Yamaha began producing motorcycles in 1955, starting with small-displacement bikes and then a developing a strong line of sport bikes. The Japanese company introduced the TT-R 230, an off-road bike based on its popular YZ models, in 2005, joining its TT-R 90E and three 125 models. With the addition of the TT-R 50E a year later, the company was aiming to provide an off-road bike for every beginning rider from the age of seven through adulthood. All six models were carryovers in 2007.
The TT-R 50E and TT-R 90E are both small, light, easy-to-use bikes for young off-roaders. Both have simple electric starters and three speed gearboxes and automatic clutches to go with their air-cooled, SOHC, four-stroke engines; the 50E has a 49cc displacement; the 90E displaces 89cc. The seats are low—21.9 inches for the TT-R 50E and 24.6 inches for the 90E, perfect for seven-to-10-year-old crowd. Parents can control usage via a key and a throttle stop to restrict speed. And in case any adults wish to use these diminutive bikes for pit racing, Yamaha makes plenty of racetrack-inspired accessories available.
The TT-R 125 E, TT-R 125L, and TT-R 125 LE all have air-cooled, 124cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder engines with an SOHC valve configuration and carburetion. These models have five-speed manual transmissions. The TT-R 230, the most powerful of the line—call it the grown-up of the crowd—also has an air-cooled, four-stroke, SOHC, single-cylinder engine, one that hits a respectable 223cc displacement, and a six-speed transmission.
Telescopic forks provide the front suspension for all but the littlest TT-R, which gets an inverted fork; all have twin-sided swing arm rear suspension. The two youth models have drum brakes front and back; the others have disc brakes in front.
You could call the TT-R, with its range of models, off-road fun for the whole family.