If you’re trying to decide between a Honda CRF50 or Yamaha PW50 for your child, you’ve come to the right place. Though they may look similar at first glance, there are many differences between these two popular beginner bikes that can help make your decision. Let’s dive into the specifics and compare how each bike performs in terms of power, rider comfort, design features, and more.
Power Output
The Honda CRF50 is powered by a single-cylinder 49cc 4-stroke engine that produces 3.8 horsepower at 7500 RPM. The Yamaha PW50 is also powered by a single-cylinder 49cc 2-stroke engine but produces slightly less power than the CRF at only 2 horsepower at 6500 RPM. Despite this difference in power output, both of these bikes are equipped with a governor which limits their top speed to around 25mph and makes them perfect for beginning riders who don’t need too much power.
Rider Comfort
Both the Honda CRF50 and Yamaha PW50 feature comfortable low seat heights (19 inches and 18 inches respectively) which makes them easy to handle for smaller riders. The Honda CRF also has an adjustable throttle limiter which allows you to adjust the amount of power available so your child can get used to riding before they open it up all the way. The PW50 does not have this feature so it might be best suited for older riders who have some experience under their belt already.
Design Features
The Honda CRF50 has several design features that set it apart from other beginner bikes like a reinforced steel frame, an air-cooled engine, dual rear shocks for extra support in rough terrain, and a keyed ignition switch for added security when not in use. The Yamaha PW50 also includes some nice touches like an auto clutch transmission which eliminates the need to operate a manual clutch while riding, as well as front disc brakes which give your young rider more stopping power on downhill rides or when coming to sudden stops on flat terrain.
CRF50 vs PW50 Specifications
| Specification | Honda CRF50 | Yamaha PW50 |
| Engine Type | 49cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke | 49cc air-cooled single-cylinder two-stroke |
| Bore x Stroke | 39.0mm x 41.4mm | 40.0mm x 39.2mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 6.0:1 |
| Maximum Power Output | 3.7 horsepower at 8,500 rpm | 2.0 horsepower at 5,500 rpm |
| Ignition | CDI | CDI |
| Transmission | Automatic clutch with three-speed transmission | Automatic transmission |
| Final Drive | Chain | Shaft |
| Seat Height | 21.6 inches | 18.7 inches |
| Wheelbase | 36.0 inches | 33.7 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 5.8 inches | 2.8 inches |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 0.7 gallons | 0.5 gallons |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic fork | Telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | Single shock | Single shock |
| Front Brake | Drum | Drum |
| Rear Brake | Drum | Drum |
| Curb Weight | 110 pounds | 90 pounds |
| Top Speed | Approximately 30 mph | Approximately 25 mph |
| Price (MSRP) | $1,599 | $1,499 |
Engine
Honda CRF50 Engine
The Honda CRF50 engine is a single-cylinder, air-cooled four-stroke engine with an output of up to 8 horsepower and 5 lb-ft of torque. It has a displacement size of 50cc, and uses a manual kickstart to get it running. The engine also features an automatic cam chain tensioner and comes with an oil cooler for extended life.
Yamaha PW50 Engine
The Yamaha PW50 engine is similar to the Honda CRF50 in that it has a single cylinder, four-stroke design with an output of up to 3 horsepower and 2 lb-ft of torque. However, it has a slightly smaller displacement size at 49cc and utilizes a separate carburetor and exhaust system. The PW50 engine also comes with an oil filter for improved performance as well as an adjustable compression release lever for easy starting
Transmission
The CRF50 Transmission
The Honda CRF50 is considered one of the best bikes on the market for beginner riders. It has a 3-speed semi-automatic transmission with centrifugal clutch, meaning it does not require manual shifting or clutch control like traditional motorcycles do. This makes it much easier to operate and allows young bikers to focus more on learning how to ride instead of trying to figure out all the gears. The other benefit of this type of transmission is that it is more reliable than manual transmissions because there are fewer moving parts that can potentially fail.
