Yamaha XJ600SH Seca II reviews

I have a 96 Seca II with this side of 14,000 miles on it. I've been riding for a year, and without a doubt, this is a great starter bike if you're 5'7" or so or taller. Mine came with a Corbin seat, and is extremely comfortable from the waist down. The only real major problem with this bike is the tiny windscreen. It basically provides no protection at highway speeds unless you're laying down on the tank. I've looked for a larger replacement, but none of the usual suspects seem to make one. As others have observed, it is a bit cold blooded and takes a couple of minutes in first gear at full rich to get warmed up and happy. Also, it would be a better traveling bike if the gears were a little taller. I'm currently deciding if I should keep or replace my Seca, if anyone has any solutions for the above windscreen and gearing problems, let me know applemac_g4@hotmail.com Show less

After riding motorcycles and scooters for 3 years I have found my 03 Zuma to be a great deal. The aftermarket is huge and this scoot can be made to surpass 50mph with less than $250 in accessories. I have owned and ridden most every scooter out there and the capabilities of the zuma are hands down better. If you want a scooter spring the extra cash and buy a new or used zuma. Show less

I just love my Yamaha Zuma. It gives me such a feeling of freedom and relaxation. The ONLY thing I don't like, is that sometimes it takes a while to start, using the electronic ignition. But overall, I wouldn't trade it for anything. Thank you Powersports of Fort Lauderdale, and thank you Yamaha. Show less

I have a '92, I bought it new, and its exactly 10 years old today (and I'm 45 today, so my age probably affects my perspective). Its original attraction was that it was a full-size bike, it had adequate power, excellent build quality, a low enough seat that I can put my feet flat on the road at a stop (that requirement nixed several interesting bikes at the time), and was well-priced ($3995). Mine is the metallic black, which draws many positive comments, and looks great with the silver-painted engine that was on the earlier years (in later years the engine was black, which hides a rather attractive engine). Good points: 1) Reliable. Never been in the shop, never needed any work. Only maintenance has been oil changes, spark plugs, air filter, and I replaced the tires this year. It still has the original battery! However, I noted the other day that the final working light bulb in the speedo has died ... 2) Mileage - generally 50-55 in town, 55-60 cruising the back roads. 3) Long-haul comfort - besides commuting, I like to ride out toward Western Maryland and get lost on ... uh, cruise around on ... the back roads. Typical "loop" is 190-260 miles (anything under 220 miles can be done on a single tank of gas) requiring 6-8 hours, with usually one rest stop half way and other stops for only picture taking, and the comfort is fine for me - and I ain't a lightweight. Bad things: Hard to think of any - okay, the light bulbs in the speedo have all burned out now; I guess it is a bit "cold blooded" and requires some choke for a good 4-5 miles on cool mornings, which ain't a big deal to me; not much room in the cubbyhole for carrying much (won't hold a u-lock and it doesn't have a clock. There is some vibration in the 4-5K range (I have carpal tunnel, and this badly aggravated the condition until I discovered "gel gloves" - now riding is painless I suppose its "slow" by 600cc sport bike standards, but its as fast or faster than a Corvette, so I don't need any more than that. Certainly I'd recommend it as a used bike for anyone - it seems low mileage, well-cared for examples are plentiful, and the usual owner seemed to be older so most weren't rode hard, modified, or dropped. If it has a pipe and a jet kit pass it by, there are untouched ones aplenty (the mods don't seem to make 'em any faster, either). Since used versions are easily found in the $1,000-$2,000 range, this may be a great bargain in used bikes. Basically, my "starter bike" turned into a "keeper" - Yamaha had a great bike here, and since its demise they haven't introduced anything that actually replaces it. A shame ... Show less

Mine is a 2000 model. I bought it used w/h 3200 miles on it.That was ten months ago. It now has 8700 mi. on it.The only problem I've had,was the grometts that are used to mount the breather box wore out,the screws backed out and the box fell off the bike. It took about an hour and $6.00 in parts to repair. Otherwise a very nice ride. Show less

This is the best scooter ever. It has speed, looks cool, is made for offroad and onroad use, easy to drive, I just love it. It runs smooth and I have had no problems with it ever even after i bought it used. Show less

I bought a '94 seca II last spring, for what I thought was a pretty good deal at $2300. First of all...this bike takes FOREVER to warm up, especially if you live in a colder climate. On a 40 degree day, it takes a good solid half hour of idleing to warm enough to ride. At first I thought I had something wrong with the bike, and got it checked out by a mechanic. Turns out this bike has this problem. I use the bike mainly for short trips, and its a real drag to wait 15 min for the bike to warm up for a 5 min trip. Fuel econ should be good--considering the exceptionally small carbs (26mm) the bike has, but its really not. I averaged about 40 mpg. A new 600cc sport bike would have at least double the horsepower of this bike, and average close to 50mpg. Once the bike finally warms up, its an alright bike, no serious complaints there. I just think the warm-up time is unexcusable, as well as low mileage. Motorcyle.com reviewed this bike in 95, it took 5th place of 6 bikes. Show less

I own the 1995 version of this bike. It has been the perfect bike. As long as the roads have speed limits this thing has plenty of speed and power. It s also comfortable. I've gone camping on it a few times (one time I went 2350 miles in six days) with a pup tent, sleeping bag and a duffel bag strapped to the back seat and rack. Maintenance has been a dream. Mine has 22,000 miles and all I've done to it is: oil and filter changes at 500 mi. 1000 mi. and every 2000 miles after that (I've used full synthetic since 9,000 miles - this motor will run forever). I adjust the chain when it needs it (about once a year), one set of tires, one set of brakes. I've only had to adjust the valves once (and barely at that) and the carbs are probably a tiny bit out of sync since I've never touched them. But it runs so great I hate to mess with them. that's all I've done in six years - a great bike. In fact I hate to sell it but I've gotten the bug to buy a new bike. I wish they still made the Seca II - I'd buy another one. If any one wants to buy mine - $2400 takes it home. I'm in central Michigan. E-mail me if you're interested (reed.caldwell@eds.com). Show less

Although I have a 92, it's essentially the same bike as the 96 (I believe they widened the fairing from 94 and up and added some fake air scoops). Anyhow, I paid $1900 for mine (with 16,000 miles on it) in bright red. It's a real eye catcher with the nicely sculpted tank and side panels, as well as the slanted forward engine. It has plenty of get-up-and-go for the avg. Joe, and plenty of stopping power also. The handling is great-it's light and very flickable. It has a nice throaty exhaust and comfy seat-although you will want to get up and unnumb your posterior every 100 miles or so. With a 16,000-mile valve adjust. interval, one can go aways before having that done. My only real complaint is the engine/fairing/intake roar-buzz-vibration that intrudes between 3500 and 4000 rpms. It's not real disturbing, but simply a bit annoying. As long as you're not in a hurry, one can shift before the buzz comes on ad avoid it. For those quick getaways, though, you'll forget all about the buzz and roar during the launch.... Show less

I have had my Seca II for four years now, and it has given me very few problems. I have had to fix two small electrical problems, but other than that it has been maintenance. free. It has 17.5K miles on it, and it starts every day. I have added a few things for speed which really help. I would buy one for the right price. Show less