Buzz
The 1983 Yamaha XJ 650 Seca Turbo redefined aerodynamic design, yet fell short of delivering the anticipated "big-bike" performance. Check out additional motorcycle images.The 1983 Yamaha XJ 650 Seca Turbo bike brought together two groundbreaking trends of its era: turbocharged engines and sleek, futuristic aerodynamics. However, neither trend proved to have lasting popularity.
Motorcycle Image Gallery
Following the debut of Honda's 1982 CX Turbo, the first turbocharged production motorcycle, Yamaha introduced its own turbo model, the 1983 Yamaha XJ 650 Seca Turbo.
Built on Yamaha's four-cylinder 650 Seca platform, the 1983 Yamaha XJ 650 Seca Turbo motorcycle outshone the CX models in character, though not necessarily in performance. Similar to Honda's offerings, the 1983 Yamaha XJ 650 Seca Turbo set new benchmarks in aerodynamic design, at least visually.
The Seca featured a full fairing with a deep spoiler beneath the engine to draw in cooling air. The fuel tank and side panels seamlessly blended into a tail section that encased the seat, giving it an even more futuristic appearance than the innovative CX Turbo.
The engine was a turbocharged 650-cc double-overhead-cam four-cylinder, identical to the one used in the standard Yamaha Seca.
Unlike other turbocharged bikes, the 1983 Yamaha XJ 650 Seca Turbo's engine drew air through four individual carburetors and expelled exhaust through just one of its dual mufflers; the second muffler handled excess pressure from the turbo.
Despite its innovative design, the 1983 Yamaha XJ 650 Seca Turbo motorcycle fell short of delivering the promised "big bike" performance and quickly disappeared from the market.
The 1983 Yamaha XJ 650 Seca Turbo motorcycle vanished from the market after only a few years, following the fate of other turbocharged bikes that came before and after it.
Proceed to the next page to explore additional images of the 1983 Yamaha XJ 650 Seca Turbo motorcycle.
Discover more fascinating motorcycle articles and visuals by visiting:
- Classic Motorcycles
- How Motorcycles Work
- Other Classic Motorcycles
1983 Yamaha XJ 650 Seca Turbo Pictures
The Seca Turbo was powered by a turbocharged 650-cc double-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine.The 1983 Yamaha XJ 650 Seca Turbo motorcycle boasted a more futuristic design than the competing Honda CX Turbo, though it lagged in speed.
The turbocharger on the Seca was positioned below the engine.
Angular designs were prevalent and considered stylish in 1983.
A turbo pressure gauge was prominently placed in the center of the instrument cluster.Explore more fantastic motorcycle articles and images by visiting:
- Classic Motorcycles
- How Motorcycles Work
- Other Classic Motorcycles
