This month, Jax traded in the stealth of the YCF W50 for the familiar bark of the YCF 50A, and the reason was simple: cattle. The little electric had been perfect for parks, tracks, and city riding, but when it came to mustering, silence wasn’t golden. Jax prefers the sound and feel of the petrol engine beneath him, and I have to agree, a bit of noise keeps the cattle moving and lets me know exactly where he is.

Out on the property, sound isn’t just part of the fun, it’s safety. The hum of a small four-stroke keeps the cows alert and less likely to turn on him, and if he gets bogged or stuck behind a log, he can simply rev it until I find him. That peace of mind alone makes the YCF 50A worth its weight in gold.

Mechanically, the little YCF continues to impress. We’ve put hours of stop-start work into it, crawling through scrub, idling along fence lines, and climbing hills and it hasn’t skipped a beat. The electric start still fires first press every time. The motor is also impressive for a single-speed: torquey, predictable, and just powerful enough for a six-year-old.

What really sets the 50A apart is its usability. Unlike some kids’ bikes that spool up too much on the auto clutch, this thing pulls cleanly without needing a run-up. The clutch engagement is immediate but manageable, and the gearing feels spot-on for farm use, low enough to chug through paddocks but quick enough for a sprint back to the gate.

Size-wise, it’s bang on for Jax. It’s not too tall or heavy, but it’s still built like a proper 50cc dirt bike with real suspension, solid brakes, and sharp footpegs. The ergonomics are just right too; he can stand up comfortably and move around when the terrain gets rough.

From a maintenance point of view, the YCF 50A continues to be bulletproof. I’ve been genuinely blown away by how tough it is. It’s been dropped, ridden through deep bogs, copped a few sandy creek crossings, and handled it all without complaint. Oil changes are simple, chain adjustment is easy, and we’ve had zero electrical gremlins. For a little bike that costs a fraction of the major-brand equivalents, that’s seriously impressive.

Watching Jax muster on it has been a proud dad moment. He’s got the throttle discipline now to keep the revs steady, pick his lines, and ride for hours without tiring out. He even insists on doing “real work” now, moving small mobs by himself, opening gates, and riding alongside me like a miniature station hand. The only time he complains is when it’s time to park it.

After a few months of quiet electric testing, it’s funny how good it feels to hear a proper motor again. The YCF 50A may not have the inner city appeal of the W50, but out in the paddock, it’s the right tool for the job.

So far, nothing on this little bike has let us down; not the starter, not the clutch, not the motor, not even the plastics. It’s the kind of machine that just works, and for a six-year-old mustering cattle, that’s exactly what you want. <i>Mitch Lees<i>

 YCF 50A
RRP
$1899
WARRANTY
6 months parts only
DISTRIBUTOR
Lowry Australia
INTERNET
www.ycf-riding.com.au

SO FAR
TOTAL HOURS
20

MODS THIS MONTH
None