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YAMAHA XJ Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 21
First production year: 1980
YAMAHA XJ6 SP photo gallery

The 2012 Yamaha XJ6 SP was a special edition model of the basic version, featuring the same acclaimed and proven usability, retaining the same all-rounder character. The bike was elegantly shaped, proudly showing its sharp looks, and delivered excellent maneuverability and rider-friendly characteristics.

The XJ6 series was released in 2009 as a redesigned line of the earlier Diversion series. The bike was available in three versions: the naked XJ6 N, half-faired XH6 Diversion, and fully faired XJ6 Diversion F. In addition, the previous engine was replaced with a new liquid-cooled, de-tuned Fazer unit with the same 600cc displacement.

For the Americans, the FZ6R model was the equivalent of the European XJ6 Diversion F model but without the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and electronic immobilizer. Both shared the same de-tuned Fazer engine and were offered with optional ABS.

In the aesthetic department, the SP version packed the same standard features as the base model, including a single headlight unit, a one-piece dual seat with passenger grab handles, a belly pan, an under-belly exhaust system, and five-spoke lightweight wheels.

The 2012 Yamaha XJ6 SP took its muscles from a 600cc four-stroke liquid-cooled four-cylinder engine managed by an electronically controlled fuel injection system, delivering an output power of 78 hp at 10,000 rpm and 60 Nm (44 lb-ft) torque at 8,500 rpm.

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YAMAHA XJ6 Diversion F photo gallery

In 2012, alongside the naked and half-naked models, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F, a fully-faired motorcycle that debuted in 2009 as a redesigned version of the Diversion line.

The XJ6 debuted in 2009 as a relaunch of the Diversion series and was available in three versions: the naked XJ6 N, half-faired XH6 Diversion, and fully-faired XJ6 Diversion F. In addition, the previous engine was replaced with a new liquid-cooled, de-tuned Fazer unit with the same 600cc displacement.

The 2012 fully-faired motorcycle had standard features, such as a full fairing with a single headlight, a medium-sized windscreen, a one-piece dual seat with passenger grab rails, an under-belly exhaust system, and five-spoke lightweight alloy wheels.

The bike packed a 43 mm telescopic fork on the front, offering 130 mm of travel, and a single shock absorber on the rear, providing 130 mm of travel, delivering excellent suspension performance and handling.

The bike's braking performance was handled by two 298 mm discs on the front wheel and a 245 mm disc on the rear wheel coupled to hydraulic calipers, delivering excellent braking performance.

As for the power figures, the 2012 Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F ad installed a 600cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine underneath its clothes. The engine was managed by a fuel injection system, boasting 78 hp at 10,000 rpm and 60 Nm (44 lb-ft) torque at 8,000 rpm.

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YAMAHA XJ6 Diversion photo gallery

In 2012, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha XJ6 Diversion, a half-naked motorcycle that debuted in 2009 alongside its naked and fully-faired siblings. The 2012 motorcycle offered a comfortable riding experience with its adjustable handlebar and wind and debris protection with its half-fairing.

The XJ6 series debuted in 2009 as a relaunch of the Diversion series in three versions: the naked XJ6 N, half-faired XH6 Diversion, and fully faired XJ6 Diversion F. In addition, the previous engine was replaced with a new liquid-cooled, de-tuned Fazer unit with the same 600cc displacement.

In the visual department, the 2012 model packed standard features, such as a half-fairing with a single headlight and a tall windscreen, a one-piece dual seat with passenger grab rails, an under-belly exhaust system, a belly pan, and five-spoke lightweight alloy wheels.

The bike was built around a diamond-shaped die-cast aluminum frame with a 43 mm telescopic fork on the front, offering 130 mm of travel and a single shock absorber on the rear with 130 mm wheel travel.

The braking performance was handled by two 298 mm discs with hydraulic calipers on the front wheel and a 245 mm disc with a hydraulic caliper on the rear wheel, delivering excellent stopping power.

Half-hidden by the fairing, a 600cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine powered the 2012 Yamaha XJ6 Diversion, sending to the rear wheel 78 hp at 10,000 rpm and 60 Nm (44 lb-ft) torque at 8,000 rpm.

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YAMAHA XJ6 N photo gallery

In 2012, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha XJ6, a naked motorcycle that debuted in 2009 alongside its half-naked and fully-faired siblings. For the 2012 model year, the bike received a redesigned bodywork, keeping all the nifty features of previous models.

