Kawasaki ZX750E1 vs. Yamaha XJ650LJ
(Page 3 of 3)
July/August 2008
Story and photos by Doug Mitchel
The Yamaha, on the other hand, is a different beast. Ken thought the XJ felt heavier than it was, but also liked the XJ’s more comfortable riding posture. Sandy also called the XJ a "softer" machine, but again admired its comfort. Both liked the wind protection of the XJ, and both riders suggested it was likely the better sport-touring mount of the pair, capable of providing comfort and performance over long distances. Having once owned this exact Seca turbo, I can attest to the bike’s overall ease of use and comfort when ridden on long expanses of macadam.
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Although the Seca was considered docile when out of the boost range, things get very interesting when you breach the 6,500rpm notch on the tach. The rush at that point is immediate and urgent, quickly pinning the ridiculous 85mph speedometer. The Kawi is similarly explosive when it comes on boost, and the press seemed surprised by the bike. Before the Kawi, the Honda CX500 Turbo was the only Turbo bike out there, and most testers found the Seca to be a much better overall package. "The Turbo Seca transforms itself from motorcycle to superbike and back again with ease, and the transformation is simply controlled by the right wrist. No phone booths, full moons or other props are needed," said Cycle World in its June 1982 issue.
Who wins?
Terrific mirrors allowing riders to actually see behind themselves combined with easy-to-use turn-signal cancelling add up to more votes in favor of the Seca. Styling-wise, the Seca uses sharply creased panels and contrasting graphics for a far more space-age look that some think has aged poorly. The Kawasaki’s panels all flow as one, leading the eyes from the nose to the tail in a seamless fashion. The red and black motif accented by silver panels adds mystique to the overall appearance, and most think it’s a generally more handsome machine.
Looking them over, it seems that both of these variations on the turbo theme filled a different niche. The boosted power of the middleweight engines is a welcome feature on both, but the way they use and handle their newfound power is what sets them apart.
Ultimately, the insurance industry made it all but impossible for anyone to afford the required coverage on these puffer bikes, leading to their premature demise. The engineering, design and function was truly cutting edge for the day, and that has put them high on collectors’ lists as the market has finally embraced Japanese bikes as something worthy of attention. Not every model from Japan is loved or coveted, but the turbos are blowing in strong — just like they perform. MC
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