Morris has old magazines that have ads for the Vision. The problem was fixed by the bike’s second year, while an intake system modification helped solve the problem on Tolhurst’s machine. “It used to hesitate when you turned the gas on,” Pam Tolhurst confirmed. Not helping sales was the fact that the 1982 Vision also had a quirk known as the “Vision stumble.” It would stutter when the throttle was applied upon takeoff. Much larger bikes could be had for the same amount. The original owner of Morris’ bike paid $3,060 from Nichols Motorsports in Manchester. While more than 10,000 of the 1982 model were sold, sales dropped to between 2,000 and 3,000 for the 1983 model, Morris reported. Shaft-driven and powered by a 553cc V-twin motor, the Vision “didn’t sell very well because of cosmetics and pricing,” said Neil Tolhurst. “It came right out of the crate with a nice factory fairing that has hot and cold vents that really work.” Nothing else out there rides like it or looks like it,” he said. Jason Morris of Harwinton, who got his black 1983 Vision nearly 20 years ago, likewise likes the protection as well as the bike’s looks. “I wanted something to protect myself more,” she said. “The reason I like it is because it has heaters,” she said, referring to deflectors in the lower fairing that allow engine heat to be directed either on to or away from the rider’s legs. Tolhurst and her husband, Neil, were living in DeKalb, Ill. Pam Tolhurst of New Hartford got her red 1982 Vision, with an add-on fairing that became standard on 1983 models, in April 1984. ![]() Jason Morris and Pam Tolhurst with their Yamaha Visions It was only sold during the 19 model years, and two area owners have been enjoying theirs for years. Yamaha’s XZ550, dubbed the Vision, is one example of a bike with a short shelf life that owners still adore. Most others simply remain rarities that are admired by a few worshipful riders. Occasionally, a long-forgotten relic that was a slow seller and only had brief life on the showroom floor will develop a cult following or be sufficiently unique to become collectible. Just like with movies and TV shows, some new motorcycle models become hits with consumers while others flop and disappear quickly.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |