This is an original ad for my new (old) toy, a Yamaha Chappy most probably made in the seventies, imported from Japan into Thailand. Actually, it has all the signs of having been stolen at some point, and it wouldn’t surprise me if that’s how it got to Thailand. I bought it off my boss who apparently bought it right after it was brought over. She let me have it for just about $100 US (3500 Baht). w00t!
Engine size: 50 cc
Top speed: 35 kph on installed speedometer, reading at over 40 on the much newer scooter riding along side during test run
This thing really puts a smile on everybody’s face – it’s fun to ride and fun to watch people’s faces light up when they see you.
Pictures of mine to follow.
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Note: I had to do some horse trading to eventually get a little scooter I liked. This all started soon after I came to Thailand, about eighteen months ago.
First I bought a JRD (Chinese brand) 125cc “Snow” which had a remote starter, talking alarm system, and Vespa-style rear footbrake for 20,000 Baht (about $600). Then I bought a Suzuki Crystal in very rough shape for about $30 and sold the JRD for 25,000 Baht (about $750).
Then I bought a metallic gold automatic 50cc job from the eighties airbrushed with a Finding Nemo theme (hence dubbed “Nemo”) on the cowling. This was also about 1000 Baht, or $30. This is the only bike I may have lost money on as we can’t find it – it was left at my brother-in-laws house as a spare ride, but just went missing quite recently.
Then I got word that somebody wanted to buy the Suzuki for $60-$90, although this hasn’t been confirmed yet.
The person I sold the JRD to went back home quite recently, and was at a loss about what to do with it, so I bought it back… And sold it the next day for no profit, since the only reason I bought it a second time was because I felt bad for the person trying to get rid of it.
Actually, this deal fell through and I had to look for another buyer because the first buyer couldn’t come up with the cash and started asking for a discount. I laughed and said I could sell it the next day for more than the price I had offered him, and that’s exactly what I did.
Two weeks after that, the Chappy came into the picture and I strongly believe this is because I’d created some powerful horse trading karma getting to that point. I must admit, it’s a lot of fun playing horse trader when you’re on a roll… Now, if I can only find some way to turn this Chappy into, say, a CBR…
Raising a family in Thailand // Documenting Issan food, culture, music, and people
hey there, i’m an Australian who owns a chappy. They are good times as is Thailand. My brother and I love the thing but it hasnt been used for years. We got drunk and jumped on the net to suss out more about this model. My chapp’s speedo was broken and we only rode it drunk without any other speedo to guage it againts so any info on its kilometers per hours would be appreciateded. Also am qurious how many were manufactured and any other info about them. A reply would be greatly appreciated.
Hey Shannon,
I still haven’t got around to taking it all apart so my top speed remains at the previously mentioned 35 kph (actual 40). A skinnier person might squeeze a few more kph out of it.
One of the problems I also faced when buying this little guy was the lack of info on the net about it; if I find a reliable source I’ll post about it here and let you know.
I’ve hit 45 kph on my 50cc Chappy! Wicked bikes! (Mine’s in London.)
Greetings from another Chappy in Thailand.
Have sent PIX with a couple of questions via email
Try using gps to figure out the speed. Who needs a working speedo anymore.
I just bought a Chappy that had been sitting in a barn for years. The tranny makes a noise like a chain jumping a cog in high range.
Hi guys,
I live in S America French Guiana.
I’m glad to see chappys brothers in he world..
I have 3 chappys here…
If you need some advices I can mechanicly help you…
If you know some place to buy parts also,I’m looking for it.
cheers!
hi im imam?i have got so many chappy bike?if u want cantact me through this number 0094775500226(from;SRI-LANKA)
Hi there, I’m Coy from Philippines., just got my 1st scoot which is Yamaha Chappy, it was so cute and absolutely a head turner. I just trade it to my macbook white 2mos ago. it was fully restored said by the previous owner but i’m not satisfied yet, i want it to be more gorgeous like my wife and my baby. I’ll post some actual photos later. Up for those guys who owned one.
Not really a well commented on web page but I’m also in the chappy club, great fun little bike made a little more comical by the fact I’m 6ft 4in tall and am carrying about 18 stone. I can squeeze about 60kph downhill out of mine. I’m also planning to do a charity ride round Europe 4500kilimeters from turkey to the uk in may next year, I’ll leave a link to the web page once its set up.
i am interested to buy your chappy if you want email me okey boy tijones from philippines
Boy si Ralph Posadas ito!!! Please email me ralph@ralphposadas.com
ingatz tibagero original 1982!!!
Astig chappy san ba nakakbili ng mechanical na carbs