The PW50 Transmission
The Yamaha PW50 also has a semi-automatic transmission, but with only one gear. This makes it even easier to operate than the CRF50 since there is no need for shifting or any other complicated maneuvers. The single gear also offers better acceleration compared to its multi-gear counterpart since all power from the engine is directed through one gear instead of several. However, this means that top speed will be limited compared to what you can get from a multi-gear transmission like on the CRF50.
Seat Height on the CRF50 vs PW50
Seat height is an important factor for beginner bikers as it determines how easy it is for them to maneuver the bike. The Honda CRF50 has a seat height of 19 inches, making it ideal for young riders who may lack strength or experience to lift a taller bike off its kickstand. The Yamaha PW50 comes in at 18.7 inches, so while it is slightly shorter than the CRF50, both bikes are suitable options for young riders.
Wheelbase on the CRF50 vs PW50
Wheelbase is also an important aspect when considering a new bike, as it affects balance and stability on uneven terrain. The Honda CRF 50 has a wheelbase of 28 inches while the Yamaha PW 50 has a wheelbase of 29 inches. This means that while they have similar seat heights, the Yamaha PW50 will have slightly better stability than the Honda CRF 50 due to its longer wheelbase.
Suspension
CRF50 Suspension System
The Honda CRF 50 has a single-shock rear suspension system. This type of system provides improved handling on rough terrain and is more reliable than other types of suspensions because there are fewer parts involved. The single-shock system also offers better stability when cornering and climbing hills at higher speeds. Additionally, it allows riders to customize their riding experience by adjusting the preload settings on the shock absorber to suit their weight and riding style.
PW50 Suspension System
The Yamaha PW50 uses a twin-shock rear suspension system with adjustable dampers. This type of system offers increased stability when cornering and descending hills at high speeds, as well as improved traction on hard-pack terrain thanks to its two shocks that evenly distribute the rider’s weight across both wheels. In addition, it offers adjustable dampers that allow riders to tailor their riding experience according to their weight and preferred style of riding—from racing to recreational trails.
Breaking
CRF50 Brakes
The Honda CRF50 is an extremely popular off-road motorcycle due to its small size and lightweight design. The CRF50’s brakes are comprised of a mechanical disc brake in the front and a drum brake in the rear. The disc brake is designed to provide excellent stopping power, while the drum brake provides good stopping power with a smooth feel. Additionally, these brakes require minimal maintenance and provide consistent performance throughout their lifespan.
PW50 Brakes
The Yamaha PW50 is another popular choice for off-road motorcycling enthusiasts due to its lightweight frame and dependable performance. The PW50’s brakes consist of a single disc brake in the front that offers exceptional stopping power while also providing smooth operation. This single disc setup provides reliable braking performance in all conditions, making it ideal for riders who want superior control over their bike’s speed and handling characteristics.
Conclusion:
Choosing between CRF50 vs PW50 brakes can be difficult as both offer great performance with minimal maintenance requirements. However, when it comes down to it, riders should consider their own riding style as well as their preferred level of stopping power when deciding which type of brake is best for them. Ultimately, both types of brakes offer excellent performance; it just depends on what works best for you! So take your time researching each type of brake before making a purchase decision – happy riding!
Top Speed
Both the Honda CRF50 and Yamaha PW50 make great beginner bikes due to their low top speeds and ease of use. While they both offer similar features, the Yamaha PW50 has slightly more power with its top speed of 25 mph compared to the Honda CRF50’s 24 mph max speed. Ultimately, choosing between these two bikes will come down to personal preference; but no matter which one you choose, you’ll be sure to have lots of fun!
Conclusion:
As you can see, both the CRF50 and PW50 are relatively small dirt bikes designed for children and beginner riders. The CRF50 has a four-stroke engine with a 3-speed transmission and automatic clutch, while the PW50 has a two-stroke engine and a single-speed automatic transmission. The CRF50 has a slightly higher seat height and weight compared to the PW50, while both have similar wheelbases and use drum brakes. The CRF50 also features an inverted telescopic fork for the front suspension, while the PW50 has a standard telescopic fork. The choice between these two bikes may come down to personal preference or brand loyalty, but both are good options for beginners.
Also read: 10 best kids electric dirt bike reviews.
