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1972–1979 Yamaha FS1-E (Fizzy) Valuation Report

Date: December 2025

Historical Overview

The Yamaha FS1-E – better known in the UK as the “Fizzy” – is one of the most iconic learner mopeds of the 1970s. Introduced in the early 1970s, the FS1-E combined a 49cc air-cooled, two-stroke single with a four-speed gearbox and sporty styling that made it hugely popular with 16-year-olds. Period colours such as Popsicle Purple and Baja Brown, plus the distinctive tank-and-seat profile, have made the Fizzy a cult machine in the modern classic market.

Many FS1-Es were modified, thrashed, or simply worn out during their first life as learner bikes, and a large proportion have been lost over time. Surviving examples now range from boxes of parts through to highly original low-mileage bikes and top-level restorations. Recent UK auction results show that the very best Fizzies can reach remarkable prices, while honest riders and projects still offer a relatively accessible way into classic Yamaha ownership.

UK Valuation Summary (1972–1979 Yamaha FS1-E)

Condition	Estimated Value (GBP)	Data Source / Notes
Project / Non-Running Typically incomplete or long-stored bikes needing full mechanical and cosmetic restoration.	£1,500 – £2,800	Reflects tired, non-running Fizzies and part-complete projects. A mostly complete FS1-E DX needing finishing work has sold at UK auction for under £2,000, and similar “needs everything” bikes are often advertised in the £1,500–£2,500 range depending on completeness, originality and paperwork.
Roadworthy / Presentable Rider Running, usable and generally tidy; older restorations or good survivors with age-related wear.	£3,000 – £5,000	This band is supported by current dealer and private adverts where usable FS1-Es with MOT (or clearly roadworthy if MOT-exempt) and decent paintwork commonly sit around the mid-£3,000s to £4,500. Clean FS1-E and FS1-M family bikes are frequently advertised just under £5,000 when offered by traders.
Very Tidy / Restored High-quality restoration or very sharp original machine with correct details and good cosmetics.	£5,000 – £7,800	UK auction results include a comprehensively refurbished FS1-E DX realising just over £5,000, and near-concours machines in desirable colours with low mileage achieving close to £7,800. Dealer asking prices for very tidy examples are typically found in the £5,500–£7,500 range.
Collector-Grade / Exceptional Near-concours or highly original ultra-low-mileage examples with strong provenance.	£8,000 – £10,000+	The top end of the market is defined by exceptional FS1-Es: very low-mileage, original-paint bikes or top-level professional restorations. Recent UK sales have seen ultra-low-mile early FS1-Es make in excess of £8,000, with some dealer-stocked “time-warp” machines carrying asking prices approaching or even exceeding £9,500. Achieving the very top of this band typically requires outstanding originality, correct components and detailed history.

Value Influencing Factors

Originality: Original paint, decals, seat, mudguards and exhaust play a major role. Period-correct indicators, switches and wheels all add to value.
Model and year: Desirable early colours (such as Popsicle Purple), UK-market FS1-E specification and matching frame/engine numbers are all positive factors.
Mileage and history: Genuine low mileage backed up by old MOTs, tax discs or invoices significantly increases collectability and price.
Restoration quality: Professionally restored bikes using correct finishes and parts can command strong figures; home restorations with incorrect colours or pattern parts generally sit lower in the bands.
Documentation: V5C in the current keeper’s name, plus a good paper trail, makes selling easier and supports upper-band values.

Conclusion

As of December 2025, the 1970s Yamaha FS1-E is firmly established as a blue-chip moped in the UK classic market. Projects and non-runners typically fall between £1,500 and £2,800 depending on completeness and originality. Most honest, roadworthy Fizzies sit in the £3,000–£5,000 band, reflecting strong nostalgia-driven demand and limited supply.

Very tidy restored or sharp original examples comfortably justify £5,000–£7,800, and the very best collector-grade bikes – particularly low-mileage, original-paint machines in desirable colours – can realistically achieve £8,000–£10,000 or more. As surviving numbers continue to decline and interest remains high among former teenage riders, the FS1-E is likely to remain a strong performer in the UK classic market.

Sources & Methodology:
This valuation is based on recent UK auction hammer prices for FS1-E models, together with current and historic dealer and private listings across major UK classic bike platforms. Value bands are evidence-based estimates for December 2025 and may evolve as further high-profile sales occur.

All Valuations

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