Yamaha YN Neo's 50 4T [2009-2021]: The Urban Companion That Stands the Test of Time
For over a decade, the Yamaha YN Neo's 50 4T has been weaving through city streets with the quiet confidence of a scooter that knows its purpose. Designed for urban mobility but capable of occasional suburban adventures, this 50cc workhorse represents Yamaha's commitment to practical engineering. Let's dissect why this model generation remains relevant even as newer competitors emerge.
Design & Ergonomics: Urban Minimalism Meets Smart Packaging
The Neo's silhouette follows the classic "Italian-style" scooter formula with modern twists. Its 1,840mm (72.4") length and 663mm (26.1") width create a footprint that's compact enough for filtering through traffic yet stable at speed. The stepped dual seat design isn't just stylistic - it creates a natural pocket for the rider while allowing room for a passenger.
Key design evolutions: - Early models (2009-2011): Angular bodywork with dual round headlights - Mid-cycle refresh (2012-2016): Streamlined panels, LCD instrumentation options - Final iterations (2017-2021): Blue backlit displays, metallic color options
The 790mm (31.1") seat height remains constant throughout production, accommodating riders from 150cm (4'11") to 185cm (6'1"). What surprises is the 146-154mm (5.7-6.1") ground clearance - enough to handle curbs without scraping the underbelly.
Underseat storage deserves special mention. The 6.1L fuel tank (1.61 US gal) in two-stroke models shrinks to 5.4L (1.43 US gal) in four-stroke versions to accommodate the liquid cooling system, but Yamaha cleverly maintained helmet storage capacity through revised cavity shaping.
Engine & Performance: Two-Stroke Charm vs Four-Stroke Pragmatism
The Neo's story has two distinct engine chapters:
2009-2011: The Two-Stroke Era
- 49.2cc air-cooled single
- 2.8 HP @ 6,750 RPM / 3 Nm (2.2 lb-ft) torque
- Gurtner PY12 carburetor
- Separate oil injection system
This configuration delivers that characteristic two-stroke zing - 0-40 km/h (0-25 mph) comes up briskly, with a raspy exhaust note that enthusiasts love. However, it demands more mechanical sympathy with 10.7:1 compression and CDI ignition requiring precise maintenance.
2012-2021: Four-Stroke Revolution
- 49.4cc liquid-cooled SOHC
- 3.1 HP @ 7,000 RPM / 3.2 Nm (2.3 lb-ft) torque
- Fuel injection replaces carburetion
- Wet sump lubrication
The four-stroke's 12:1 compression ratio and TCI ignition bring modern efficiency. Top speed remains electronically limited to 45 km/h (28 mph) in EU-spec models, but the broader torque curve makes hill climbs less frantic. Liquid cooling adds 7kg (15.4 lbs) but enables consistent performance in stop-and-go traffic.
Real-world fuel consumption: - Two-stroke: 2.5 L/100km (94 mpg) - Four-stroke: 2.1 L/100km (112 mpg)
The CVT transmission deserves praise. Unlike some competitors' jerky engagement, Yamaha's belt drive offers progressive takeoff - crucial when navigating wet tram tracks or gravel-strewn alleys.
Handling & Ride Experience: City Slicer Supreme
At 88kg (194 lbs) for two-stroke and 95kg (209 lbs) for four-stroke variants, the Neo's feels tossable yet planted. The 1,275mm (50.2") wheelbase provides stability at speed without compromising turning radius.
Suspension breakdown: - Front: 70mm (2.8") travel telescopic forks - Rear: 60mm (2.4") swingarm with hydraulic damping
This setup absorbs potholes better than the class average. Combine with 12-inch wheels shod in 120/70-12 front and 130/70-12 rear tires, and you get a scooter that leans confidently into corners. The transition from upright to max lean feels natural, though footboard clearance limits aggressive angles.
Braking evolved across generations: - Early models: Drum front/rear - 2012+: 110mm front disc with optional Unified Braking System (UBS) - Rear remains drum throughout
The UBS-equipped models (2017+) offer remarkable stopping power for a 50cc machine. Even base models outperform competitors like the Honda Vision 50 in panic stops from 40 km/h.
Technology & Features: Surprising Sophistication
Yamaha packed the Neo's with thoughtful tech: - Lighting: Dual-projector headlights (55W) with 20% wider spread than previous Yamaha scooters - Instrumentation: Evolved from basic analog to blue-backlit LCD with fuel gauge and clock - Security: Helmet lock integrates with ignition key - no separate keys needed
Later models (2017+) feature a pass light switch - rare in 50cc class - allowing quick high-beam flashes to alert distracted drivers.