The bike debuted in 2009 as a relaunch on the Diversion line, comprised of three models: the XJ6 Diversion, XJ6 N, and XJ6 Diversion F. The FZ6R was the American version of the European XJ6 Diversion F without ABS and electronic immobilizer.

The new series was upgraded to a new liquid-cooled four-stroke forward-inclined four-cylinder engine that offered more power than the previous model, keeping the same 600cc displacement.

The 2012 motorcycle was fitted with standard features, such as a single headlight, small, redesigned side body panels, a one-piece dual seat with passenger grab handles, a belly pan, a four-into-one exhaust system with the silencer mounted under the engine, and five-spoke alloy wheels.

The 2012 Yamaha XJ6's power came from a 600cc four-stroke liquid-cooled four-cylinder engine managed by an electronically controlled fuel injection system, delivering 78 hp with maximum strength at 10,000 rpm and 60 Nm (44 lb-ft) torque at 8,000 rpm.

The bike's engine was tied to a six-speed constant-mesh manual transmission with a wet multi-plate clutch, sending the power to the rear wheel through a final chain drive.

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YAMAHA XJ6 Diversion F photo gallery

The Yamaha Diversion was a series of all-around touring motorcycles based on the earlier XJ series. Before 2009, the series comprised four main models, including the XJ 600S, XJ 600N, XJ 900S, and XJ 900GT.

In 2009, Yamaha relaunched the Diversion line, by introducing three new models, including the XJ6 N naked, XJ6 Diversion half-naked, and XJ6 Diversion F fully-fired motorcycles. In addition, the bikes benefited from a new liquid-cooled de-tuned Fazer engine and optional ABS.

In 2009, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F, a new model fitted with a full fairing that delivered a more sporty and aggressive look, improving high-speed stability, offering better wind protection, and reducing air resistance.

In the visual department, the bike had installed standard features, such as a full fairing with a single headlight unit, a windscreen, a one-piece dual seat with passenger grab handles, an under-belly exhaust system, and five-spoke lightweight wheels.

Underneath its fuel tank, the 2009 Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F had hidden a 600cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 78 hp with a peak force at 10,000 rpm and 60 Nm (44 lb-ft) torque at 8,500 rpm.

Suspension-wise, the model packed a 43 mm telescopic fork with 130 mm of wheel travel on the front and a single shock absorber on the rear with 130 mm wheel travel, providing optimum handling capabilities.

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YAMAHA XJ6 Diversion photo gallery

The Yamaha XJ6 Diversion was a newly released model that debuted in 2009 as a relaunch of the Diversion line. It debuted alongside the XJ6 N naked and the XJ6 Diversion F fully faired models. Also, the XJ6 Diversion F was the European version of the FZ6R American model.

In addition to the new appearance with more modern lines, the new Diversion line had switched to a new liquid-cooled four-cylinder engine, keeping the same 600 cc displacement of its predecessors.

In 2009, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha XJ6 Diversion, a motorcycle dressed in a half fairing. The bike was designed to be attractive and easy to use but also offered lots of fun.

The 2009 half-naked machine had standard features, such as a half-fairing with a single headlight unit, a tall windscreen for better protection, a one-piece dual seat with pillion grab rails, an under-belly exhaust system, a belly pan, and five-spoke alloy wheels.

A diamond-shaped die-cast aluminum frame was the mounting point of a 43 mm telescopic fork with 130 mm of wheel travel on the front and a single shock absorber on the rear with 130 mm wheel travel, providing optimum suspension performance and handling.

At its core, the 2009 Yamaha XJ6 Diversion had installed a 600cc four-stroke liquid-cooled four-cylinder engine that delivered an output power of 78 hp at 10,000 rpm and 60 Nm (44 lb-ft) torque at 8,500 rpm.

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YAMAHA XJ6 N photo gallery

In 2009, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer re-launched the Diversion line, comprising the XJ6 Diversion, XJ6 N, and XJ6 Diversion F. The XJ6 Diversion came equipped with a half-fairing, while the XJ 6 N came in a naked style.

In the American market, the FZ6R model was the equivalent of the European XJ6 Diversion F model but without the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and electronic immobilizer. Both shared the same de-tuned Fazer engine and were offered with optional ABS.

The new line of motorcycles was upgraded to a new liquid-cooled four-stroke forward-inclined four-cylinder engine providing more hp than the previous model and keeping the same 600cc displacement.

In the aesthetic department, the bike was fitted with standard features, such as a single headlight unit, a one-piece dual seat with passenger grab handles, a belly pan, an under-belly exhaust system, and five-spoke lightweight wheels.

