Motorcycle Classics Magazine, Jan/Feb '08 issue, p13

[pullshocks]

In the article titled "Best Bets on Tomorrow's Classics:  1985-1987 Gagiva Alazzura" there are 2 bikes listed as "Contenders: Two-cylinder alternatives to Cagiva's Alazzurra".  Guess what one of them is?

"Yamaha Vision 550

Made only for 1982 and 1983, the Vision was truly a bike before its time, as Yamaha clearly hoped to suggest through its model name.  Though a great all-around bike, it was unfortunately, "misunderstood, underestimated, demeaned, discounted and eventually discontinued.  Thus 1982 led to 1983, which led to nowhere beyond," opined testers in the April 1985 issue of Cycle magazine.

Designed and received as a technological tour de force, the Vision was home to a 72 degree, liquid cooled, DOHC, eight-valve V-twin engine that was smooth, torquey and powerful.  Unfortunately it also had skinny tires, a mushy front brake and a lousy suspension at both the front and rear.

While not as sporty as the Cagiva, the Yamaha, with some upgrades, can be turned into a respectable motorocycle.  Braided seel brake lines, new pads, new, wider tires, progressive springs and a fork brace for the front forks, and a new or reworked rear damper turn this bike into an entirely different beast (one that you'll actually want to ride, even!).  But unless your sporting pretensions are few and far between, don't buy a stock one in hopes of canyon carving.

Though they were only made for two years, a fair number of them are still out there.  Shown here is the 1982 model.  For 1983 the bike was the proud recipient of a fairing somewhat like the one found on the Yamaha 650 turbo, along with a second front disc and slightly better suspension."

It also says $800-2000

(The other contender is the BMW R65LS)

[Lucky]

ok, who broke the code of silence? ok, give!  :D

[Brian Moffet]

It also says $800-2000

Hmm, much lower than the asking price for my 83....  ;D

[Tiger]

 :) Hey, some positive recognition after 25 year's :o ;D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D... 8)

BTW, here's the link to the article... http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/motorcycle-reviews/2008-01-01/Cagiva-Alazzurra.aspx

...At first glance you might even be forgiven for thinking you just saw a Vision... :o

         8).......TIGER....... 8)

[YellowJacket!]

"Air Cooled"????

David