If you are in the market for a scooter, you probably already know that there are several brands and models of scooters and due diligence is recommended before you make a decision on what to buy. However, what most scooter owners do not know is that for every make and model out on the road, there are a ton of options when it comes to spare parts and accessories. There are the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts and aftermarket parts from a wide variety of motorcycle manufacturers creating a vast selection of products for the discerning buyer. Essentially, your options are extensive and you are likely going to get overwhelmed with your search for products. Fortunately, we have put together this guide to help you find the spare parts and accessories that best fit your Yamaha Zuma 50.
Buyer’s Guide for Yamaha Zuma 50 Aftermarket Parts and Accessories
Below, you will find concise descriptions of Yamaha Zuma 50 aftermarket spare parts and accessories to help you navigate the complex market of motorcycle parts.
Grips are grips right? Nope, There’s a huge variety for you to choose from whether you want a traditional mushroom grip to something contoured to your hand like this one from ProGrip.
Grips
Grips are a majorly overlooked part of the motorcycle despite the fact that motorcycle grips have a huge impact on the riding experience you have with your bike. Important factors to consider before you make your selection of grips for your Yamaha Zuma 50 are your budget and personal style. How much do much do you have planned out for the grips? Aftermarket grips vary in value ranging from about $10 to $22. When it comes to personal style, what is important to you? Would you choose comfort over design? Some grips are well padded to cushion the vibrations from the engine when you are on the road while others are designed to be aesthetically pleasing without necessarily providing enough protection to reduce the vibrations.
Also, it is also important that you consider the roads you commute the most. Riders who frequent highways may not need the same grip comfort as those who ride the dirt often. ProGrip and Scott are some of the manufacturers you will find with the best aftermarket grips. While Scott bike grips lean towards functionality with its tear-resistant end cap, safety wire channel and soft density waffle pattern to offset vibrations, ProGrip bike grips bring simplicity in construction with a special ergonomic design for enhanced comfort on rides.
You’re likely not doing 100+ MPH around your neighborhood on a scooter, but that doesn’t mean your brakes aren’t wearing out. Be sure to regularly check the pad/shoe thickness on a regular basis to ensure proper operation.
Brake Pads/Shoes
One of the most important safety systems that protect you and other road users while riding is the braking system. When you hit the brake lever on your bike, a complex system is triggered causing the brake pads or shoes to squeeze against the rotors or drums using pressure and friction to bring the scooter to a stop. Like every other component of your scooter, frequent and excessive use of your brakes are bound to cause wear. To protect yourself and other road users from accidents, you will have to service them once they stop functioning properly when you apply the braking force. Before buying brake pads or shoes for your scooter, you need a basic knowledge and understanding of the various types of brake pads or shoes that are available for your scooter.
There are 3 main types of brake materials – organic, sintered and ceramic composite compounds and each is specifically designed to perform optimally in certain situations. Sintered brake pads can be used in both wet and dry conditions and because they offer smooth stopping power, they are usually the brake pads of choice. Organic brake pads are generally softer than the sintered ones and as such, their lifespan is relatively shorter. Ceramic brake pads provide superior stopping power, are durable, lightweight and are suitable for a wide range of riding conditions. The drawback with the ceramic material is that they are relatively more expensive than the previous two and are not widely available for all scooter or motorcycle types so you may have trouble finding them for your Yamaha Zuma 50. Also, it is important to put into consideration the type of rotor you have and the type of riding conditions you regularly use. Sinter brake pads can withstand extreme riding conditions like in racing bikes, however, because of the extreme conditions they withstand, they are more likely to wear out your rotors. Organic brake pads are suitable for normal riding conditions and because of the undemanding nature of these conditions, your rotors will last longer with organic brake pads. EBC, BikeMaster, and Galfer are best-recommended manufacturers you can go to for aftermarket brake pads.
You’re not always limited to the stock style of turn signal that sticks out from the sides of your Zuma. There are kits available that integrate the signals into your taillight.
Turn Signals
Your turn signals are a vital component of your scooter. As a matter of fact, driving laws specifically require that all newly manufactured scooters must have turn signal lights. Your turn signals are what notify other road users your direction of movement. They are visible from the front and the rear to help observers from all angles. If your turn signal light is faulty, then getting it replaced is the safest option rather than resorting to arm signals. With turn signals, the personal style of scooter owners is the most influential factor in a purchase. There are several spare parts manufacturers in the market that offer L.E.D. turn signals, some have arrow headlights indicating the new direction while some have marker lights. If you need recommendations on the type to go for, K&S, BikeMaster, and DMP offer a wide variety of turn signal lights for motorcycles.