The 2009 XJ6 N was built around a diamond-shaped die-cast aluminum frame with a 43 mm telescopic fork on the front, offering 130 mm of travel and a single shock absorber on the rear with 130 mm of travel, delivering optimum suspension performance and handling capabilities.

As for the power figures, the 2009 Yamaha XJ6 N had its soul brought to life by a 600cc four-stroke liquid-cooled four-cylinder engine fed by a fuel injection system, boasting 78 hp at 10,000 rpm and 60 Nm (44 lb-ft) torque at 8,500 rpm.

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YAMAHA XJ 600 Diversion photo gallery

The Yamaha Diversion was a series of motorcycles based on the Yamaha's earlier XJ series. In most parts of the world, the XJ 600S was known as the Diversion, while in North American and Australian markets, it was known as Seca II.

In 2002, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha XJ 600 Diversion, an adequate and novice-friendly motorcycle lacking words like desire, excitement, performance, and thrills.

The 2002 motorcycle had standard features, such as an upper fairing with an integrated rectangular headlight, a small windscreen, a one-piece dual seat with pillion grab rails, a dual chromed exhaust system with a muffler on each side, and three-spoke lightweight alloy wheels.

The bike was built around a double-cradle steel frame with a 41 mm telescopic fork on the front, offering 140 mm of travel and a preload-adjustable shock absorber on the rear with 110 mm wheel travel, delivering optimum suspension performance and handling.

The braking performance was handled by two 320 mm discs with dual-piston calipers on the front wheel and a 245 mm disc tied to a single-piston caliper on the rear wheel, providing optimum stopping power.

As for the power, the 2002 Yamaha XJ 600 Diversion had installed a 599cc four-stroke four-cylinder air-cooled power unit managed by four Mikuni carburetors, delivering 61 hp with a peak force at 8,500 rpm and 46 Nm (34 lb-ft) torque at 7,000 rpm.

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YAMAHA XJ 600N photo gallery

The Yamaha XJ 600 was a motorcycle made by Yamaha from 1984 to 1991 when it was replaced by the Yamaha Diversion/Seca II. The bike was lightweight and was dressed in a top-half fairing.

In 1994, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha XJ 600N, a motorcycle identical to the XJ 600S, except that it came naked as opposed to the top fairing of the S version. In addition, the N version packed a different instrument panel that turned with the handlebar. Also, the bike was not sold in North America.

In the visual department, the bike had standard features, such as a round headlight on the front with two gauges mounted on top, a one-piece dual seat with passenger grab rails, a dual exhaust system with a silencer on each side, and lightweight three-spoke aluminum wheels.

The 1994 Yamaha XJ 600N had its heartbeat set by a 598cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine fed by four Mikuni carburetors, delivering an output power of 62 hp with a peak force at 8,500 rpm and 54 Nm (40 lb-ft) torque at 8,000 rpm.

The power produced by the engine was transferred to a six-speed manual transmission with a wet multi-plate clutch and sent to the rear end through a final chain drive, pushing the motorcycle to 179 kph (111 mph).

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YAMAHA XJ 900S Diversion photo gallery

In 1994, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha XJ 900S Diversion, not the most successful model in Yamaha's range but quite a long-running, popular machine. The bike was introduced in 1994 to replace the Yamaha XJ 900 and was an excellent budget tourer.

In the aesthetic department, the bike was equipped with standard features, such as a rectangular headlight integrated into an upper fairing, a small windscreen, a one-piece dual seat with passenger grab handles, a dual exhaust system with a silencer mounted on each side, and three-spoke lightweight wheels.

The bike's frame-mounted half fairing and its tall windscreen delivered excellent wind and debris protection, while its dual seat offered plenty of room and comfortability for both rider and passenger.

In the performance department, the 1994 Yamaha XJ 900S Diversion had its soul brought to life by an 892cc four-stroke four-cylinder air-cooled engine managed by four Mikuni carburetors, boasting 90 hp with a peak force at 8,250 rpm and 78 Nm (57 lb-ft) torque at 7,000 rpm.

A five-speed manual transmission with a wet multi-disc clutch handled the bike's power, sending it to the rear wheel through a final chain drive, spinning the rear wheel to 204 kph (127 mph).

From top speed to a complete stop, the bike relied on a pair of 320 mm discs with a dual-piston caliper on the front wheel and a 267 mm disc with a dual-piston caliper on the rear wheel, delivering optimum stopping power.

