1982 Yamaha XZ550 Vision? Are they any good? I'm gonna go check one out tonight.

Kinja'd!!! "Luc - The Acadian Oppo" (luc5)
04/22/2016 at 18:25 • Filed to: Yamaha Vision, organ donor

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I found this 1982 Yamaha XZ550 Vision with only 2,400 miles on it from the ORIGINAL OWNER . Never been laid down. The bike sat for about 15 years but last years it’s been fully gone thru including all new fluids,rebuilt carbs, BRAND NEW TIRES. All for only $1500 bucks.

Google does bring up a well know problem with these bikes. That these bikes are notorious for starter clutches and starter clutches coming loose. Does this mean I should walk away or is it worth it to go check it out?

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DISCUSSION (13)


Kinja'd!!! Pickup_man > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
04/22/2016 at 17:06

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I had no idea these bikes existed, and I know nothing about them. That being said, Yamaha from that age are usually pretty good bikes, and so long as it runs good and everything checks out $1500 is a good price for a running bike.


Kinja'd!!! Needmoargarage > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
04/22/2016 at 17:24

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Ooh! I actually owned one through college! I’d say $1500 is pretty dang fair for that mileage and condition. It can be a bit hard to find odd parts, and I don’t think the starter issue is much to worry about. It was a fun ride and a great bike. Man, I want it now.

Check out http://www.ridersofvision.net/rovforum/


Kinja'd!!! Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Needmoargarage
04/22/2016 at 17:49

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Thanks for the input. seems like a decent bike for the cash especially with how expensive toys normally are around here. I’ve checked and the starter parts are still available since that same starter clutch was used in other bikes until 1998.


Kinja'd!!! bob and john > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
04/22/2016 at 18:33

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never heard anything particulalrly good or bad about yamamas.

that said, do I see coolant leaking in the 3rd from top photo?


Kinja'd!!! Needmoargarage > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
04/22/2016 at 19:00

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You really got my mind on how much I miss that bike now. Let me know if you have any specific questions and I’ll do my best to remember. Here’s a few pics from the one I had:

Before:

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After:

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Kinja'd!!! sdwarf36 > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
04/22/2016 at 19:10

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A ‘nightmare’. (nothing really wrong with the bike-thats just we called them at the dealership back in ‘82.)

From what i remember (gawd-34 years ago?) if its the same problem as the early Viragos, the problem is in the starter itself. A pressed in gear in the end of the starter could spin. The fix was to pull the starter (easy) and drill a hole in the housing-into the outside of the gear-and install a pin.

Look on the engine side of the starter for a small pin. Or possibly look on the VIN pad for the engine-see if there are any extra stampings at the end of the number. Thats what you were supposed to do if there was a recall or update. I.E. “stamp a X after the vin after preforming an update.” Not a clear pic-but its what I found quick.

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Kinja'd!!! Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Needmoargarage
04/22/2016 at 22:05

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Welp I just bought it. I’ll post a full write up tomorrow. This this is beyond barn find. It is MINT! And has every single record since the day it was bought.


Kinja'd!!! Luc - The Acadian Oppo > sdwarf36
04/22/2016 at 22:06

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Thanks a lot! I just bought the bike. Once I get it home tomorrow i’ll check the vin stamping.


Kinja'd!!! Luc - The Acadian Oppo > bob and john
04/22/2016 at 22:08

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Good catch i didnt notice that. I just bought the bike but that is where the thermostat housing is. Probably a super easy fix.


Kinja'd!!! bob and john > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
04/22/2016 at 22:24

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“Probably a super easy fix.”

famous last words


Kinja'd!!! Needmoargarage > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
04/22/2016 at 22:50

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I wish I could give this so many more stars. Enjoy!


Kinja'd!!! Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Needmoargarage
05/09/2016 at 00:15

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Hey are you a member of Riders of Visions forum? If so can you go ask someone why they are not approving me? I’ve tried to sign up 3 weeks ago and it still says I’m waiting for admin aprooval. My user name would be "Luc".


Kinja'd!!! Needmoargarage > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
05/09/2016 at 08:23

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I was a long time ago, but have since been ‘locked’ out. That’s weird they haven’t approved you yet...mine was pretty quick. Are the forums still active?