The 1983 Yamaha XJ 650 Seca Turbo motorcycle combined two cutting-edge trends of its day: turbocharged power and futuristic aerodynamic styling. Neither was destined for a long run.
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Hot on the heels of the world's first turbocharged production motorcycles, Honda's 1982 CX Turbo, came Yamaha's turbocharged bike, the 1983 Yamaha XJ 650 Seca Turbo motorcycle.
Based on the company's four-cylinder 650 Seca, the 1983 Yamaha XJ 650 Seca Turbo motorcycle surpassed the CXs in personality, if not in performance. Like Honda's models,1983 Yamaha XJ 650 Seca Turbo motorcycle did set new standards for aerodynamics, at least in appearance.
The Seca wore a full fairing with deep spoiler under the engine to scoop up cooling air. Fuel tank and side panels flowed together into a tail section that surrounded the seat. If anything, it looked even more futuristic than the cutting-edge CX Turbo.
Power came from a pressurized double-overhead-cam 650-cc four-cylinder as found in the standard Yamaha Seca.
Unlike some turbos, the 1983 Yamaha XJ 650 Seca Turbo motorcycle's engine inhaled through four separate carburetors and exhaled through only one of its twin mufflers; the other muffler exhausted overboost from the turbo.
Interesting as it was, the 1983 Yamaha XJ 650 Seca Turbo motorcycle failed to provide the "big bike" power it promised, and didn't last long in the marketplace.
The 1983 Yamaha XJ 650 Seca Turbo motorcycle faded away after just a couple of years, as did other turbo bikes before and since.
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