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YAMAHA XJ 600S Diversion photo gallery

The Yamaha Diversion was a series of all-around touring motorcycles based on earlier XJ series bikes. Until 2009, when newer models were introduced, the series comprised the XJ 600S, XJ 600N, XJ 900S, and XJ 900GT.

In 1992, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha XJ 600S Diversion, a bike known as the Diversion in most parts of the globe and as Seca in the North American and Australian markets.

The bike was a descendant of 1984-1991 XJ 600 models and had a small top fairing and a lower fairing available as an accessory. The bike packed the engine used on the original XJ 600 version but re-tuned to deliver more low-mid power.

In the visual department, the bike had installed standard features, such as an upper fairing with a rectangular headlight, a small windscreen, a one-piece dual seat with passenger grab rails, a four-into-two exhaust system with a silencer on each side, and three-spoke lightweight aluminum wheels.

As for the power figures, the 1992 Yamaha XJ 600S Diversion had installed a 599cc four-stroke air-cooled four-cylinder engine underneath its fuel tank, delivering an output power of 61 hp with a peak force at 8,500 rpm and 46 Nm (34 lb-ft) torque at 7,000 rpm.

The bike's power was handled by a six-speed manual transmission with a wet multi-plate clutch and sent to the rear wheel through a final chain drive, pushing the motorcycle to 186 kph (115 mph).

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YAMAHA XJ 700 Maxim photo gallery

The Yamaha XJ 700 Maxim is a mid-size motorcycle manufactured by the Yamaha Motor Company and introduced in 1980 as the Maxim and produced through 1989. The XJ 700 Maxim comes equipped with Four cylinder, air cooled, twin cam 700 cc engine. The Maxim-X lays to ruin the dichotomy of style and function: More significant even than its 20-valve technology and high-performance numbers is its demonstration that trendy fashion need and versatility and that power and high-style need not be at odds. With the Maxim-X, Yamaha has rounded the corner and headed back with function as the central issue, back to the virtues that remain long after the glitter has lost its sheen.

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YAMAHA  XJ 900 photo gallery

The Yamaha XJ 900 was a motorcycle produced by Yamaha since 1983 as a development of the original Yamaha XJ 650 model, which was the base model of the XJ series. The bike had at its core an 853cc four-cylinder engine.

In 1984, Yamaha released a revised version that featured a displacement increase to 891cc. In addition to its slightly larger engine, the bike packed a more conventional fork on the front and a belly pan as standard equipment.

In 1985, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha XJ 900, a bike fitted with standard features, such as a rectangular headlight integrated into an upper fairing, a small windscreen, a one-piece dual seat with a passenger grab handle, a dual exhaust system with a silencer on each side, and three-spoke lightweight wheels.

The bike packed a 37 mm telescopic fork and two 254 mm discs with dual-piston calipers on the front and twin side-mounted shock absorbers on the rear with a 254 mm disc tied to a single-piston caliper, offering optimum suspension performance and stopping power.

In the performance department, the 1985 Yamaha XJ 900 had installed an an891cc four-stroke four-cylinder air-cooled engine underneath its fuel tank, delivering 97 hp with a peak force at 9,000 rpm and 81 Nm (60 lb-ft) torque at 7,000 rpm.

The power produced by the engine was transferred to a five-speed manual transmission and sent to the rear end through a low-maintenance final shaft drive.

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YAMAHA XJ 600 photo gallery

The Yamaha XJ 600 was a motorcycle made by Yamaha between 1984 and 1991 until it was replaced by the Yamaha Diversion/Seca II. The bike was sold as the FJ 600 in the North American market.

Yamaha XJ 600 and FJ 600 were notable for being the first four-cylinder Japanese motorcycle with a 600cc displacement. In addition, the bikes were the first inline-four machines that packed a mono-shock rear suspension system two years after the 1982 Kawasaki GPZ 550 Unitrak.

In 1984, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha XJ 600, a motorcycle fitted with standard features, such as a rectangular headlight integrated into an upper fairing, a small windscreen, a one-piece dual seat with pillion grab rails, a four-into-two exhaust system with a silencer on each side, and three-spoke lightweight wheels.

The 1984 Yamaha XJ 600 had its heartbeat set by a 598cc four-stroke four-cylinder air-cooled engine managed by four Mikuni carburetors, delivering an output power of 72 hp at 10,000 rpm and 54 Nm (40 lb-ft) torque at 8,000 rpm.