Spark Plugs
Scooter engines are more compact compared to what they were like in the 70s. The ignition and fuel systems have also been dramatically improved on over the years such that the functions of various individual components are often taken for granted. One of such components is the spark plugs. The responsibility of the spark plug is simply to deliver the spark, which ignites the air/fuel mixture in the cylinder. If the spark plug fails, it is very likely that your engine won’t start and as a scooter owner, you should always have a spare spark plug around to avoid such an occurrence. The fact that these parts have become so reliable over time doesn’t mean they should not get the maintenance they definitely need and one of the ways of maintaining your spark plug is by replacing them when necessary.
If you are in the market for spark plugs, then you should know that not all spark plugs are alike; they come in different heat ratings and it goes without saying that it is crucial for you get the proper spark plug that’s recommended for your scooter. Heat ranges are expressed in numerical terms; the smaller numbers ranging from 2 to 6 represent hotter plugs while the bigger figures ranging from 7 to 11 mean colder heat ranges. You can also estimate the heat range of a spark plug by visually inspecting the length and thickness of the insulator around the center wire. Typically, shorter and thicker insulators indicate a colder heat range plug while a longer and slender insulator construction indicate a hotter heat range spark plug. The material used to make spark plugs also matter with platinum spark plugs outlasting the standard ones. NGK, Autolite, Champion, and Denso offer a vast array of spark plugs ranging between $3 to $5.
Regardless of which type of battery you get, make sure it will meet your load and starting demands.
Batteries
The battery is the powerhouse of the engine which in turn powers your scooter, it provides the required energy to start your engine and support any electronics onboard. Most people overlook their battery until that dreaded moment when you turn on the ignition and you are hit with the sad unresponsive starter as result of a dead battery. However, you don’t have to wait until you’re stranded by a dead battery before you consider getting a replacement. It goes without saying that it’s important to buy a reliable and durable battery for your scooter. But how do you know the type of battery most suitable for your bike, especially considering the fact that the market is flooded with numerous types from several brands? When purchasing a new battery, there are numerous factors to consider when making your purchase; the type of battery, voltage, physical size, amp-hour rating, and the cold cranking amps (CCA) rating.
The different types of motorcycle batteries are maintenance free, lead-acid, lithium-ion, dry-charge and sealed gel cell batteries. Out of the five, lithium-ion batteries are generally considered the best because of their high cranking power, longer lifespan – can last up to 10 years if properly maintained, relatively small size and can’t spill since they don’t contain any liquids. The maintenance-free batteries require minimal maintenance to operate although they are relatively pricey compared to the others. Lead-acid and dry charge batteries require regular maintenance although with the latter, maintenance is less regular and you are only required to top up the acid rather than topping up acid and water as with the former. Sealed Gel Cell Batteries are also commonly used as they have a longer lifespan, use an environment-friendly electrolyte gel instead of water, are less susceptible to vibrations and do not have to be mounted in an upright position.
The amp-hour rating reflects the battery’s capacity to provide current for a period of time; if your bike has extra accessories that draw current from the battery, then you would need one with a high amp-hour rating. The CCA indicates the battery’s ability to provide current and start your bike in relatively lower temperatures, so bikers in colder climates may want to go for a battery with a higher CCA rating so as to not experience engine stalling on those extra cold mornings. BikeMaster, Shorai, Yuasa, and Power Source provide some of the best aftermarket batteries for scooters in the market.
Exhausts
Unfortunately, most scooter owners do not really understand the usefulness of the exhaust system in their motorcycles. It is just a smoke pipe, right? Wrong. As a matter of fact, the external exhaust pipe is just one component of a complex exhaust system. The system consists the muffler which reduces the noise from the engine to a bearable level, sometimes a catalytic converter responsible for burning off any unburned fuel and the headers. Your exhaust system is normally designed to work with how your engine is tuned for maximum performance. Suffice to say, a malfunction in the exhaust system is not just a health hazard, it can also reduce the performance of your bike. When shopping for aftermarket exhaust systems, look out for the exhaust design; shorter tubes with a wider diameter will give you high-end power while longer and narrower piping are your options for low-end torque. You will also find pipes with fancy finishes like carbon fiber and titanium for a flashy appearance. Aftermarket spare parts manufacturers like Two Brothers, Helix and Yoshimura are your go-to manufacturers if you need exhaust system accessories such as exhaust springs, muffler clamps, exhaust plugs etc.
