The MBK Flame was the MBK-badged version of the Yamaha Cygnus, a 125 cm³ four-stroke scooter that Yamaha introduced in 1995. It was one of the models with which the Japanese maker served the French market through its French subsidiary.
MBK Flame at a glance
| Maker | MBK (Yamaha) |
|---|---|
| Model | MBK-badged Yamaha Cygnus |
| Introduced | 1995 |
| Engine | 125 cm³ single-cylinder four-stroke, air-cooled |
| Power | 8 kW |
| Restyle | 2004, renamed Cygnus X |
| Fuel system | carburettor, then fuel injection |
| MBK name after 2004 | New Flame |
There is no English article on the Cygnus and no separate MBK article on the Flame; this page relies on one source, the Italian article on the Cygnus, which names the MBK Flame and New Flame.
History of the MBK Flame
A 125 for the city (1995)
The Cygnus was a scooter for everyday transport, built around a 125 cm³ air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine giving 8 kW.
Flame and New Flame
On some markets the same scooter was retailed under the MBK brand as the Flame, and later as the New Flame. In 2004 Yamaha restyled the Cygnus and renamed it Cygnus X, at the same time replacing the carburettor with fuel injection so that the engine could be homologated to Euro 3. The MBK name continued alongside it, so the Flame is one badge of a machine sold in several forms.
Design and features
- Four-stroke engine: a 125 cm³ air-cooled single of 8 kW, smoother and cleaner than the two-strokes in the range.
- City layout: step-through body and automatic transmission.
- Fuel injection from 2004: part of the Cygnus X update that brought Euro 3 compliance.
MBK Flame versions
- Flame: the MBK name for the original Cygnus.
- New Flame: the MBK name used after the 2004 restyle.
The Flame was the four-stroke alternative to the two-stroke MBK Nitro, and it followed the MBK Booster in the French range. More machines are in the MBK collection.
Video: Yamaha MBK Flame
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- Yamaha Cygnus, Italian Wikipedia: engine, restyle, MBK names
