UPDATE – This 1986 Yamaha Big Wheel BW80 is listed for sale again after it was featured in June of 2025 here on Barn Finds. It’s posted here on eBay and is still located in Phoenix, Arizona. The seller has dropped the price from $1,495 down to $995! It’s $500 cheaper, will it sell this time? I’ll be in Phoenix in a week or two, hmmm…
FROM 06/25/2025 – Almost like a two-wheeled ATV, Yamaha offered its Big Wheel series in three flavors: the big 350-cc model, then the mama bear-sized 200-cc version, and finally, the one that’s sized for almost everyone, the BW80 as seen here. The seller has this 1986 Yamaha Big Wheel BW80 listed here on eBay in Phoenix, Arizona, and they’re asking $1,495. If it wasn’t for $900 in shipping, I’d be making a serious offer – I don’t know if I could fly in and ride this one home or not.
This little bike needs work both mechanically and cosmetically, not to mention new tires, and maybe other work. Cosmetically, it would be fun to bring this one back, and we don’t know for sure, but I’d bet that the mechanical work that’s needed is due to it sitting for a while, but we don’t know how long or what the story is. The seller does say that it runs and drives, but doesn’t idle. I’m guessing a thorough carb cleaning, a new chain, new tires, a new spark plug, and the usual routine would have it working like new again.
Yamaha made the Big Wheel series from 1985 through 1989, and there was no headlight or taillight on the BW80; you had to move up to the BW200 and beyond to get those features. You can see the seat damage in the photo above, but replacement seat covers are available for $50, including shipping, so that isn’t too bad. Replacement decals are also available. These bikes are somewhat similar to Honda’s TR200 Fat Cat, made in the same era, but only in a 200.
One thing the seller mentions is that the rear tire has a repair and doesn’t hold air for too long, and you can find suitable replacement tires. I’d change both front and rear, after refinishing the unique gold color on the wheels. There isn’t much for complicated controls here for the rider, just a twist-grip throttle and a run/off kill switch on the right side. No lights, no turn signals, and no horn. The gas cap vent hose is missing, so add that to the list.
The engine is Yamaha’s 79-cc reed valve two-stroke single with Yamaha’s famous Autolube oil injection system. It’s backed by a three-speed transmission with an automatic clutch. The BW200 had a four-stroke engine and five-speed manual, so the 80 was relatively primitive. It’s said to start and run, but doesn’t idle too well, so it’s likely a goopy carb. It would be fun to bring this little motorcycle back to life again. Have any of you seen a Yamaha Big Wheel?
Big Wheel fun for the kids. 👍
Neat find Scotty!!! I don’t ever remember seeing one of these. But it sure looks like it would be a lot of fun to go riding off into the woods on some trails. It would be nice to see this restored.
3 Bears analogy, I can just see the ad department at Yamaha, “we need a new strategy, how about honorable childrens classic 3 Bears?” As I struggle with what to do, ATV? Camper? ATC? New recliner? One thing is clear. If any off road doins are going to happen, it can’t be a 2 wheeler, and needs lots of storage to carry backwoods trail gear. This is merely a toy for going ’round and ’round that vacant lot we all had nearby, out the back door, gallon of gas from moms Nova,,down the alley, and voila,,,hours of fun. Today, I’m not sure a bike like this is compliant in most neighborhoods. I’d say perfect for grandpas farm visits, I bet where this came from, but those are vanishing too. I’d have to think parents today would wrap their kids in bubble wrap before letting them attempt this. We were just seemingly tougher back then, thanks to TV, I suppose. This, to us, was Fun 101!
As far as Scotty,,,some kids never grow up! :)
Hey Howard, talking to a Dad the other day he told his 14 yr old kid, who is always stuck behind a screen with ▶️ video games 🖥 to
” go on outside and play, maybe even get hurt” Lol
I have one! It’s a 200 that I’m currently trying to sell
How much are you asking and in what condition?
Thanks
This is the twin that I bought for my kids when they were old enough to handle it. I bought it off a neighbor who’s kids had outgrown it for $400. My daughter was about 8 years old and my son had to wait a couple of years. I spent all morning pushing my daughter around in the back yard making sure that she had the controls down pat. ( steering braking and kill switch) so when it was time for her solo run, grandma, grandpa, my wife and myself all were sitting on the patio to watch her. My mother-in-law with the video cam at the ready. She took off across the grass, out of the yard and tried to climb the 6′ chain link fence! She had forgotten to steer. The bike tipped over and she kind of fell/stepped of and immediately reached over and hit the kill switch. The whole visual thing was so funny that we were still laughing when she started it back up and took off. The mother-in-law then claimed that she didn’t catch it on video! My father-in-law then took the camera out of her hands and handed it to my wife and said “YOU now have a video camera!” When my sons time came for his first solo run. He did the exact same thing with the fence! Too funny.
The kids used that thing for close to 10 years with never an issue. They both ride today, my son with a 1300 BMW and some 250 cc crotch rocket and my daughter with the high output Zero electric crotch rocket. Meanwhile, dad doesn’t ride anymore.
I have 2 of these. Red and a blue one. Purchased in 1989 from original owner for $500 for the pair. Living in Palm Springs found these in a guys garage like new, Country Club house, older guy says his kids rode them a couple times in desert and then put them away. My 2 sons were 6 and 8 yrs old at the time. These were their Christmas gifts. Living in Palm Springs these are perfect for the sand. Still have them in great running condition and my grand kids are just learning to ride.
Hi Duke,
Are you interested in selling those 2?
Thanks
Not at this time. Thank you tho!!
Had a 200, constantly chewing up chains and sockets, compared to the dirt bike
SOLD – Scotty, did you pull the trigger on this one?
Arrrgh, I spaced this one out, and I just left Phoenix this morning – in Texas now, and it’s even hotter here, 102 compared to the upper 90s in Phoenix. I would have loved to at least see this one, bummer.