The Yamaha TZR50 is the smallest model of Yamaha’s TZR sport range. It went into production in 2003 with styling borrowed from the R1 and R6, and it competed directly with the Aprilia RS 50 and Derbi GPR Racing 50.
Yamaha TZR50 at a glance
| Maker | Yamaha Motor Company |
|---|---|
| Class | 50 cc sport moped |
| Production from | 2003 |
| Engine | 50 cc two-stroke |
| Styling | derived from the R1 and R6 |
| Rivals | Aprilia RS 50, Derbi GPR Racing 50 |
| Updates | little changed during its production life |
| Related model | TZM 150 for Malaysia, derived from the TZR 125 |
Based on one source (Italian Wikipedia); the English Wikipedia page for Yamaha TZR is only a list of model names.
History of the Yamaha TZR50
The TZR50 arrived in 2003 as Yamaha’s sporty 50 cc road model. At its launch its chassis was very similar to those of its rivals, the Aprilia RS 50 and Derbi GPR Racing 50, so the competition was close in both performance and equipment.
Like the other small sport mopeds of its time, the TZR50 took its bodywork from larger machines in the same range. The fairing followed the lines of the R1 and R6, giving the little bike a smooth shape and matching headlights. Its performance and handling were regarded as excellent for the class, on a par with its direct competitors.
Unlike some rivals, the TZR50 was not updated much over the years. It remained a capable road-going moped rather than a developing design, and it stayed in production as the entry point to the TZR name. The TZR family itself had begun with the larger TZR250 in 1985, added the TZR125 in 1987 and was revived in 2004 with the 50 cc model, and a TZM 150 derived from the TZR 125 was later built for Malaysia.
Design and features
- Sport styling: bodywork and lights inspired by the R1 and R6.
- 50 cc two-stroke: a light engine suited to the moped class.
- Class rivals: developed alongside the Aprilia RS 50 and Derbi GPR Racing 50.
- Minimal updates: changed little over its production life.
Yamaha TZR50 versions
- TZR50 (2003–): the 50 cc sport moped.
- TZM 150: Malaysian model derived from the TZR 125.
The TZR50 is the smallest member of the TZR family, alongside the TZR250; it shares its sporty brief with the YZF-R125. More models are in the Yamaha collection.
Sources
- Yamaha TZR, Italian Wikipedia: TZR series history, TZR50, rivals, TZM 150