A six-speed manual transmission with a wet multi-disc clutch and a final chain drive handled the power, pushing the motorcycle to a top speed of 205 kph (127 mph).

As for the braking performance, the bike's wheels were fitted with two 267 mm discs tied to dual-piston calipers on the front and a 267 mm disc coupled to a single-piston caliper on the

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YAMAHA XJ 900 photo gallery

The Yamaha XJ 900 was a motorcycle made by Yamaha from 1983 as a development of the original Yamaha XJ 650 model, which was the base of the XJ series. The bike had at its core an 853cc four-cylinder engine.

At first, the bike came equipped with a handlebar-mounted bikini fairing, which affected its handling. Due to its poor handling capabilities, the bike was quickly revised with a frame-mounted upper fairing and retrofitted to all models.

In 1983, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha XJ 900, a motorcycle fitted with standard features, such as a rectangular headlight integrated into a front cowl, a small windscreen, a one-piece dual seat with a passenger grab handle, a four-into-two exhaust system with a silencer on each side, and three-spoke lightweight wheels.

In the performance department, the 1983 Yamaha XJ 900 had installed an 853cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine underneath its fuel tank, boasting 97 hp at 9,000 rpm and 81 Nm (60 lb-ft) torque at 7,000 rpm.

The engine was coupled to a five-speed manual transmission with a wet multi-disc clutch, sending the power to the rear end through a low-maintenance final shaft drive, pushing the motorcycle to 213 kph (133 mph).

From top speed to a complete stop, the bike relied on two 254 mm discs tied to dual-piston calipers on the front wheel and a 254 mm disc with a dual-piston caliper on the rear wheel.

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YAMAHA XJ 650 Turbo photo gallery

The Yamaha XJ 650 was a sporty motorcycle introduced by Yamaha in 1980. Due to its everyday suitability, the bike gained the reputation of a reliable touring motorcycle, and riders took advantage of the offer.

In 1982, the Japanese motorcycle launched the Yamaha XJ 650 Turbo as a technological leader. The bike was sold at an MSRP of $7,500, while its not-so-inspired design kept the selling figures at a low point, such as 315 units sold in Germany.

In the visual department, the bike packed standard features, such as a half fairing with a rectangular headlight, a medium-sized windscreen, a one-piece dual seat with passenger grab rails, a four-into-two exhaust system with a muffler on each side, and four double-spoke lightweight wheels.

Suspension-wise, the bike had installed a 36 mm air-adjustable Showa telescopic fork on the front, offering 140 mm of travel, and two side-mounted Showa shock absorbers on the rear, providing 79 mm of travel.

The bike's braking power was handled by two 266 mm discs coupled to a hydraulic caliper on the front wheel and a 200 mm drum braking unit, delivering optimum stopping performance.

As for the power figures, the 1982 Yamaha XJ 650 Turbo had installed a 653cc four-stroke air-cooled four-cylinder engine underneath its fuel tank, delivering an output power of 90 hp at 9,000 rpm and 82 Nm (60 lb-ft) torque at 7,000 rpm.

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YAMAHA XJ 750 Seca photo gallery

The Yamaha XJ 750 Seca was a motorcycle made by Yamaha in 1982, based on the technology used on the sportier XJ 650 model. The bike was named after Laguna Seca Raceway, a Californian racetrack near Monterey, California.

Compared to the sportier XJ 650 model, the XJ 750 Seca was more like a chopper. The bike had an onboard computer that constantly monitored essential functions, such as side stand position, brake fluid, oil level, battery fluid, headlights, and brake lights.

In Germany, the manufacturer sold 3,181 units at an MSRP of $8,000, and in 1984, it was replaced by the Yamaha XJ 750 F.

In 1981, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha XJ 750 Seca, a chopper-oriented motorcycle with the most technically advanced package.

In the visual department, the bike had standard features, such as a rectangular headlight with a smaller beneath, a one-piece dual seat with a passenger grab handle, a four-into-two exhaust system with a silencer on each side, and five double-spoke lightweight wheels.

The bike was built around a double-cradle steel frame with a telescopic fork on the front, offering 150 mm of travel, and side-mounted shock absorbers on the rear, providing 96 mm wheel travel.

As for the power figures, the 1981 Yamaha XJ 750 Seca had its soul brought to life by a 749cc four-stroke air-cooled four-cylinder engine that delivered an output power of 76 hp at 9,000 rpm and 66 Nm (49 lb-ft) torque at 7,500 rpm.

