(Here’s our first look at the fresh baby Yammy. Henceforth I dub ye, “The Close Campus Cruiser”)
Yesterday my Scooter Senses were tingling. Something was telling me to call Bill Kasson and ask him about the New C3. It had been months since I had first started bugging them about estimated arrival dates and I wanted the scoop. Well, I got his son (and co-owner) Will on the line and he told me they had actually JUST taken them off the truck and would have one available for me to look in the morning; to which I responded “REALLY? You JUST got them in? Weird. Well, I’ll see ya then!”
This morning I packed up my gear and hit SOCO (South Congress) to see what she was all about. Now, I’m not going to get too deep here because it’s just a First Look. I didn’t get a chance to really put her through her paces. What we do know so far is this:
-The C3 has an all new, 49cc, liquid-cooled (with fan assist), SOHC, 3-valve, fuel injected 4-stroke which means shes not gonna win a drag race anytime soon. But still, she was peppy. The speedo read 40mph and she could do it… down hill. The C3 tops out at around 35 on a straightaway in it’s stock-state.
-The fuel injection is supposed to allow this baby 117 MPG! Really? I’d like to research that some more… If so, I’m impressed! Let’s see… 1.2 gallon tank gives us… 140+ MILES PER FILL UP! (translation… more beer money)
-The cylinder features a ceramic composite coating to insure uniform heat dissipation, reduced friction and an extended service life. (Translation… Less shop time)
-The C3 has 110mm drum brakes front and back. I’d say that’s all you need to keep the reigns on a 50cc 4t.
-She’s got some pretty impressive storage under the seat. Nine gallons worth to be exact! That’s enough for 16 cold ones and a few packages of beef jerky (see the photos to really get the picture). One thing to note is that a sticker inside the trunk indicates an 11 lbs load limit. If you’re using this to haul your biology books you could easily bust that limit. I’m not sure what the “actual limit before it gets dangerous” is. I’m sure someone will report on that in the future. I’m also sure that SOMEONE is going to use it to store a subwoofer… and someone else is going to figure out how to retrofit a 12v fridge in there. It’s only a matter of time.
So… My opinions? First off this new offering has been issued an unfortunate name. It’s not that I don’t like the name “The Yamaha C³”, but if your searching the web for it, what do you type? “C3″? “C Cubed?”, “C (Alt NumPad 0179)”? Or any variation of the above with assorted dashes or spaces in it? Maybe you’re better off calling it the Yamaha XF50. I think it has been showing up in Google under “Yamaha C3″ pretty well though.
So, liquid cooled? How did they manage the narrow, grill-less front end? Well, the radiator is positioned longitudinally in the frame next to the engine. Nice and stylish.
It’s quiet and environmentally friendly. A nice set of features if you’re trying to make a difference… or sneak out of the girl’s dorm stairwell at 2am.
As for tires, she comes with a set of big-fatties. The wide, “aggressive” 120/90X10 tubeless tires add to the cush ride and masculine appearance. She’s easily customizable. You could add a side stand or tack on a new set of handle bars if you’d like. I think ape hangers would be a good look for her!
BUT, if you’re thinking about customization… I’d be careful when it comes to tuning the performance. I’m not so sure how well she would stand for upgrades without some serious retooling of the coolant system, some upgrades to the suspension and maybe the addition of a front disc… all that on top of the big bore kit, carb upgrade and exhaust swap. If you’re using it as a campus cruiser, you should be fine as-is.
She’s comfortable… Low and wide. The seat is just 29 inches off the ground, so you’re not gonna have to tiptoe at a stop sign. One bad thing about the seat is it’s really a single passenger setup. There’s no hauling your hunny on this baby. : (
CONCLUSION:
Definitely fun, affordable, practical and, in my humble opinion, good looking! You heard me mention “masculine” earlier. If you’re a big guy looking for a class-hopper, you might find the style and stature of some other competing scooters to be a mismatch. I couldn’t imagine myself, a 6’2″ guy, comfortably cruising on a Honda Metropolitan or Yamaha Vino.
And how does it stand up to its closest competitor, the Honda Ruckus??? At $1999 the MSRP beats the Ruckus with $50 savings. It doesn’t have the same “Billy Badass” look as the Ruckus, but C3 is much more practical… just from a storage standpoint. A quick glance at the Scooter Diva 2007 shoppers guide shows the C3′s tank is a tenth of a gallon smaller and the dry weight is higher by 6 lbs. Not a huge difference there. Weighing the differences from a high level, one would have to be a big fan of the Ruckuses raw, pipe-frame design to choose it over the C3. I think Yamaha has a real competitor here.
If you’re in the market for a practical, slow and low, grocery grabber or yard romper you should really pay attention to the XF50. The first looks didn’t give us much to complain about… better yet, it gave us much to smile about. The price is nice, the style is sweet. Great job Yamaha!
Check out the other 37 photos HERE. Get more deets directly from the Yamaha site HERE.
11. February 2007 at 5:55 pm
Hey Steve,
More about the fuel injection please. Tends to be a costly fix for injector head cleaning or replacement.
11. February 2007 at 5:58 pm
Will the seat close with a 3/4 or full face helmet in the cargo hold?
12. February 2007 at 7:13 am
It’s interesting that a fuel injected scooter has drum brakes. A bit incongruous. I really like the look of it, but I would love to see Yamaha build one with a fuel injected, liquid cooled 125 or 150cc engine and at least a front disc brake.
12. February 2007 at 11:47 pm
Lambretta chopper:
http://de.geocities.com/soertelt/
http://de.geocities.com/soertelt/start.html
15. February 2007 at 6:08 pm
WOW! I’ve been looking at these! Great review.
jenny
21. February 2007 at 10:26 pm
Like the looks, but would be hella better with the missing pieces Bryce mentioned.
