Yamaha XZ 550
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The Yamaha Vision (XZ550) was a motorcycle produced in 1982-83. It offered innovative technology in its motor and bold (too bold according to some) styling.
Dave Edwards of "CYCLE WORLD" magazine refuses to actually ride a Vision after a 2005 column in which he wrote negative statements about this motorcycle in a review of his own magazines "Ten Best Motorcycles" awards. The Yamaha Vision was chosen as the "Best Middleweight" motorcycle in the 1983 issue. Dave is even afraid to ride a Vision or write about it. The 25 year Cover column on the 25th year anniversary of the 1982 RJ model being the only bike on the magazines cover did not even mention this motorcycle.
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[edit] Models
Three slightly different models were produced: the European model, with dual front braking discs, the 1982 US model (RJ), with a single disc and the 1983 US model (RK), with dual discs and a fairing. The models also use different sparkplugs and front forks.
The Yamaha Vision was originally conceived in the late 1970s when motorcycling was at its peak, and spent three years in development, being overseen by a small group of designers and enthusiasts rather than "committee think". The stated aim was to produce "a touring bike of the highest calibre, its touring credentials matched by awesome sporting performance." The Vision succeeded on both fronts, its comfort on long rides and veritable torque-monster engine matched by its distinctive deep V-Twin exhaust beat and "neck-snapping performance." The bike was considered "rather B.M.W.-like," in reference to its touring credentials, and "the most European motorcycle from Japan in recent memory."
Unfortunately, producing an entirely new product from scratch is never without initial problems, and the Vision suffered from plenty. An appalling off-idle carburetion quirk, known as the "Vision stumble," meant these machines frequently stalled on takeoff. Lightning quick steering was considered too extreme for some, though appreciated by sporting riders. The front suspension was described as too soft, the rear, "sprung like a buckboard." On the electrical side, the Vision had "a well deserved reputation for eating starters and stators."
The 1983 model Vision fixed most of the faults, with an improved carburettor eliminating the "stumble," air adjustable front forks firming up the ride and improving the roadholding, as did an adjustable rear shock. A full fairing, with adjustable hot and cold air vents, effectively shielded the rider. With the improved carburettor and minor internal adjustments, the engine's strengths became apparent: it had enormous torque at all revs, and would pull from idle in top gear. Despite the 10,000 R.P.M. redline, the oversquare bore and short stroke kept the piston speed low, with the result that the engine always sounded relaxed, even at peak revs. The exhaust note has been compared to that of a Ferrari Testarossa (which came out several years later.) With its unique "hang support" frame, whereby the engine is suspended beneath the frame for lighter weight, the Vision's performance and roadholding were far ahead of its time. Unfortunately, so too was the cost. The motorcycling boom of the Seventies was already receding before the Vision hit the showroom floors, and rival motorcycle companies offered cheaper motorcycles without the quirks. The model was discontinued in 1983, though it maintains cult status online. see also- xz550.com If you want to see what is meant by "cult status" go to RidersOfVision. I have never seen such dedication to the bike. It is a large group of people who love this bike. Unless you speak Japanese and know who actually worked on the design of this bike, you won't find better support than this. The site has no obnoxious or useless threads, although the forum is quite large. Actual proper advice is always given to every question asked. Although not the owner of the site, Lucky (runs www.xz550.com)is one of the more senior guys on the site. Without doubt, he knows more about this bike than any other person you could ever hope to communicate with.
[edit] Engine
- 4 stroke 70-degree DOHC V-Twin
- 4 valves per cylinder
- liquid cooled
- 552 cm³
- 65 hp (48 kW) @ 9500 rpm
- 50 N·m (37 ft·lbf) @ 8500 rpm
[edit] Transmission
- gearbox: 5 speed
- final drive: shaft
[edit] Wheels
- front tire: 90/90-18 51H
- rear tire: 110/90-18 61H
- front brake: single/dual discs
- rear brake: drum
[edit] Measurements
- wet weight: 212 kg (467 lb)
- fuel capacity: 17 l (4.5 US gal)
