Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In the 1970s, your 16th birthday meant one thing: freedom on two wheels. But which moped ruled the school bike shed? In this video, we’re settling the age-old debate between the two most ubiquitous 'peds of the era: the screaming 2-stroke Yamaha FS1-E (The Fizzy) and the sensible 4-stroke Honda SS50.
One was a 'big boy's bike' in miniature, the other sounded like a 'sewing machine' - but which one actually comes out on top when we look at the facts (and some very questionable math)?
In this episode, we compare them across six rounds:
Production Longevity: Who stayed in the showrooms longest?
Performance: We look at top speeds and horsepower (spoiler: one is significantly nippier!).
Weight & Price: Which was the better value for your hard-earned pocket money?
The Wobbly Factor: A subjective deep dive into the "cool factor," platform shoes, and the scent of Brut.
We also take a look at how many of these classics are still on UK roads today and what they’re fetching at auction in the 2020s. The results might surprise you!
Are you Team Fizzy or Team SS50? Let us know your teenage bike stories in the comments - did you have the 'flashy' Yamaha or the 'sensible' Honda?
f you enjoy this trip down the motorcycle rabbit hole, please like, comment, and share. It really helps the channel!
Other ways to support 3Phils:
* Become a Channel Member and enjoy early access: youtube.com/@3Phils/join
* Send a small donation via YouTube Super Thanks by clicking the button below the video.
* Hit the 'Hype' button below the video.
Don't forget to join us on Facebook too!
facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550349542826
Credits and links:
Yamaha FS1-E 'Fizzy' 1970's Single 50cc - hoxtonmoto
youtube.com/watch?v=Qde81-zfKIM&t=2s
Honda SS50 4speed recently restored - ss50scott
youtube.com/watch?v=dhcPujVO0Xo
FIZZY DAYS - mark millicent
youtube.com/watch?v=NtdPp_2UUV4&t=33s
The greatest moped ever, the Yamaha FS1E - Robert Menghini
youtube.com/watch?v=BL5Na70P7a4&t=3s
Honda SS50 Moped - Andrew Hardy Classics
youtube.com/watch?v=CfR6oZ8ygB8
Over 100 Bikes In Our May Auction - Mathewsons Classic Cars Limited
youtube.com/watch?v=0pRrMBVHdLE&t=1106s
Fs1e Brighton run leaves Bolney. - Simon Spiers
youtube.com/watch?v=lC0OztVulpg
fs1e 52mph fizzy - mark tats
youtube.com/watch?v=wYnog1lN1OA&t=2s
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro: The 1970s Moped Craze
00:49 - The Contenders: Yamaha FS1-E vs Honda SS50
02:08 - The Comparison Method
03:04 - Round 1: Number of Years Produced
03:26 - Round 2: Top Speed
03:52 - Round 3: Horsepower
04:08 - Round 4: Dry Weight
04:28 - Round 5: Original Price
04:53 - Round 6: The Wobbly Factor
05:35 - Reliability & Survivors on the Road
06:33 - Current Auction Prices
07:49 - Final Verdict: Who Wins?
08:30 - Closing Thoughts & Membership Info
#YamahaFS1E #HondaSS50 #MopedLife #70sBikes #3Phils #MotorcycleHistory #ClassicMopeds #Fizzy
In the 1970s, your 16th birthday meant one thing: freedom on two wheels. But which moped ruled the school bike shed? In this video, we’re settling the age-old debate between the two most ubiquitous 'peds of the era: the screaming 2-stroke Yamaha FS1-E (The Fizzy) and the sensible 4-stroke Honda SS50.
One was a 'big boy's bike' in miniature, the other sounded like a 'sewing machine' - but which one actually comes out on top when we look at the facts (and some very questionable math)?
In this episode, we compare them across six rounds:
Production Longevity: Who stayed in the showrooms longest?
Performance: We look at top speeds and horsepower (spoiler: one is significantly nippier!).
Weight & Price: Which was the better value for your hard-earned pocket money?
The Wobbly Factor: A subjective deep dive into the "cool factor," platform shoes, and the scent of Brut.
We also take a look at how many of these classics are still on UK roads today and what they’re fetching at auction in the 2020s. The results might surprise you!
Are you Team Fizzy or Team SS50? Let us know your teenage bike stories in the comments - did you have the 'flashy' Yamaha or the 'sensible' Honda?
f you enjoy this trip down the motorcycle rabbit hole, please like, comment, and share. It really helps the channel!
Other ways to support 3Phils:
* Become a Channel Member and enjoy early access: youtube.com/@3Phils/join
* Send a small donation via YouTube Super Thanks by clicking the button below the video.
* Hit the 'Hype' button below the video.
Don't forget to join us on Facebook too!
facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550349542826
Credits and links:
Yamaha FS1-E 'Fizzy' 1970's Single 50cc - hoxtonmoto
youtube.com/watch?v=Qde81-zfKIM&t=2s
Honda SS50 4speed recently restored - ss50scott
youtube.com/watch?v=dhcPujVO0Xo
FIZZY DAYS - mark millicent
youtube.com/watch?v=NtdPp_2UUV4&t=33s
The greatest moped ever, the Yamaha FS1E - Robert Menghini
youtube.com/watch?v=BL5Na70P7a4&t=3s
Honda SS50 Moped - Andrew Hardy Classics
youtube.com/watch?v=CfR6oZ8ygB8
Over 100 Bikes In Our May Auction - Mathewsons Classic Cars Limited
youtube.com/watch?v=0pRrMBVHdLE&t=1106s
Fs1e Brighton run leaves Bolney. - Simon Spiers
youtube.com/watch?v=lC0OztVulpg
fs1e 52mph fizzy - mark tats
youtube.com/watch?v=wYnog1lN1OA&t=2s
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro: The 1970s Moped Craze
00:49 - The Contenders: Yamaha FS1-E vs Honda SS50
02:08 - The Comparison Method
03:04 - Round 1: Number of Years Produced
03:26 - Round 2: Top Speed
03:52 - Round 3: Horsepower
04:08 - Round 4: Dry Weight
04:28 - Round 5: Original Price
04:53 - Round 6: The Wobbly Factor
05:35 - Reliability & Survivors on the Road
06:33 - Current Auction Prices
07:49 - Final Verdict: Who Wins?
08:30 - Closing Thoughts & Membership Info
#YamahaFS1E #HondaSS50 #MopedLife #70sBikes #3Phils #MotorcycleHistory #ClassicMopeds #Fizzy
