Yamaguchi Autopet
YAMAGUCHI AUTOPET
Road Impression
THOSE who still might be scoffing at the many miniscule cycles appearing on the roads today might do well to reserve their blanket condemnation of these little tiddlers until they have tried a few of them. Particularly machines like the Yamaguchi Autopet, or SPB Scrambler, to be more precise.
Starting with the engine, a 55cc two-stroke rated at 4.8 hp @ 8,200 in its 50cc version, it is outwardly typical of the breed. It employs an iron barrel with an alloy head and is of the integral engine/gearbox type. A great deal could be said about the marvelous little four-speed gearbox in the Yamaguchi; it will take an enormous amount of abuse without complaint, whether using the clutch or not. The secret lies in an ingenious synchromesh system employing a row of ball bearings that expand and engage the constant meshing gears. We tried to outwit the system by literally crashing through the gears but couldn’t faze it a bit. After the initial use of the clutch in starting, it need not be used again until the next stop is required.
The Yarhaguchi is the first mini-lightweight cycle we have seen that uses the conventional motorcycle frame made up of welded steel tubing. The two major frame elements run rearwards and down from the fork head td a point behind the engine which is mounted on a large welded gusset. In appearance the engine seems to be a structural part of the frame but upon closer examination it can be seen that the engine/gearbox unit is mounted entirely independently.
The throaty sound emitted by the high revving engine lends additional credence to the large cycle feel, though most of the noise is coming from the air cleaner on the tiny single carburetor. The air cleaner is quite large and should be more than satisfactory for scrambles or any off-the-road work, it is of the paper filter element type. One thing that the whole CW staff agreed on was the big motorcycle feel and its excellent handling. Though its light weight (138 lbs.) would indicate a bicycle-like ride, the effective tubular forks and swing arm, oildampened rear suspension work very efficiently and impart a remarkably soft ride while detracting very little from its stability and handling.
Favorable impressions do not end with the feel and handling of the Yamaguchi. To the man we were all pleased and surprised with the performance. Though not shattering, the acceleration is extremely brisk and most satisfying. We attained over 55 mph in 4th gear and the manufacturer claims a top speed of 60 mph when well broken in. We were delivered the machine by Mr. G. M. Whitney, Director of the Pacific Basin Trading Co., in Athena, Oregon, importers of the line, who promptly urged us to turn it on. This we did, with gusto and great fun.
Our single criticism fell to the finish. Though more than satisfactory, it could be better. The Pacific Basin Co. supplies an impressive list of competition victories won by the little scrambler, in events ranging from road races and trials to moto-cross and scrambles. Good brakes never fail to impress us and it was a lasting one we were left with on the stopping power of the Yamaguchi. Though they do not appear to be powerful, the bike stopped from full throttle in short order, much to the rider’s pleasure.
The six-volt electrical system includes turn signals, full lighting equipment and a very audible horn. Ignition is by magneto with wiring coils to charge the battery. Available extras include various ratio rear sprockets for scrambles, trailing or other dirt events and knobby tires for the same use. As a scrambler the Yamaguchi performs superbly, in no small way attributed to its long travel suspension; two inches in the rear, three inches in the front.
We were even more amazed at the Yamaguchi when Mr. Whitney showed us the parts catalog and some sample pieces he was carrying with him in the Company’s airplane. The tiniest piston you ever saw in your life costs less than $3.00 and a complete lower end, including crankshaft, rod and bearings, will cost the ordinarily hapless owner of a blown machine under $36.00. These truly amazing low prices for replacement parts should make ownership of the SPB virtually painless, even under the worst of conditions.
Summing up, the Yamaguchi SPB Autopet Scrambler, thought small, is a full fledged motorcycle in every respect. It is well designed and built, is attractive and performs much like larger machines that cannot boast of its low price, or give such phenomenal mileage (200 mpg!). We recommend the prospective buyer, be he an old hand at motorcycles, or a complete neophyte, to give it serious consideration. We did. •
