Web Analytics

 Yamaha - 175 SC1
 Back to brands list


Yamaha SC1 motocyclette motorrad motorcycle vintage classic classique scooter roller moto scooter
Photo ou archives : F-M. Dumas
1115

Capacity : 175
Model : SC1
Production : 1960 -
Category : (R) Scooter

Yamaha

Yamaha

175 SCl-1960

A brilliant mistake

Yamaha had only been making motorcycles for five years when it decided to go into scooters, an already overcrowded market sector in Japan. The SC1, launched in March 1960, was lavishly equipped; while the engine was certainly derived from that of the 1956 YC1 (but mounted longitudinally and with forced-air cooling), the rest of the bike was remarkably innovative. Its styling was particularly successful - streamlined, youthful and rational.

Yamaha Does Too Much

Yamaha invested heavily in the SC1, which used a transmission incorporating a real hydraulic torque converter mounted on the end of the crankshaft, a two-speed automatic gearbox, and shaft final drive. Producing the pressed-steel chassis/body called for complex tools, and the suspension - with single swinging arms front and rear - stood out from the normal run of scooters, as did the ten-inch wheels, which gave greater stability than the usual eight-inch wheels. Priced at 150,000 yen, the SCl was not expensive compared with the rival Silver Pigeon, which was heavier, less powerful and less elegant, but cost 175,000 yen.

Unreliable and Uncertain

Sadly, the SCl was not only extremely difficult to produce, but its reliability was extremely uncertain. It cost Yamaha a great deal; though it was only in production a short while, it seriously imperiled the financial health of the young venturer.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 175cc ( 62x58mm) single-cylinder with forced-air cooling; ignition and starting by dynastart

Power Rating: 10.3 hp@ 5500 rpm

Valves: two-stroke

Fuel System: carburetor

Transmission: two-speed automatic, hydraulic torque converter; shaft final drive

Suspension: single swinging arm (front); single swinging arm (rear)

Brakes: drum (front & rear)

Wheels: 3.50x10 inch

Weight: 271 lb

Maximum Speed: 56 mph

 

Yamaha 's first scooter was such a disaster that the company didn 't venture into the scooter market again until1977.




Le fichier Moto Passion réalisé par François-Marie Dumas réunit près de deux mille photos accompagnées d'un historique très complet des machines présentées.
Il sera progressivement mis à jour ici et toute information complémentaire est la bienvenue sur info@moto-collection.org.

Cette documentation unique, qui constitue sans doute l'encyclopédie la plus exhaustive jamais écrite sur l'histoire de la moto, a été réalisée avec l'assistance de nombreux spécialistes dont principalement Didier Ganneau, Christophe Gaime, Mick Woollett, Jean Goyard, Bernard Salvat, Christian Rey, Yves Campion, Helmut Krackowizer, Michael Dregni, Michel Montange, etc. que je remercie ici.

Disponible sur demande :
- Les fiches originales sur papier
- Les photos et archives signées de mon nom en haute définition ou les documents originaux.
Me contacter sur info@moto-collection.org pour les conditions et droits d'utilisation.