Tough Bike, Tough Times

Seattle, Washington. February 05 2009. Simple fact, as the economic crisis of 08 and 09 deepens more folks are becoming more creative. Jon Fife of Seattle, Washington is case in point.

Unable to finance his next motorcycle, he simply modified a bike he had researched as being the most capable to meet his budget and needs. Thus was born the 1983 Yamaha XJ 900 Seca-SST prototype. First look and most folks brush it off as a production bike. It’s not.

Some might even take a second glance and think, “ah, it’s a 650 Turbo Seca”. Wrong again. Simply put, it is a combination of two bikes Yamaha produced in 1983. The XJ 900 Seca and the 650 Turbo Seca.

Jon has done his homework. First he wanted a bike that had a reputation for durability and ease to work on. Next, comfort, shaft drive and good fuel range. Most important, most bang for the buck. For a guy who has no engineering background, a two-car garage, and not much money, it’s amazing what hard times can inspire. Check out the 900 SST at www.prototype900turbo.com