24. February 2007 at 10:51 am
Hey! Sorry for the lack of responses here. I was outta town for nearly a month in total.
Jim. Interesting. I didn’t realize that. It can’t be THAT much though. Could it?
Anon1. It miiight close with a 3/4. My large full face wouldn’t go in there though. Have to use the built in helmet lock that hangs it near the front of the seat.
Bryce. You’ve taken the words right outta my mouth. You never know what to expect from Yamaha.
Dudel. Fun stuff! I’d love to build a chopper (in the near future). Unfortunately their website is sorta falling to pieces.
Anon (Jenny). Glad you dig it. If you buy one, let us know what you think.
Ted. Hear Hear! As for the looks, it reminds me of a Cushman I’ve seen before. I can’t remember the exact model, but when I saw the photo from the front, I was like “WOW! That’s the C3!”.
13. March 2007 at 7:46 pm
any ideas on the weight limit? or the hp ratings?
as a fairly big guy, these things concern me!
16. March 2007 at 2:00 am
Joe just bought a c3 today. Yamaha says wieght limit of 187. Horse power 3.5.
19. March 2007 at 2:21 pm
Thanks for that info… But the weight of C3 is 187 lbs, dry. I’m not sure what the maximum weight limit is yet. Does Joe know?
I can’t imagine the limit to be 187 lbs, or else I’d be over by 20 lbs just sitting on it.
26. April 2007 at 1:42 am
I have a C3 and the owners manual clearly states “Loading, The total weight of the operator,accessories and cargo must not exceed the maximum load limit of 85kg (187 lb)
Page 8-1 says weight of scooter with oil and fuel 90.0kg (198 lb)
http://www.c3rider.com
28. April 2007 at 4:13 am
187 lbs total weight capacity? Damn. That means by simply SITTING on it, I’ve made it unsafe by 20lbs. So much for storing 12 cold ones under the seat.
3. June 2007 at 4:43 am
my wife has recomended that I not try and ride the c3. As stated in the owners manual 187lbs on rear tire. I would like to suggest a load displacement of 1/3 front 2/3 rear equals aprox. 280lbs max.
To be noted is the limitations of drum brakes for safe and designed stopping distances. What other
rationalisms are there out there.
Kim
17. July 2007 at 6:35 pm
Nice review. I just wanted to comment that I bought my C3 two weeks ago and I love it. I am a bit smaller and lighter than average (5′ 7″ and 160lbs), but I can easily top it out at 40mph on a flat surface. It has plenty of speed for my city commuting and the gas mileage is great. I added one gallon at 95 miles on the odometer. I have a 3/4 helmet and it does not fit under the seat, so I was a bit disappointed about that.
17. July 2007 at 6:41 pm
Hey! Thanks Anon. Glad you like the review and also your new C3. I personally think that Yamaha has a potential hit on their hands.
I’d try to get one if 1) I thought the wife wouldn’t veto it. 2) Weighed less than the maximum towing capacity.
3. August 2007 at 8:13 pm
The Owner’s Manual does state that the maximum load is 187lbs, however the XF50 Service Manual (for the C3) states this:
Maximum load (total of cargo, rider,
passenger, and accessories): 175kg (386lb)
Yes, it seems contradictory.
12. October 2007 at 9:37 pm
how do i get the key past that little metal plate in the ignition (thie one that i assume keeps rain out or somethin…)
12. October 2007 at 9:41 pm
Hey Colin!
There is a little socket to open and close the plate which is opened by a driver on the back of the key.
That plate is always opened or closed manually using the back or top of the key.
4. January 2008 at 4:27 pm
Thanks for the write-up and photos…I am starting a new job in a week that is three miles from home. A distance that won’t even get the trans warm enough to engage torque converter lock-up for my daily driver lease Grand Caravan. Not good on the fluids. Not good for my Honda Magna motorcycle, which hates to run cold. The C3 might be the perfect vehicle. Being an automotive engineer, with an emphasis on powertrain, the SOHC 3-valve and 12:1 compression make this look like a great engine that should last a long time.
28. April 2008 at 2:41 pm
I am looking for a 2008 Red C3….
I have a local Yamaha dealer that has a 2007 Blue C3 & would deliver it to me for $2200….
I hate to pay MSRP for a 2007 model…
Bob
Ocean Springs, MS (next to Biloxi)
28. April 2008 at 3:02 pm
You’ve tried all these guys?
http://powersportsgateway.com/Powersports_Dealer_Locate_Distance.aspx?City=Ocean+Springs&Zip=39566&Latitude=30.41598&Longitude=-88.82172
or
http://tinyurl.com/5bzdfz
and use the pull-down on the top left to select “Yamaha”.
28. April 2008 at 3:34 pm
Thanks Steve,
I haven’t contacted all of the Yamaha dealers, the one on Pass Road in Biloxi has no inventory & claimed they only get 2 or 3 a year from Yamaha…??
May wait till 2009 & try to find a used C3 instead…
Bob
16. May 2008 at 6:06 pm
I am really interested in purchasing a C3… I have test ridden one and really like it. Tell me about the potential problems with “De-restricting” the engine… Also, I was reading some of the comments and am a little concerned about the carrying capacity of the C3. I weigh 205 and want to make sure it will be safe to drive. Let me know man! Thanks, Kurtis
26. May 2008 at 6:16 am
thanks for posting all the great photos! exactly the details i was looking for. Way to think like a scooterist!
5. July 2008 at 7:53 pm
For the service manual check out:
http://rapidshare.com/files/97334098/2007_C3_LIT-11616-20-58.pdf.html
It answered all my tech questions and i got one. I LOVE THIS SCOOTER!