1982 Yamaha Seca 650 Turbo $800

[srsupertrap]

Perhaps someone can use this for parts, I have heard they are expensive. Boy its an ugly bike which time has not treated well

http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/4140970347.html

[Big T]

$800 is about all they're worth

By far the worst of the turbo bikes, actually slower than the bike it was based upon

[83GS1100E_Tornado]

I would think a low mileage example like that would be worth a bit more than $800 bucks, I'd go look at it if it were local.

[Roger P.]

$800 is about all they're worth

By far the worst of the turbo bikes, actually slower than the bike it was based upon

Nope.

Crap bike, but on the boil, it would pull like a liter bike. Mine was a miled-out POS, but it would straighten your arms like a GS11, just later in the rpm range. Heavy sucker though, with next to no brakes and soda straws for forks.

If it wasn't ridden regularly, it would get crotchety.

Leaky, smoky, buzzy, buffety, ill handling.....the hits just keep coming.

I'd buy another just to see how much I could lean on it with boost before it popped.

[Griffin]

If you go over to the XJ forum ( http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums.html ) and poke around for a while, you'll find the turbos are held in the lowest regard by the members there, because of the previously mentioned issues with them. Also, the engines just aren't as reliable and long lasting as the non-aspirated XJs, and are more difficult to work on.

On boost, all the turbos were hard chargers (including the lowly CX500), but they were still as heavy as a literbike, and off boost, they were poorly performing, heavy middleweights (the mighty GPZ 750 turbo included).

The GPZ turbo is a pig (off boost, of course) compared to the '83-'86 GS750ES and Honda V45 Interceptor.

[nvr2old]

Part of the problem with turbo bikes is they were (wrongly, even from the factory) compared to liter bikes. The media tests all did it, too, and came away disappointed. What they are, especially the CX500, is a very comfortable and capable sport touring machine. Yes, a bit top-heavy, and yes mild performers off boost, but once you re-train yourself how to ride one, you realize that they're pretty special bikes that came out at a time when the "wizardry" of them was under-appreciated, especially when you could buy a liter bike or even a CBX for the same amount of money. My CX500 Turbo has proven to be bullet-proof reliable even after all these years and with over 50,000 miles on the clock. You, again, learn how to ride it and compensate for the lag, and how to keep it in the boost range. When you do, it rewards you with great power and smooth handling. I love that bike and would never let it go. With that being said, the Yamaha was a pos. The CX500's in nice condition routinely bring 3-5 grand, the CX650 Turbo is incredibly sought after with buyers shelling out as much as 7-10 grand for, and the Kawis are bringing in good money for a nice one, too. I'll get off my soap box now..

[Big T]

The Honda 650 Turbo is much rarer than the 500, it's much easier to ride because it doesn't have 19 lbs of boost like the 500

My buddies KZ turbo sold for about $8,500. It had a period after market pipe, plus the original exhaust

It went to another acquaintance, so maybe I'll get to ride it yet

[jabcb]

No title. Might be a big problem in this case.

[nvr2old]

The Honda 650 Turbo is much rarer than the 500, it's much easier to ride because it doesn't have 19 lbs of boost like the 500

You're right. The 650 (actually a 675cc with 20-25 more hp) was definitely made in far fewer numbers and feels more like it's supercharged. It has little or no lag even from 2,000 rpm and up. I've ridden them both and the 650 kicks ass. The 500 is a little smoother, though, and I like the lower bars and mirrors on the 500 better, too. Honda really got it right with the 650, fixing all the complaints of the 500..except the starter, which failed miserably. Putting in one from a 500 was a total and simple repair. Both needed to have the stators replaced after 30,000 miles, too. Bullet-proof aftermarket replacements are now available.

[ron bayless]

it is ugly allright. I once owned probably the ugliest bike ever made, a virago 920.I think second would have to be the suzuki re5.