It’s not likely that you’ll ever have to replace your carburetor, but if you do, make sure that you get one that allows the right amount of air and fuel flow to make your scooter run right.
Carburetor
A lot of scooter owners complain of poor fuel economy but show little to no interest in finding out how they can improve their gas mileage. The answer is simple – a carburetor. The carburetor is a tube designed to allow air flow through the valves to mix with the fuel in the engine at the optimal air/fuel ratio so the engine can run efficiently. The essential thing here is that both components must be mixed at the right ratio otherwise you run the risk of damaging your engine. A high fuel to air ratio causes the engine “run rich” – the engine is bogged down and a lot of fuel is wasted. When the fuel to air ratio is lower than the standard requirement, the engine “runs lean”, an occurrence that could damage your engine components.
That said, you need to buy a carburetor that is the best fit for your engine. First off, consider the size and fitment of the carburetor you are looking at, whatever size you are looking at must be similar to the size of the old one as it must physically fit within the same confines. Next, consider the CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating of the new carburetor, always go for one with a similar rating as the stock carburetor, or at least ensure that whichever carburetor you select has adjustable ratings to fit your fuel requirements. Mikuni is the best aftermarket carburetor manufacturer in the market if you ever go shopping for one.
There are plenty of aftermarket air filter options for the Zuma. Regardless of which kind you choose to run, just keep it clean.
Air Filter
Clean and well-maintained air filters are necessary for the smooth running of a scooter – something every scooter owner should know. The primary function of the air filter is to protect the engine from dust and debris by cleaning up the air that before entering the intake of your scooter. Not only does it clean the air to prevent debris from penetrating the engine, it also improves the horsepower and acceleration of your scooter as excessive dirt passage could cause catastrophic failure to the internals of your scooter engine.
However, as the air filter protects the engine, it is also collecting up dust and dirt on its own so it needs to be cleaned and/or replaced on a regular basis since a clogged air filter is bound to hamper the performance of your scooter. Considering the fact that scooters are always exposed to a lot of open air on rides and the engine is relatively small, you may need a replacement before you know it. That being said, you need to know about air filters before you buy one. There are three basic types of air filters used in motorcycle engines; paper air filter, foam air filter and cotton air filter. Paper filters like the name give away are made from dense pleated papers of multiple layers to trap dirt. Most motorcycles are commonly fitted with this type of air filter, and although they are relatively cheaper than its counterpart, they are unable to be cleaned and need to be disposed of when dirty.
Foam filters are made of foam in oil-bathed polyurethane and they work by trapping the debris on their oily surface. These ones can be washed and cleaned regularly although they tend to become less effective with frequent cleaning. They are not as cheap as the paper ones but they are still relatively economical and more effective still. Cotton filters are the best performing and the most expensive of all three. Just like foam filters, they can be cleaned and reused as long as possible. Whichever type of air filter you are going for, the most important thing is to ensure you clean it regularly otherwise you will be looking for a replacement sooner than you might expect. UNI, K&N, Emgo, and BikeMaster offer aftermarket air filters of different types and shapes if you want to ensure your engine receives cleaner and purer the air.
Nobody really pays attention to the suspension on scooters, but if you want to keep a comfortable ride you should. Even upgrading to an aftermarket shock can make a good ride better.
Rear Shock
Do you ride on streets that seem rougher than a course for the Baja 500? If you answered yes, then you owe your rear shock a lot of servicing and maintenance. Or you can take it one step further and get a replacement. The purpose of the rear shock in your motorcycle is to minimize the impact of rough terrains on the bike so you can have a comfortable ride. A standard rear shock is made up of two components – the spring and the shock absorber or damper. When you hit a bump on the road, the suspension spring swings to support the weight of the bike and rider and allow for wheel movement. The spring will continue to oscillate unless they are stopped by a force- the shock absorbers. The dampers absorb the energy in the oscillations using friction to slow down the spring and eventually bring them to a stop. Faulty shock absorbers could have the suspension spring swing uncontrollably without stopping and needless to say, that could lead to a dangerous situation no rider wants to experience. When buying a rear shock, always remember that you need a shock with springs that can deflect the suspension as easily as possible and shock absorbers to stop the spring on the rebound as swiftly as possible. NCY is a highly regarded company on aftermarket rear shocks, and its components are found on several Yamaha Zuma 50.
Whether you ride more on or off-road, we’ve got the perfect tire at the perfect price for your Zuma.
