The 1982 Yamaha XJ900 Seca from Japan was powered by a 853cc DOHC inline-4 producing 88hp at 8500rpm. Weighing 230.0kg (507 lbs) and with a seat height of 810mm, it was aimed at standard riders.
The 1984 Yamaha XV1000 Virago by contrast offered 981cc of OHV V-twin power, delivering 74hp at 7000rpm. Tipping the scales at 240.0kg (529 lbs) with a top speed of 175km/h (109 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1980s motorcycles are the rising stars of the collector market. Early sportbikes and final-generation air-cooled models are gaining strong interest.
Specifications Comparison
| 1982 Yamaha XJ900 Seca | 1984 Yamaha XV1000 Virago | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 853 cc | 981 cc |
| Power | 88 hp | 74 hp |
| Torque | 74.0 Nm | 77.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h | 175 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 230.0 kg | 240.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 248.0 kg | 260.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 810 mm | 750 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1490 mm | 1560 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 20.0 L | 14.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 5 -speed |
The Verdict
Comparing these two Yamaha machines reveals the brand's evolution. The 1982 Yamaha XJ900 Seca laid the groundwork with 88hp, while the later 1984 Yamaha XV1000 Virago pushed output to 74hp. From a collector's perspective, the 1984 Yamaha XV1000 Virago holds the edge with a 5/10 rating. Either way, both are worthy additions to any Yamaha collection. Parts availability is good for the 1982 Yamaha XJ900 Seca and moderate for the 1984 Yamaha XV1000 Virago — an important factor for any restoration project.
About the 1982 Yamaha XJ900 Seca
Introduced in 1982, the 1982 Yamaha XJ900 Seca features a 853cc DOHC inline-4 engine producing 88hp, establishing itself as a notable standard motorcycle.
Full 1982 Yamaha XJ900 Seca Profile →About the 1984 Yamaha XV1000 Virago
The 1984 1984 Yamaha XV1000 Virago packs a 981cc OHV V-twin engine with 74hp into a cruiser package from Yamaha.
Full 1984 Yamaha XV1000 Virago Profile →