Competition: Where the Neo's Stands Out
1. Honda Vision 50
- Lighter at 84kg (185 lbs)
- Slightly better fuel economy
- But: Softer suspension, smaller wheels
2. Peugeot Kisbee 50
- More powerful 4.3 HP engine
- Larger under-seat storage
- But: Higher maintenance costs, complex electronics
3. Kymco Agility 50
- Lower price point
- Tubeless tires
- But: Cheap-feeling plastics, vague steering
Neo's advantage: Yamaha's build quality shines through in component longevity. A 2010 two-stroke model with original exhaust still sounds tight where competitors develop rattles. The steel frame resists corrosion better than Kymco's or SYM's offerings.
Maintenance: Keeping Your Neo's Young
As MOTOPARTS.store specialists, we recommend:
Two-stroke models: - Oil: JASO-FC certified at 2% mix ratio (50:1) - Spark plugs: NGK BR9HS every 3,000 km - Exhaust: Decoke every 10,000 km
Four-stroke models: - Oil: 10W-40 JASO MA2, 0.8L capacity - Valve clearance: Check every 6,000 km - Coolant: Replace every 2 years/15,000 km
Common wear items: - Drive belt: Replace at 15,000 km - Brake shoes: Last 10,000-12,000 km in urban use - Tires: Heidenau K66 lasts 8,000 km vs stock 5,000 km
Pro tip: Upgrade four-stroke models with a high-flow air filter and NGK CR7EIX iridium plug for smoother cold starts.
Conclusion: The Scooter That Grows With You
What makes the Neo's special isn't raw specs - it's the thoughtful integration of components that create a cohesive riding experience. The seat contour matches the suspension travel, the handlebar angle complements the steering geometry, and even the footboard texture prevents boot slippage when wet.
For new riders, it's a forgiving teacher. For veterans, a reliable workhorse. And for MOTOPARTS.store customers, a platform begging for personalization - whether that's sportier variator weights or premium brake pads. Twelve years after its debut, this Yamaha still makes commuting something to look forward to.
Specifications sheet
Engine | |
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Stroke: | Two-stroke |
Max power: | 3.1 kW | 4.0 hp |
Max torque: | 3.2 Nm |
Fuel system: | Fuel Injection (4-stroke models) / Carburettor Gurtner PY12 (2-stroke models) |
Max power @: | 7000 rpm |
Displacement: | 49.4 ccm |
Max torque @: | 7000 rpm |
Bore x stroke: | 38.0 x 43.6 mm (4-stroke) / 40.0 x 39.2 mm (2-stroke) |
Configuration: | Single |
Cooling system: | Liquid-cooled (4-stroke) / Air-cooled (2-stroke) |
Compression ratio: | 12.0:1 (4-stroke) / 10.7:1 (2-stroke) |
Number of cylinders: | 1 |
Dimensions | |
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Wheelbase: | 1275 mm (50.2 in) |
Wet weight: | 95 |
Seat height: | 790 mm (31.1 in) |
Overall width: | 663 mm (26.1 in) |
Overall height: | 1118 mm (44.0 in) |
Overall length: | 1840 mm (72.4 in) |
Ground clearance: | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
Fuel tank capacity: | 5.4 L (1.43 US gal) (4-stroke) / 6.1 L (1.61 US gal) (2-stroke) |
Drivetrain | |
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Final drive: | belt |
Transmission: | Automatic (CVT) |
Maintenance | |
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Engine oil: | 10W40 |
Brake fluid: | DOT 4 |
Spark plugs: | NGK CR7E (4-stroke) / NGK CR8E (2-stroke) |
Coolant capacity: | 1.9 |
Engine oil capacity: | 0.8 |
Engine oil change interval: | Every 5000 km or 2 years |
Valve clearance (intake, cold): | 0.10–0.15 mm (4-stroke) |
Valve clearance (exhaust, cold): | 0.20–0.25 mm (4-stroke) |
Recommended tire pressure (rear): | 2.0 bar (29 psi) |
Recommended tire pressure (front): | 1.8 bar (26 psi) |
Additional Notes | |
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Features: | LCD instrument panel (2014+), Lockable underseat storage, Dual headlights |
Color Options: | Black, White, Titanium, Brown, Light Blue (varies by year) |
Model Variations: | 2-stroke models (2009-2011) / 4-stroke models (2012-2021) |