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YAMAHA XJ 1100 Maxim photo gallery

The Yamaha XJ 1100 Maxim was a standard motorcycle made by Yamaha for only one year. The bike debuted in 1982 for the US market and was produced until 1983, while for the Canadian market, the bike was made from 1983 until 1984.

In 1982, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha XJ 1100 Maxim, a name used in the American market, while in the European market, it was called Yamaha XS Eleven.

The bike had standard features, such as a round headlight with two instruments mounted on top, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a one-piece dual seat with passenger grab rails, a four-into-two exhaust system with a silencer on each side, and five double-spoke lightweight wheels.

As for performance, the 1982 Yamaha XJ 1100 Maxim had its heartbeat set by a 1,101cc four-stroke four-cylinder air-cooled engine with four Mikuni carburetors in charge, delivering 95 hp at 8,000 rpm and 88 Nm (65 lb-ft) torque at 6,500 rpm.

The bike's power was handled by a five-speed manual gearbox fitted with a wet multi-plate clutch and transferred to the rear end through a low-maintenance final shaft drive.

In the suspension department, the bike packed a 36 mm air-assisted telescopic fork on the front with 136 mm of wheel travel and two side-mounted adjustable shock absorbers on the rear with 98 mm of travel.

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YAMAHA XJ 400 photo gallery

The 1981 Yamaha XJ 400 model is a Naked bike bike manufactured by Yamaha. In this version sold from year 1981, the dry weight is 176.0 kg (388.0 pounds) and it is equiped with a Four cylinder boxer, four-stroke motor. The engine produces a maximum peak output power of 45.00 HP (32.8 kW) at 10000 RPM and a maximum torque of 33.90 Nm (3.5 kgf-m or 25.0 ft.lbs) at 8000 RPM.

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YAMAHA XJ 550 photo gallery

The Yamaha XL 550 was a motorcycle made by Yamaha, introduced to the German market in 1981 as the smallest model that rounded the XJ series. Unlike its larger brothers, the XJ 550 had a final chain drive and a six-speed transmission instead of a shaft drive and a five-speed transmission.

Compared to the larger XJ 650 model, the XJ 550 was 30 kg (66 lbs) lighter, more delicate, and had lower seat height, making the bike more interesting to beginners and those returning to riding.

In 1981, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha XJ 550, a motorcycle fitted with standard features, such as a large round headlight, a one-piece dual seat, a dual exhaust system with a silencer on each side, and five double-spoke aluminum wheels.

The bike was built around a steel frame with a telescopic fork on the front, offering 137 mm of travel, and dual side-mounted shock absorbers on the rear, delivering 80 mm of travel.

As for the braking performance, the bike packed two 267 mm discs on the front wheel and one 182 mm drum braking unit on the rear, delivering optimum stopping power.

As for the power figures, the 1981 Yamaha XJ 550 had its soul brought to life by a 528cc four-stroke air-cooled four-cylinder engine that delivered an output power of 50 hp at 9,000 rpm and 42 Nm (31 lb-ft) torque at 7,500 rpm.

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YAMAHA XJ 650 photo gallery

The Yamaha XJ 650 was a motorcycle manufactured by Yamaha in 1980 and was marketed as a sporty machine. It was suitable for everyday use, so it gained a reputation as a reliable touring motorcycle.

In 1980, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha Xj 650, a motorcycle made in two versions: Maxim for the American market and Seca for the European market, with several differences.

In the visual department, the bike was equipped with standard features, such as a large, round headlight with two instrument gauges mounted on top, a one-piece dual seat, a dual exhaust system with a silencer on each side, and five double-spoke lightweight wheels.

The 1980 Yamaha XJ 650 had installed a 653cc four-stroke air-cooled four-cylinder engine underneath its fuel tank, fed by four Hitachi carburetors, delivering an output power of 71 hp at 9,400 rpm and 57 Nm (42 lb-ft) torque at 7,500 rpm.

A five-speed manual transmission fitted with a wet multi-plate clutch handled the bike's power and sent it to the rear wheel through a low-maintenance final shaft drive.

The bike was built around a tubular double-cradle steel frame with a 36 mm Kayaba telescopic fork on the front, offering 142 mm of travel and dual side-mounted Kayaba shocks with 93 mm of travel.

As for the braking power, the bike's wheels were fitted with two 268 mm discs with a single-piston caliper on the front and a drum braking unit on the rear, offering optimum stopping performance.

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