Yamaha ZX550 Vision

At the beginning of the 1980s, several of the major motorcycle manufacturers were experimenting with design. The soft lines and teardrop-shaped fuel tanks of the 1970s were considered old-fashioned, and new designs were now characteristic of a number of brands. Straight lines, angles and edges were “in”, but this was not always successful.

New design

Almost without exception, most motorcycles in the 1980s were designed with straight lines, edges and angles. Soft lines were “out”, and square shapes were in full swing. Many probably remember Suzuki's best-seller in Norway, the GSX-750, which with its square headlight set the trend. The bike was typical of the new design of the time, and the lines were characterized by straight lines, a design that can best be described as “angular”.

Vision

Now more followed, and I've taken a closer look at Yamaha's "special" XZ550 Vision. Towards the end of the 1970s, Yamaha also abandoned the period-typical design that had characterized the decade, and phased out this design with the touring giant XS1100.

Liquid-cooled engine

New technology was also to be tested, and several of the major motorcycle manufacturers now tried water-cooled engines. Yamaha's Vision was the model that combined a number of new technical solutions in a chassis characterized by new design. Judging by the model name, it is tempting to believe that Yamaha's "visions" would materialize in this model. And they did, but without the model becoming a commercial success for that reason.

70-degree V-twin

Yamaha Vision was a model that could best be described as “neither or”, combining a water-cooled V-engine with a shaft drive in a chassis that was neither typical softchopper, cruiser or sport. The bike was a fairly standard model, without a fairing, a bit of an “upside down” thing. Under the large gas tank, Yamaha had placed a 70 degree V-twin. The engine was equipped with double intake and exhaust valves, which could lead one to believe that it was a V-4. With 4 exhaust pipes, two in front and two in the rear, this was perhaps not such a crazy conclusion, purely visually.

New and old technology

Brakes and suspension were a combination of old and new technology, with a single disc at the front and a drum at the rear. The suspension was more modern, with a mono-shock at the rear. The front end was not quite as up-to-date, and the mounting of the front wheel bolt would prove to be the model's Achilles' heel, as the steering was far too nervous. In retrospect, or in the perspective of hindsight, the Vision became a short sidetrack in Yamaha's model development. It was only produced in 1982 and 1983. However, they should have "cred" for taking the chance, and they did leave behind some important knowledge, including experience with water cooling and 4-valve technology.

Technical data Yamaha XZ550 Vision, 1982 model

Engine: V2, 2-cylinder 4-stroke, DOCH

Displacement: 552 cc

Power: 62 hp at 9500 rpm.

No. of gears: 5

Front tires: 100/90x18

Rear tires: 110/90x18

Tank: 17 liters

Weight: 201 kg

Top speed: 176 km/h