Got Vision?

I was in Atlantic City this week end for the Atlantic 10 Conference, and it was great to see the underdogs St. Bonaventure win! Now, I think Xavier's gonna place anyway, but St. Bonaventure left NOTHING on the court.

Anyway, we were having breakfast this morning at Brittany's Cafe -- (Ventnor Ave. - nice breakfast and Americano coffee!) -- and parked outside the Cafe on the pavement was the cook's bike -- a 1983 Yamaha Vision.

I've never seen one and the cook and I were BSing about bikes in general (apparently a serial cheap bike buyer for cheap transportation) -- He apparently knows nothing about it - paid $500 -- and says it's a great ride -- looked like it needed a basic maintenance but looked solid otherwise...

I stooped and studied the motor for some time. The carb arrangement and water cooling arrangement were fascinating...

Anyway, so what's a Vision? Who knows anything about them? Can they be rebuilt or are there no aftermarket options like we enjoy with the XJs?

Anyway, Thanks

 

haven't seen one of those for a long time. I do like them, just a little small for me. If I remember they are 550cc dual overhead cam V-twin. Basically 1/2 a V-Max engine hung under the frame. The engine is part of the frame structure like a Virago. I'm sure parts are sitll available from Yamaha and EBAY, just start looking. If you can get it for a good price why not . It never hurts to have another one. Heck my bikes keep multiplying in the garage, can't figure out how.

 

there's some fun stuff you can do with a Vision. the biggest drawback to them was that the stator was a know weak point.

That all being said.....when you're here for the carb clinic, you can study mine if you wish. Yup, got one. It's rough right now, as it is a project awaiting it's turn.

The Vision, full name of XZ550 Vision, is a V Twin water-cooled 550 that is sort of along the Seca appearance but with a sort-of virago-ish engine but that is water-cooled. It was sort of the 'predecessor' to the Vmax which is a V-four cylinder liquid-cooled 1200 hotshot on 'steroids'. If you want to check one of them out, too,..........yup, you can at the carb clinic cuz I got one waiting IT'S turn, too.....

the Vision also could come with a fairing and lowers. when those are on, and the bike is in nice condition, its a SHARP looking bike!

Hope that give you a little bit more insight.

Dave Fox

 

The vision always reminded me of the seca 400 with the styling on the tank. I did own one for a short while and it was a very nice bike. Another of the can do all great bikes from the early 80's, it was shaft drive and had an 18 inch front tire... However the Seca 550 always called me back for more.

Sean

 

Yes, the tank is similar......and quite a bit bigger..............
BTW, Dan.......... you could take a look at a seca 400, too, while you're here....... got one of those on the back-list, too.


Dave

 

The Vision had some sort of oddball intake contraption that caused issues, and for some reason the motorcycle magazines of the time didn't really care for the bike, so Yamaha didn't sell very many.

So yes, they can be rebuilt/restored, but there are nowhere near as many parts and possibilities as there are for the XJs.