Yamaha Seca Ii

YAMAHA SECA II

FIRST of the '94s

EVOLUTION OF A FRUGAL FLYER

YAMAHA’S SECA II TEETERS ON THE brink of compromise. On one hand, it’s an affordable full-size motorcycle that performs well as a daily commuter, and light-duty tourer. It’s also a surprisingly agile canyon carver. Some contend that the bike, although stylish and reasonably priced, lacks the dazzling acceleration and precise handling of its more technically advanced 600cc classmates. Yamaha, however, has no doubt about the bike’s qualifications.

“The Seca II has a broader appeal than other bikes on the market,” says a company spokesman. “It’s more versatile. It’s about experiencing the

fundamental joys of motorcycling. Buyers range from first-time motorcyclists to experienced riders; anyone who is looking for a sporty all-around motorcycle.”

Unlike other sporting standards, the Seca II, introduced in 1992, isn’t based on the retro-bike theme.

“The Seca has many things that separate it from the retro market. The engine is newly developed, and the frame uses new technology. This isn’t the type of motorcycle we expect to take over the market with; it’s more of a long-term commitment,” says the Yamaha man.

In the past, the Seca II has received positive response for its tasteful styling, impressive performance and bargain-basement pricing. For ’94, the bike receives minor updates to its halffairing and shock absorber, in addition to color and graphics changes. The new fairing strongly resembles the original, but its windscreen is taller and wider, the headlight has been repositioned, and a pair of screened ducts have been added. The goal, says Yamaha, was increased wind protection and a more muscular appearance.

We’ve complained about the Seca’s too-soft shock for two years, and for 1994 at least its compression damping has been increased. Otherwise, the 38mm conventional fork and cantilevered shock are unaltered. The Seca’s price has also changed. After

debuting at $3799, the price jumped $200 in ’93. In 1994, the bike will list for $4399. Still, that’s less than anything else in the 600cc class.

Like other Secas we’ve ridden, our ’94 testbike required a lot of choke in the morning, but once fully wanned, it ran crisply. Power delivery is smooth and linear from just above idle to its 9500-rpm redline, with decent midrange and top-end performance. The quick-revving engine is a bit buzzy, especially in the lower and upper ranges of the powerband, but smoothes out nicely at freeway speeds. On the dyno, the 599cc inline-Four pumped out 48 peak horsepower at 8500 rpm, respectable numbers for an air-cooled eight-valve engine. Down on power and acceleration to racier 600s, the Seca II is still an able performer; our testbike zipped through the quartermile in 13.14 seconds at 99.77 mph. Top speed is 112 mph.

Thanks to its 57.5-inch wheelbase and spacious riding position, the Seca II is plenty comfortable, even for riders over 6 feet tall. When ridden at a brisk pace, the bike’s footpeg feelers touch down easily; fortunately, the sidestand and 4-into-2 exhaust system are well tucked in. The softly sprung suspension is very compliant, although heavier riders and those who plan on carrying a passenger will want to crank the shock’s seven-way spring-preload adjuster to its maximum. Those passengers will have plenty of room, thanks to the wide, flat saddle, appropriately placed footrests and sturdy grabhandles.

Although they aren’t racetrack quality, the 110/80-17 and 130/70-18 Yokohama bias-ply tires deliver good traction, and the tubular Superbikestyle handlebar affords the rider plenty of leverage; at 429 pounds dry, the Seca II can be flicked through a series of tight corners with impressive ease.

Single disc brakes-12.8-inch front and 9.8-inch rear-offer decent stopping power, provided the span-adjustable lever is given a firm pull.

Even with its price increase, the Seca II delivers a lot. It won’t hang with pure race-replicas, and it doesn’t offer the bells and whistles of sport-tourers that cost three times its price. But it will provide buyers with the satisfaction of owning a stylish, full-size motorcycle, one that won’t be easily outgrown.

YAMAHA SECA II

$4399

HORSEPOWER/ TORQUE