog

YAMAHA JOG (CE50, CG50, CY50)

The Jog is one of Yamaha’s most popular scooters worldwide. I was on a vacation a couple years ago in the Dominican Republic and these scooters were everywhere. Yamaha started producing the first Jog (CE50, shown above) in 1983 but it didn’t make it to North American until 1986. Since then they produced a huge range of variants which you can view here. In Canada and the USA, we got three generations of the Jog. We got the CE50 for 1986, the CG50 for 1988 (below in purple) and the last Jog, the CY50 for 1992 (below in black). The CY50 was dropped after 2001 and we haven’t got a Jog since. The current generation of Jog scooters sold in many countries are quite nice scooters and it wouldn’t surprise me to see the Jog return sometime in the coming years.

The first North America generation was the ’86 - ’87 CE50 Jog. This scooter featured a peppy aircooled 50cc 2-stroke engine that was capable of 35-38mph. The next generation was introduced for the 1988 model year and it was sold until 1991. This CG50 Jog shared some parts in common with the Razz (ie. headlight, blinkers, taillight and mirrors) but mechanically it was quite different. The Jog had a proper CVT transmission and a respectable top speed of 40-43mph. The last North American generation of the Jog was the CY50 and it was introduced for 1992 and sold until 2001. This scooter doesn’t appear to be an entirely new model but rather a heavy stylistic revision of the CG50. Notice how several components like the wheels and front shocks appear to be the same.

Both the CG50 and CY50 also used the same Minarelli engine. This engine is of the most noteworthy aspects of the Jog. The Minarelli engine was developed via a partnership between Yamaha and Minarelli for the Jog scooter. I think Yamaha basically hired Minarelli to design the engine and then a few years later Yamaha bought Minarelli. Regardless, the key point here is that this Minarelli engine is likely the most popular 2-stroke 50cc engine worldwide. It powers a huge portion of the 2-stroke 50cc scooters sold worldwide under countless brands. What this means for you as a Jog owner is that there is a massive aftermarket parts scene for this scooter. Jog’s can be modified to go ridiculous speeds in excess of 70mph. In addition to being hugely popular, this engine is simply a great powerplant. It’s powerful and fairly fuel efficient. The Minarelli Jog’s were restricted to about 43mph but this variator restriction can be easily removed and these scooters are capable of quite a bit more.

Besides the great engine, how is the Jog? Basically it’s okay. Yamaha has produced some great versions of the Jog but here in North American we’ve kinda got the rental fleet (base model) versions. That means we got drum brakes instead of a front disc brake and very little storage. The CE50 Jog’s sold in North America never had a glove box or underseat storage (see above photo). The later CG50 and CY50 Jog's did have underseat storage made possibly by the horizontal motor. Instead of a glovebox, Yamaha disappointingly revived their largely useless ‘gear slot’ idea (also found on: CA50, CV80). In theory, this space comes in handy but it becomes significantly less so when you realize you can’t put anything here that is susceptible to rain damage, nor can you leave much here when parked because it could be easily stolen.

The obvious competition for the Jog is the Honda’s 50cc Elite scooter in the USA and the Honda Dio in Canada (and the rest of the world). These competitors stack up pretty closely to the Jog in all areas except the Honda’s do have a glovebox. With all of these scooters you are dealing with similar styling, questionable color scheme offerings, little storage but powerful and very reliable engines. Besides the lack of storage, the Jog makes a great practical choice. You can buy relatively new examples for often really low prices ($500-$1200) and then usually last forever. The Jog is a great choice for anyone looking for cheap, fun and reliable transportation or for anyone looking to modify a scooter to break the earth’s orbit.

Pros:
* Powerful (CG50 & CY50)
* Reliable Minarelli engine (CG50 and CY50)
* Massive OEM and aftermarket parts availability

Cons:
* Very little storage
* Strange Color options
* Vanilla styling

If you have any info to add, email me at dandurston@hotmail.com

Links:
MotorscooterGuide Forums - Visit the forum on this site to chat about this scoot.
CG50 Service Manual - Very helpful for anyone who works on their own scooter.
CY50 Service Manual - Very helpful for anyone who works on their own scooter.
BikeBandit.com - Good for looking up OEM parts and finding out what’s still available
Maintenance Info - Link to Jacks Scooter Shop maintenance table.

Key Specs (CE50):
* Engine: 2-stroke, reed valve, 49cc single
* Bore and Stroke: 40.0mm x 39.2mm
* Compression Ratio: 7.2:1
* Power: 4.5hp @ 7000 RPM, 4.3ft/lbs torque @ 5500 RPM
* Lubrication: ‘Autolube’ oil injection
* Carb: Y12P
* Ignition: CDI
* Staring: Electric and Kick
* Fuel Tank: 2.9 litres / 0.75 gallons
* Oil Capacity: 0.8 litres / 0.2 gallons
* Length: 61.4” / 1560 mm
* Width: 24.2” / 615 mm
* Height: 37.5” / 953 mm
* Seat Height: 27.2” / 690 mm
* Wheelbase: 42.7” / 1085 mm
* Ground Clearance: 4.0” / 100mm
* Dry Weight: 123 lbs / 55.5 kg
* Suspension: Telescopic Fork (front), Unit Swingarm (rear)
* Brakes: Drum / Drum
* Tires: 2.75-10 4PR (Front and Rear)

Colors:
1986: Stormy Red, Calm Yellow
1987: Stormy Red, Cosmic Blue
1988-1991: Silky White, Bluish Black, Mature Red
1992: Very Dark Blue Cocktail, Vivid Red Cocktail, Solid Fine Silver
1993: Very Dark Blue Cocktail, Vivid Red Cocktail, Solid Fine Silver
1994: Vivid Red Cocktail, Solid Fine Silver, Black, Deep Purple Solid
1995: Vivid Red Cocktail, Solid Fine Silver, Black, Deep Purple Solid
1996: Black, Deep Purple Solid, Silky White
1997: Black, Deep Purple Solid, Silky White
1998: Black, Deep Purple Solid, Silky White
1999: Black, Deep Purple Solid, Silky White
2000: Black, Silky White
2001: Black, Silky White