Yamaha XZ550RJ Sport Bike Reviews on Cycle Insider (4)
Avg. Rating

I first tested this bike in 1982 and remembered it to be the most powerful middleweight twin I had ever ridden. The roll-on torque was superb. No problem to pass with two up on the highway and no downshifting. The only flaw I noted was the serious need of a fork brace to correct handling issues. Keep the fuel system clean and everything works just fine; if not, you will need a better than average mechanic to clean the very intricate downdraft carbs. The bench seat is very comfortable for rides of 8 hours or more at a time. The bars and footpegs are good old standard bike height for upright riding, something that is so rare in the 21st century. The rear shock was better in 83 as the 82 was too stiff so that was a nice change. The fairing model is pretty neat with vents to keep you warm in cold weather riding. The only thing you need to keep this bike going is fuel, tires and brakes. It runs forever, what a great engine! I picked up my first owned Vision when it was 18 years old and have driven it for 7 years and 40,000km, needless to say I am a satisfied customer. I commute to work every day, tour periodically, tear up gravel roads on occasion, this bike does everything well.

I bought a 1982 holdover in '86 for $1300 when I got out of the military, threw a set of Eclipse luggage on it and left the midwest with most of my worldly posessions on board. She carried me from coast to coast with nary a problem except a bad stator @18,000 miles. All was well until 28,000 miles when it promptly fell apart, the starter died, stator went again, engine sprung a nasty oil leak between the cases, suspention was sacked and she got very finicky about starting. Overall she was a great touring platform for it's service life providing me with many fond memories.

I have bought two 550 visions in the past 2 years and have bought them both for under $500.00. The first bike cost $400.00 plus $200.00 parts and misc, and about 20 hours of my time. The result was an old but not so old looking cafe-esque blast for the back roads of maple ridge. shortly thereafter I saw another bike That I just had to fix up (fj 1100 so I sold the 550 twin and .... The second bike demands a little more attention, but with a little vision (no pun intended) cash and elbow grease I will soon be riding another forgotten two wheeled sweetheart. This one will be mine for a while longer as I really like the v-twin sound and power delivery. To sum it up I would have to say this. For a few hundred bucks I can ride a naked v-twin that may not be the best handling or the most powerful but for the cost there are few choices in the v-twin market and the only other bike that is realy worth riding as a canyon carver at this price range is Hondas Ascot. But that's another review.

Visions have a place in the hearts of their owners...a very warm place. Anyone who has ever owned one will tell you the same thing, "Damned bike, I love it!" Once the problems with the carbs (flat spots and air-flow problems) and the fuel tank rusting are conquered, the Vision is quite an enjoyable bike to ride. It's not the fastest bike of its era and the shaft-drive presents certain handling gremlins, but it does have its good points. It is comfortable (one OR two riders), has incredible roll-on power, and has legions of loyal fans/riders. If you would happen to cross paths with another Vision rider, you'll see what I mean.