Description
A beautifully presented example of the legendary FS1-E 'Fizzy', Released in 1973, the Yamaha FS 1-E was the bike teenagers lusted after in the 1970s and early 1980s. It represented a ticket to freedom for 16 year olds in the UK. This, first registered as new on 1st March 1974 was from the first year of production, matching numbers 1973 model, it was fully restored in the early 2000s. Superbly presented in Candy Gold and in very good condition. The previous owner purchased it in 2010 of which he is one of six in 51 years 6 months, having covered 11, 452 miles in that time, an average of 222 miles a year. It was featured in a 4 page spread in May 2009 Classic Mechanics Magazine, copy included. Offered with a laminated original advertising poster, owner's manual, a quantity of expired MOTs and two keys.
Tax and MOT except, currently has Sorn in place.
Matching, VIN/ Chassis/ Frame no./ Engine no. 012867.
So it was that Yamaha took a bike they had been designing, down tuned it from five to four speeds, slapped a couple of pedals on it and unleashed it on the British roads in 1973. The FS1-E was the variant of the FS1 designed specifically for the UK, and while it absolutely complied with the letter of the law it was still a machine that could get you close to 60mph. With its distinctive looks, sleek design and, of course, its ability to eat up the miles, the FS1-E - or the 'Fizzy' as it was dubbed by its devotees - became one of the most wanted bikes for teenagers, commuters and anyone looking for a cheap and reliable form of transport.
It sold around 7, 500 units in its first year alone. Initially only available in candy gold, a vivid orange that was perfectly in keeping with the fashion of the time, it was joined in its second year by equally groovy 70s colours like baja brown, competition yellow, popsicle purple and cosmic blue. By 1976 only Baja Brown remained, which you could probably waffle on about at great length as an indication of the changes that took place in fashion in the UK during that time.
In 1977 the government finally realised they needed to give the laws about 16-year-olds another go, and decreed that while they could now ride mopeds without pedals,
