The little Yamaha was by far the favourite amongst the flared-jeans and wind-cheater wearing teens.
Note that the pedals actually disappeared after a change in the flawed law that tried to determine what a moped
was. Performance was then restricted to 30mph. Of course there were ways round that too.
A year in the life of a FIZZIE
OCTOBER 2003 - spoke to a
friend in Central Scotland, who said he had owned a Fizzie for years. It was in his garage in need of TLC,
after being used when he was a student. He had left it parked up and gone out drinking. When he came back for
it, somebody had thrown it in a nearby stream!
It still had the old original numberplate with raised letters and
numbers complete with CAMIERS MOTORCYCLES, EAST SUSSEX on the bottom.
XMAS PRESENT “A FIZZIE AIRFIX KIT”
NOVEMBER 2003 – bike
stored at work, out of way of son. New bits that would need replacing ordered from Fizzie Galore.
DECEMBER 2003 – bike
brought to the house and hidden in bits in the garden hut for Xmas day. Son, Craig (15), receives several
presents of new bits for a Yamaha and the rest of the old bits too! A FIZZIE.
JANUARY 2004 – Craig
stripped bike, cleaned, repainted and engine rebuilt. Problems getting a set of matching indicator stems and
lenses, 3 different types.
FEBRUARY 2004 – bike
rebuilt, tank repainted. Problems getting new front brake to bleed.
MARCH 2004 – Bike entered
on the VJMC Stand at the Scottish Bike Show. Complete but not running. Picture taken with Nial McKenzie, who
had one just the same when he was sixteen !!!!
Craig, Nial McKenzie and FIZZIE on the VJMC stand at the
Scottish Bike Show
APRIL 2004 – Bike still
not running properly, some teething problems. Failed MOT as indicators will not flash when lights are on and
poor front brake.
MAY 2004 – Took off
indicators and switch and fitted front brake master cylinder from a GT500 Suzuki. Bike passes MOT.
JUNE 2004 – Bike now on
the road. 140 miles done, new piston required due to lack of lubrication!
JULY 2004 – Didn’t make
the VJMC Tiddler Run, waiting on new piston.
AUGUST 2004 – Bike on the VJMC stand at the BMF Show, Kelso. Didn’t win, too much competition.
FIZZIE AT THE FORTH BRIDGE
(recreating the Triumph Bonneville advert)
SEPTEMBER 2004 – Bike used
regularly. Good tank and exhaust removed and another tank put on with different, non standard blue and yellow
paint job complete with family logo, a “RED MAN“. Old restricted exhaust put on for the winter.
OCTOBER 2004 – Bike still
used regularly to commute. Blew a hole in the piston after 2000 miles of full throttle!
NOVEMBER 2004 – Bike
thrown down the road in heavy rain, after car driver decided to brake suddenly. Minor damage, no
injury.
6 days later bike thrown down the road again due to diesel on
roundabout near bus depot. Minor damage, minor shoulder injury (spent 4 hours waiting in Accident and Emergency
Dept)
DECEMBER 2004 – Bike still
used to commute in the frost and fog, not as clean as it used to be. 3200 miles done in the year.
DIRTY OLD FIZZIE
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FIZZIE,
34 YEARS YOUNG AND STILL GOING STRONG
Jim and Craig Readman