Does the Vision have a future?

Started by Re-Vision, November 22, 2014, 06:43:08 PM

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Re-Vision

or will future motorcyclists still have an interest in the Yamaha Vision. Do any of you have ideas on how to stimulate greater interest in this getting older everyday bike. Perhaps it is reaching its limits as I see a declining participation on this site. I have some further thoughts but would first like to hear from others.     BDC

turbosteve84

From a new-Vision owner who's never ridden one:

Retro is cool again (new Ducati Scrambler, BMW R Nine-T, Star Bolt C-Spec, etc.). Modern bikes just don't seem to appeal as much to the hipsters and 20-(or 30)somethings, at least here in The States.

Back in the '80s we had a special place for Honda CB350s -- in the dumpster. Some survived that fate and made it over the Atlantic in shipping crates. In fact, sending shipping crates full of '60s, '70s, and early '80s Japanese bikes became a short-lived cottage industry.

Now lowly CB350s can demand $2,000 to $3,000 (or more) in trendy neighborhoods of Brooklyn. Yamaha 650 Twins are also getting a second look (as bobbers and café racers), and modified parts specialists are springing up from coast to coast. Even pedestrian Viragos are being snapped up in the modified-bike craze.

So, why not the Vision? From what I read those f___in' carbs, crappy electronics, and exploding starter clutches killed the bike before it had time to gather a following. And it was introduced just in time for the sharp downturn in the motorcycling market (why do you think they had to get rid of all the used bikes in the U.S.?) The one caveat -- I've heard the engine is a jewel. In my book it's certainly a looker.

The entailing low production numbers mean it will be hard to create a demand for custom and repro parts. And let's face it, how many are still on the road today? (Lots of them are still on the road. Some were lucky enough to make it back to the garage!)

But one cool Vision café racer could change that. Look what Greg Hageman of Doc's Chops did for the Virago. To that end I Photoshopped my dream bike, the Visioné about 2 years ago. After a mortality check in September aboard my owned-since-new '84 Kawasaki 750 Turbo, this month I finally purchased a Vision and I'm embarking on a long, uncharted journey into making that dream a reality. Right now I'm hung up on the carbs, but parts are sitting in UPS trucks that will remedy that. Fuel tank options are nonexistent -- I'll have to build (meaning, have someone build) it myself. Thanks to POD I know that Virago wire wheels can be adapted for duty on the Vision. (Today I found the bike had bent forks -- how the hell did I miss that? Planning to swap those out for modern units anyway).

I've already sent a .jpg of the Visioné to Yamaha. No response as expected. My wildest fantasy is to have the Visioné spark new (if there ever was any "old") interest in the Vision. (If that's my wildest dream than, in the words or Don Rickles, "I gotta get a broad!") So, it's up to me. I'll keep everyone posted on my progress -- or lack of. In the meantime, I'm all ears to advice.

--Steve
Steve
saddlebums.tumblr.com

fret not

The two biggest mistakes Yamaha corporation made in regard to the Vision are the cheap electrical system, and it should have been introduced to the market as a 750.  There were forces and influences in the market happening about that time, both environmental (EPA and CARB) and business (Harley Davidson got legislation passed in the form of tariffs on any bike larger than 700cc).  In spite of that the XZ still emerges here and there and draws attention.  It IS a cool bike.
Retired, on the downhill slide. . . . . . . . still feels like going uphill!

Humber

#3
Dark future ahead of the Vision.. I wouldn't say so... look at this...



You think people like it??? a nightmare...
nie ma podpis?w

turbosteve84

"The Motorcycle for People Who Never Really Liked Motorcycles." A Honda market-study bike if there ever was one. Probably polled a group of dyspeptic church ladies on that one. Honda seems to have forgotten why we ride motorcycles; for the thrills. I wish them luck.

No I don't.
Steve
saddlebums.tumblr.com

Rikugun

I think the Vision has a future although it will be different than it's past and present. I'm sure the forum's make up has changed since it's inception and will continue to do so. Maybe it's a generational thing. Some members that were of a certain age when the bike was new have simply stopped riding. Others get their feet wet with the V drawn by the low initial cost then move on to newer models.

Through attrition, there are fewer examples out there than 20 years ago. Many got involved not knowing the bikes history but ended up smitten in spite of it's quirks. Fewer bikes, fewer local ads, fewer new members in that way.