Tires
When it comes to the tires of your scooter, there’s no need to worry about their performance right? Just get the cheapest out there so you can stay on the road right? Those statements couldn’t be more wrong. Whether you’re riding a 1000cc superbike or a 50cc scooter, the performance of the tires you’re riding on should absolutely be a primary concern. When you’re riding on the streets, you’re putting your life on the line and need to ensure that you can maneuver quickly and safely to avoid the unexpected, and if your tires can’t perform to your expectations the consequences can be deadly. We’re not saying you need to get the most expensive scooter tires on the market but be sure to do some research and look at product reviews. Some tires may work in better in wet conditions than others and some may even be better in an off-road type of terrain. Get what works best for your terrain and budget and you should be fine. We have a great selection of tires for the Yamaha Zuma from Pirelli, Kenda, Michelin, Bridgestone and many more at great prices, so be sure to check them out
If you already have the tires you want and like, you need to make sure that you take care of them. When you’re riding on the roads there is any number of hazards that can cause abnormal wear and punctures that prevent you from riding. This is why we suggest getting certain tools to maintain and repair tires as needed to ensure you can stay on the road. For maintenance tools, you absolutely want to own a good pressure gauge to ensure that your tire pressures are set properly preventing abnormal wear and dangerous riding conditions from either over or under inflation. Additionally, you may want to add a dual purpose tire sealant like that from Ride-On, which both acts as a tire balancer and sealant while your wheels are in motion. If you are unfortunate enough to suffer from a punctured tire, it never hurts to be prepared with a good plug kit from Slime. If you have a tire that runs a tube, then you’ll want to get a patch kit. Regardless of tubed or tubeless tires, you also need a way to inflate your tires once repaired so be sure to get some CO2 cartridges and an inflator from Genuine Innovations to inflate your tires after a roadside repair.
If you ever run into a situation when it feels like your Zuma is running out of fuel but your fuel tank is full, don’t hesitate to check for a clogged fuel filter to remedy the problem.
Fuel Filters
If your fuel tank is empty, then you can rest assured you are not riding anywhere on your scooter until you fill it up. However, as important as it is to have fuel in your tank if it’s contaminated with debris, the performance of your scooter can suffer. Scooter owners can look to aftermarket manufacturers of fuel filters for products that will filter fuel for optimal fuel delivery. Visu-Filter offers a Large Capacity 90-Degree Fuel Filter which comes with a 70-micron polyester screen filter, that is constructed with a sintered bronze element and can be used on all types of fuel systems. Visu-Filter also manufactures a wide inline fuel filter specifically designed to fit larger displacement motors and owing to its larger diameter, it can trap more debris without getting clogged. EMGO has an Anodized-Aluminium Fuel Filter made with a brass filter element on the inside, aluminum housing and stainless steel clamps. It is easy to install, easy to clean and very efficient. Fuel filters vary in prices, for example, while BikeMaster’s fuel filter goes for $1.65, Visu-Filter and EMGO filters can go as high as $6.95 and $8.95 respectively.
Your friends might think you look goofy riding a Zuma with a windshield, but if it’s really cold or starts raining, they’ll start to envy you for being warm and protected from the elements.
Windshields
The windshield like the name clearly implies is installed to protect the rider from wind blast to the face and chest while riding your scooter. The windshield deflects the wind away from the rider by providing aerodynamic leverage, especially at higher speeds. Beyond being a wind and weather barrier, the windshield essentially deflects every other thing flying in the air from debris to bugs that could be a potential source of discomfort to the rider. Some machines come outfitted with a windshield from the factory, while the others have the option for fitment from an aftermarket source.
Before you buy a windshield, you need to know the things to look out for so you can pick one that is most appropriate for your scooter and personal tastes. One thing to note is that the height of the windshield should not go beyond the tip of your nose, because if the windshield is too high, your vision may be obscured thus blocking your view of the road. Ensure that the windshield you are buying is compatible to your headlight and/or fairing. Hard coated polycarbonate is the best material for windshields known for its outstanding strength impact and if you can, find a windshield that is scratch resistant. Slipstreamer is the most recommended aftermarket windshield company in the market right now if you want performance and durability.
Conclusion
An understanding of the various components of your Yamaha Zuma 50 will go a long way in helping you make the best choice when you are ready to purchase new accessories for your bike. There is a vast selection of aftermarket parts and accessories available from manufacturers with prices that are extremely competitive. While the cost of accessories do not always equal their quality, ensure that whatever product you are going for is the best your budget can support.
