The Yamaha U1 golf cart measures 116 inches (9.6 feet) long, 48 inches wide, and 76 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 70 inches. Weighing 1,058 lbs (including batteries), it accommodates 2–4 passengers depending on configuration. Its compact design suits narrow pathways and small storage spaces while maintaining stability through a low center of gravity from under-seat battery placement.
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What defines the Yamaha U1’s dimensions?
The U1’s 116x48x76-inch frame balances maneuverability and passenger space. Key factors include its 70-inch wheelbase for turning agility and 10.3-inch ground clearance to avoid debris. The roofline height ensures headroom without exceeding standard garage doors.
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Technically, the U1’s footprint is 12% smaller than the Yamaha Drive2 but 9% wider than Club Car’s Tempo. Pro Tip: Use tennis balls hung from your garage ceiling to visualize clearance before parking. For example, the U1’s 9.6-foot length fits in single-car garages (typically 14–16 ft deep) with 4+ feet to spare. But how does this compare to competitors?
| Model | Length | Width |
|---|---|---|
| Yamaha U1 | 116″ | 48″ |
| Club Car Tempo | 144″ | 51″ |
Practically speaking, the U1’s 11.8-foot turning radius lets it navigate tight corners common in golf course cart paths.
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How does seating affect the U1’s size?
The U1 offers 2-seater and 4-seater configurations, with rear seat kits adding 32 inches to total length. Bench seats are 42″ wide per row—enough for two adults comfortably.
In 4-seat mode, the U1’s rear axle load increases from 640 lbs to 904 lbs, requiring tire pressure adjustments from 15 PSI to 20 PSI. Pro Tip: Never exceed 1,050 lbs total cargo+passenger weight—overloading risks motor brush wear and frame stress. For example, four 200-lb passengers plus 250 lbs of gear would push the limit.
But what happens if you ignore weight limits? Premature battery drain and reduced hill-climbing capability.
| Configuration | Max Speed | Range |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Seater | 19 mph | 35 miles |
| 4-Seater | 15 mph | 28 miles |
How does storage capacity impact design?
The U1 provides 10.6 cubic feet of storage—6.2 ft³ under the rear seat and 4.4 ft³ in the front basket. This requires reinforced steel supports that add 47 lbs to the frame.
Under-seat compartments are 22″ deep x 30″ wide, fitting two golf bags horizontally. Front baskets have a 33-lb limit—enough for coolers or small tools. Pro Tip: Use bungee nets when carrying loose items at full speed to prevent loss. Imagine trying to haul a 40-lb propane tank: the front basket’s weight limit would be exceeded, risking weld fractures. Beyond storage, the U1’s 8″ headlights are positioned 64″ apart to illuminate 25-foot pathways without blinding oncoming drivers.
What about battery compartment size?
The U1’s 29x18x11-inch battery bay holds four 12V lead-acid batteries totaling 48V. Lithium conversions require 20% less space, allowing auxiliary components like DC-DC converters.
Original equipment uses Trojan T-1275 batteries (10.2x7x10.8″ each), arranged in two rows. When upgrading to lithium, you’ll gain 1.3 cubic feet of free space—enough for a 2-gallon accessory battery. But how does this affect performance? Lithium packs reduce weight by 218 lbs, lowering the center of gravity. For example, a 48V 60Ah lithium battery measures 15x8x9″, leaving room for a tire inflator. Transitionally, this space reallocation boosts utility without structural modifications.
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FAQs
Yes, but 4-seater models require lithium batteries for consistent torque—lead-acid units may sag voltage on 15%+ gradients.
What’s the U1’s turning radius?
11.8 feet—tighter than Club Car’s 14.4 ft, making it better for narrow paths.
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