Steve brought up a good point with the venerable 350 Honda. As Vision numbers dwindle there is the possibility the model will become "gentrified". Running examples, parts bikes and parts will fetch a premium. As it is, one often encounters used parts prices indicative of a popular, high demand model - which it currently is not. However, the future Visionary may need passion and a fat wallet.

Trying to stimulate interest may be a double edged sword but I am curious as to what Re-Vision's ideas are. Maybe a segment on Jay Leno's Garage YouTube channel?
It is far better to grasp the universe as it really is then to persist in delusion, however satisfying or reassuring.  Carl Sagan

fret not

That Honda looks rather heavy, but I would guess it is very smooth.
Retired, on the downhill slide. . . . . . . . still feels like going uphill!

Humber

#7
I would say, German WWII Mouse had more smoothness to it :)



;D
nie ma podpis?w

munkyfistfight

I think there is a future. Every so often I see them pop up around where I live (although I still contend that I have the only running examples in Pennsylvania). A month ago I found an '83 on CL, in running condition, not far from where I live and picked it up for $500. When I'm out riding or go to events people typically look right through my bike and gawk and drool over my friends' Honda 750's, but every once in a while I'll get someone who stops and will tell me how the Vision was their first bike, or how much they loved the bike back in the 80's.

I had a guy in a truck pull up next to me one day and go "Is that a Vision?? I ain't seen one of those since California in '86!!". Those are the moments that make me keep wanting to be a Visioneer. If I find them out there and I have the means to get another one, I'll keep getting them. I'm on #4 after the last 11 years.

I want to be part of whatever future is out there for our quirky little Twins.
Those who play by the book will always be beaten by those who write their own. -Travis Pastrana

Re-Vision

Thanks Visioneers, your comments are appreciated and surprisingly enthusiastic. Besides my 82 I have an 83 that I intended to start on and make roadworthy, observing my health and lack of energy I've accomplished nothing with it the last few years. Would like to devise a method to give it away that would encourage interest in this bike we seem to love so much. Any ideas or plans would be considered and perhaps we can arouse the interest this old Vision deserves.           
BDC

fret not

Bobby, everyone likes getting something for free, but no one respects stuff they didn't have to suffer for.  Is there an active Vintage Japanese MC club anywhere near you?  Folks drawn to such organizations are likely to have an interest.

The thing about stuff that doesn't remain in the 'market' actively, it fades out of favor and disappears (gets recycled, scrapped, left out and forgotten in the weather, etc.)  It is LATER when they are so rare that the become much more desirable.  The XZ550 was scarce to begin with, now it is pretty rare to find one.  It's easy to find old Honda 750s and Gold Wings because they made a lot of them.
Retired, on the downhill slide. . . . . . . . still feels like going uphill!

iain

Im sure prophet of DOOM would take it,

Iain
NZ

The Prophet of Doom

Sorry you don't have the energy to do something with your 83 Bobby.  You have been such an amazing help to so many people here it would be good to see your Visioneer dreams come true.

I wonder if a truly spectacular custom build like the Katakura XZR751G Vision was done again today, and the articles in English and on Bike EXIF if it would have a higher profile.

Re-Vision

Thanks for pricking my balloon fellas, no seriously I appreciate ya'lls thoughts and inputs. I do wish there was someway to make the Vision less troublesome which would obviously  enhance its value by stimulating interest. I'm still thinking.     BDC




dingleberry

How about concreting the wheels into the ground at a local playground thus rendering it trouble free and attracting interest from future motorcyclists  ;D
You like, oui?

Tiger

Regarding the Vision's reliability...I know that putting 22 of these old girls back on the road, over a 4 - 5 year period, helped me understand what was needed to get and keep them running right. During the 8 or so years that I had her, I had absolutely no major issues with 'The Mistress', I rode her solo/two up, all over Ontario, did weekend rides in Quebec, rode weekends with Night Vision & co in New York State, hauled her out to Cape Breton Island and toured two up for a week, hauled her down to N C and ran 'The Dragon' Cherohala Skyway, Diamond Back, etc, etc, without any issues at all.

Over the years and many, many fun filled rides/miles, I replaced three stators and a starter clutch...along with engine oil/filter, spark plugs and air filters.

