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Enduro Bikes

1981Yamaha DT 50 MX

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The 1981 Yamaha DT 50 MX is a lightweight enduro bike designed for young riders and beginners seeking off-road adventure. Powered by a simple 50cc two-stroke single-cylinder engine, it delivers reliable performance and easy handling on trails and dirt terrain. Known for its affordability and durability, the DT 50 MX became a popular entry-level motorcycle for learning fundamental riding skills.

Capacity
50.0 ccm
Engine
Single
Gearbox
4-speed
Dry weight
81.0 kg
Seat height
790 mm
Power
3.1 HP (2.3 kW)
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years
Other years 1981 1982 1983

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 13Agility 76Comfort 35Off-road 65Touring 15Road manners 30
Off-road & trail65%
Cornering45%
City riding50%
Daily riding35%
Touring15%
Two-up10%
Track10%
Best for
Built as a small dual-purpose 50cc trail bike, it's meant for light off-road exploring, commuting short distances, and casual fun rather than outright performance.
Built for
It has a playful, nimble, go-anywhere personality typical of small two-stroke trail bikes, prioritizing lightness and simplicity over speed.
Not ideal for
This bike is not for riders wanting highway speed, long-distance touring comfort, or a capable passenger-carrying setup.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 790mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1981 Yamaha DT 50 MX, with a cramped knee angle of around 65 degrees and a slightly forward riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

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Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
50.0 ccm
Power
3.1 HP (2.3 kW)
Engine type
Single
Power/weight ratio
0.0383 HP/kg (dry)
Cooling system
Air
Fuel system
Carburettor
Starting
Electric & kick
Ignition
key
Lubrication system
Oil pump
Torque
Not on record - add it
Transmission
Gearbox
4-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Clutch
wet plate
Dimensions & weight
Seat height
790 mm
Dry weight
81.0 kg
Wet weight
85.0 kg
Fuel capacity
8.00 litres
Ground clearance
255 mm
Oil capacity
0.70 litres
Chassis & suspension
Frame
tube welding
Front suspension
oil filled
Rear suspension
monoshock
Front wheel travel
203 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes
Expanding brake (drum brake)

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted
Specification 198119821983
Capacity 50 cc 50 cc 50 cc
Dry weight 81 kg 81 kg 81 kg
Seat height 790 mm 790 mm 820 mm
Fuel capacity 8 L — 8.5 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Yamaha DT 50 MX?

The 1981 Yamaha DT 50 MX has a Capacity of 50.0 ccm (3.05 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Yamaha DT 50 MX have?

The 1981 Yamaha DT 50 MX has a Power of 3.1 HP (2.3 kW).

How many gears does the Yamaha DT 50 MX have?

The 1981 Yamaha DT 50 MX has a Gearbox of 4-speed.

How much does the Yamaha DT 50 MX weigh?

The 1981 Yamaha DT 50 MX has a Dry weight of 81.0 kg (178.6 pounds).

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