I've heard Visions all referred to as these prefixes but what are the real differences in the bikes besides the letters?
Kevin
These are the model designations for the Vision, Seca / Maxim & Virago, respectively. Mixups occur frequently - especially calling the Vision an XV because of its V-twin engine.
I'll assume everybody is familiar with the Vision. The Seca was a sport oriented bike - generally competing with the Honda VFR Interceptor & Kawasaki GPz. The Maxim was a cruiser style, based on the Seca powerplant. The Virago was another Yamaha V-twin but entirely cruiser styled.
H2O
To put it simply
XZ=Vision
XJ=Seca AND Maxim
XV=Virago, and now the V-Star (sorry H20 not the maxim)
The Maxim is refered to as XJ* Maxim with the "*" being the displacement ie: XJ650 Maxim the Seca would be XJ650 Seca. They are brothers, same drivetrain, though one is a cruiser, the other a sporty UJM (Universal Japanese Motorcycle)
:::EDIT:::
(sorry H20 not the maxim) My bad, I read your first post wrong.
Could have been clearer - Seca/Maxim & Virago might have done it. I meant it as you described, Rex. Friends had each of those models. Always liked the Vision best, though.
H2O