The problem lies in the fact that most Vision owners picked theirs up for nothing or next to nothing...you picked up a bike that has stood for years without any maintenance, love or respect!! WHY then would someone expect to have a Roll Royce without spending the time and money to achieve such reliability!! There is NO SUCH THING AS A FREE/CHEAP VISION, or anything else, 99% of the time  ???

Vision's are no more reliable/unreliable than any other bike of it's time really. It is all about maintenance/preventative maintenance, right from the out set... ::) As RickG used to always say..."Someone took all the love out of her now you have to put all the love back in to her"

I used to buy non running Vision's for $250/$300.00, sometimes a wee bit more/less. Once I got her home, I pulled her down to a frame with an engine resting there...
Front forks were ripped down, cleaned and rebuilt with new seals/oil regardless of the condition they came in!! New steering head bearings every time. New handle bar grips installed. Front brake caliper(s)/rear brake cleaned, serviced and new pads/shoes, if needed, installed. New tires and battery!!! Disposed of the spark plugs/wires and caps and installed new ones. ALL fluids, (engine oil, rear drive oil, fork oil and coolant), drained off and replaced with new good quality products...not forgetting to replace the oil filter!! All electrical connections checked, cleaned and lubed with dielectric grease. Main positive and ground leads replaced. All light bulbs replaced regardless!! Handlebar switches removed and flushed out with electrical contact cleaner and lubed with dielectric grease. Left side engine cover removed, stator checked and replaced if signs of a flamin' stator are evident!!... fly wheel removed, starter clutch checked and new soc hd cap screws installed using blue Loctite and peened...and not forgetting the 46mm, nut tightened to spec and both locking tabs bent over. Gas tank flushed out. Petcock/filter screen cleaned. etc, etc, etc...THERE ARE NO SHORT CUTS TO THIS!!!

Only after she was all back together again, with the carbs CLINICALLY STRIPPED, CLEANED AND REBUILT, did I attempt to fire her up...and fire up everyone did  ;D Carbs synced properly, shake down ride and she was then ready for her new home 8) 8)

I would tell the new owners what I had done and to keep up with the basic maintenance on a regular basis...after that just go ride her like you stole her...ENJOY!!

There is NO magic formula. Love and TLC apart, you just need a basic understanding of things mechanical...listen to your ride, she will tell you what is going on and in most cases will give you advanced warning of an up and coming problem...listen and learn to fix, before she gives out on you :-[

Keep the forum going boys and girls ;)

Love your ride... 8)

                8) ....... TIGER ......  8)
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming HOOOOYA lets go again baby !!!!!!

'82 Vision, Pearl Orange finish, lots of up-grades!!!

supervision

Well said Tiger!! Thanks reminding everyone it has to be a labor of love.  Nothing else will get it done.
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skucera

THE Vision didn't have a future in 1983 when Yamaha dropped it for lack of sales, and struggled to unload the bikes it had in its warehouses for the next three years.  MY Vision, however, has a future.  It is in that desirable class of motorcycle that is technically interesting, fun to ride, and notoriously rare because it wasn't a raging sales success. 

It isn't a 550 Seca, which was a sales success even in a recession market, but try to find a Seca used these days.  You can, but they aren't common.  They weren't special enough for their owners to maintain.  Used Secas were cheap, plentiful, and disposable, without enough emotional draw to compell owners fix them up when they broke down or wore out.  Yeah, there are a few around, but the percentage of them that is still around compared to the thousands sold in the US is miniscule.

The Vision had many fewer bikes sold here originally.  It was a rarity in the Eighties, and it has gotten progressively rarer over time, but not at the same staggering rate that the UJM's were scrapped when they needed repairs.  Ultimately, the Vision will be like the Edsel: rare because not many were built, a little ugly (but not colossally ugly like an Edsel or a Pacer), but technically advanced enough that even modern motorcycles are compared to them, and found to be not that much better despite the decades of technological advancement that went into their designs.

My Vision has a future with me because it is quick, reliable, and cool in a way that gets some folks walking up to me on the street as I'm putting my helmet on asking me what it is.  I may own other motorcycles in the future, but I think this one will always have a place in my garage.

Scott

motoracer8

 I love it Tiger. It applies to every old motorcycle that's followed me home, the brand doesn't matter.
83 Vision and 11 others, Japanese, German and British

supervision

  My wife say's, I run a care home for mistreated motorcycles.   Motoracer8, I know someone who has a  JOHN PLAYER SPECIAL project bike, you have interest??
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