YAMAHA C3 / C-CUBED (XF50)

XF50
As a bit of a Honda fan (the Ruckus was my first scooter), I am jealous of the technology Yamaha has packed into the C3. Honda was first on the 4-stoke 50cc engine scene with their 2-valve, carburated, liquid cooled GET 2 engine (found in the 2002 Metro/Jazz and 2003 Ruckus) but Yamaha leap frogged that for 2006 when they shoe horned a new fuel injected, liquid cooled and 3-valve engine into their formerly 2-stroke Vino. It’s this same great engine that Yamaha has used in the new for 2007 XF50. This engine is not only technologically ahead, it’s also more powerful and fuel efficient than Honda’s current 50cc engine. I haven’t raced a C3 and a Ruckus side by side, but supposedly the C3 is faster accelerating with a similar top speed around 41-42mph (64-68km/hr). Unlike current Honda's, the C3 is top speed restricted by a washer that limits the top end gearing of the variator. Removing this adds a few mph but it also decreased hill performance due to the taller gearing.

The C3 is the North American name for the XF50 scooter that is sold as the ‘Vox’ in Japan and as the ‘Giggle’ in many European countries. Other than the great engine, Yamaha has also given the C3 huge storage under the seat which comes in very handy. The C3 also has a fuel gauge which you don’t find on every 50cc scooter (i.e. the Ruckus).

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The fuel milage for this engine is amazing (probably the best vehicle of any vehicle sold in North America) but don’t get suckered by the ridiculous figures Yamaha posts on their website. Yamaha reports a fuel milage of 138mpg but that’s assuming you travel at a constant speed of 25mph (40km/hr). Ask anyone who’s ever driven a 50cc 4-stroke and they’ll tell you that this is unrealistic. 50cc 4-stroke are driven wide open 95% of the time so real world fuel milage for the C3 is normally in the 100-110mpg range.

Now what’s wrong with the C3? I’m trying to tip toe around this one but I think it's fair to say that the cute styling isn't for everyone. I suspect even Yamaha knows this (they call it the Giggle in Europe). A lot of the design elements are nice (i.e. floorboard, rims, exhaust, gauges) but the front headlight and fender are both a bit cartoon-ish for my tastes. Besides that, the underseat storage isn't deep enough to swallow a full face helmet. The underseat storage area is very long so it's great for stuff like computers, but taller gear doesn't fit in so well. Considering that huge storage capacity seems to be the main focus of this scooter, I'm surprised they didn't find enough space for a full helmet.

The drum brakes are another area that could be improved although they do perform adequately. When this scooter was announced I was surprised Yamaha didn't utilize the front disc brake they've been using in the Zuma for years. I guess this scooter is being built to a price point and they probably used up too much of the budget with the high tech engine. That's fine by me because brakes are much easier to upgrade that the motor.
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You should also be aware that a recall exists for 2007 models pertaining to the fuel pump. The fuel pump commonly causes starting/running difficulties and it poses a fire danger so get Yamaha to replace this.

Overall, if you like the styling, this is one awesome scooter for you. If you don’t, you could utilize the XF50’s rapidly growing aftermarket parts industry to overhaul the look or you could look at the mechanically similar and retro styled Vino. Other 50cc 4-strokes worth taking a look at include the Honda Metro/Jazz, Honda Ruckus, Vespa LX50 and several scooters from Kymco.

Pros:
* Awesome engine
* Milage
* Storage

Cons:
* Drum brakes
* Shallow underseat storage doesn’t hold a full face helmet

Links:
MotorscooterGuide Forums - Visit the forum on this site to chat about this scoot.
C3 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
JustGottaScoot - Nice review of the C3
C3 Review - Motorcycle.com review
C3 Video Review - Great video review done by the fine folks at the Scooter Scoop.

Key Specs:
* Model Code: XF50
* Engine: 4-stroke, liquid cooled, 3-valve, fuel injected, SOHC, single
* Displacement: 49cc
* Bore and Stroke: 38mm x 43.5mm
* Compression Ratio: 12:1
* Fuel System: Mikuni 19mm Fuel Injection
* Ignition: CDI
* Transmission: Automatic (CVT)
* Front/Rear Suspension: Telescopic Fork / Single Shock
* Front / Rear Brakes: Drum / Drum
* Tires: 120/90-10 (front and rear)
* Wheelbase: 1280mm
* Seat Height: 735mm / 29”
* Dry weight: 85kg / 187lbs
* Fuel Tank: 4.5 litres

Colors:
2007: Deep Purplish Blue Metallic, Liquid Silver
2008: Vivid Red Metallic, Greenish White Metallic, Deep Purplish Blue Metallic
2009: Liquid Silver, Heat Red
2010: Raven/Red