The motorcycle was first launched in Indonesia in 2007. At the time, the Yamaha Vixion stood out as a highly progressive 150 cc sport motorcycle compared to its competitors. A liquid-cooled engine, fuel injection system, and modern chassis design positioned the Vixion as a symbol of the future of sport motorcycles. It is not an exaggeration to say that the Vixion was later regarded as a model that “reshaped the competitive landscape” of its class.
Conceptually, the Yamaha Vixion was designed as a daily sport motorcycle capable of balancing performance and comfort. It was not positioned as a pure racing machine, yet it retained a strong sporty character. This approach made the Vixion widely accepted by various rider segments, from beginners to experienced users seeking a functional sport motorcycle for everyday use.
Visually, the early generation Yamaha Vixion featured a naked sport design with firm yet relatively simple body lines. A muscular fuel tank, sharp-edged headlamp, and slim tail section created a clean and sporty appearance. This design felt fresh at the time and successfully distinguished the Vixion from other sport motorcycles that still relied on more conservative styling approaches.
The first-generation Yamaha Vixion was produced between 2007 and approximately 2010. During this phase, the motorcycle was equipped with a 149.8 cc single-cylinder, four-stroke, SOHC, liquid-cooled engine with a fuel injection system. This engine was known for its smooth operation, fuel efficiency, and sufficient power for daily riding, while also offering solid durability.
In the years that followed, Yamaha continuously refined the Vixion. These changes were not merely cosmetic, but also addressed technical and ergonomic aspects. Such refinements demonstrated Yamaha’s consistency in maintaining the Vixion’s relevance amid increasingly intense market competition.
Between approximately 2010 and 2012, the Yamaha Vixion received a more aggressive design update. The headlamp became sharper, the bodywork more muscular, and the overall sporty impression was further emphasized. During this period, Yamaha also paid greater attention to ergonomic details to ensure riding comfort despite the increasingly aggressive styling.
A major milestone in the Vixion’s history occurred in 2013 with the introduction of the Yamaha New Vixion Lightning. This generation brought significant changes, particularly in the chassis department. Yamaha replaced the steel tubular frame with a lighter and stiffer deltabox frame. This change had a major impact on stability and handling, making the Vixion more confident at higher speeds and during dynamic maneuvering.
The Yamaha New Vixion Lightning was produced between approximately 2013 and 2015. The engine capacity remained at 150 cc, but various refinements were implemented to improve efficiency and throttle response. Its design became increasingly modern, drawing inspiration from Yamaha’s larger-displacement sport motorcycles.
From 2015 to 2017, Yamaha once again refreshed the Vixion through design and feature updates. Its visual character became sharper and more futuristic, following Yamaha’s global design language. Although no radical engine changes were introduced, these refinements ensured that the Vixion remained competitive in the market.
Another major transformation took place in 2017 with the launch of the latest Yamaha New Vixion, which adopted a 155 cc engine equipped with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology. This engine delivered greater power and more evenly distributed torque across the rev range. The introduction of VVA technology served as clear evidence of Yamaha’s commitment to continuous innovation.
This 155 cc generation of the Yamaha Vixion has been produced from 2017 to the present, with several minor updates to design and features. The motorcycle exhibits a more mature character in both performance and appearance, while maintaining the Vixion’s identity as a sport motorcycle that remains practical for daily use.
In terms of chassis and suspension, the Yamaha Vixion is known for achieving a good balance between rigidity and comfort. The telescopic front suspension and rear monoshock are designed to provide stability while maintaining comfort across various road conditions.
The braking system of the Yamaha Vixion has also evolved over time. A front disc brake has been standard from the beginning, while the rear brake has progressed from a drum system to a disc brake in later generations.
Regarding fuel consumption, the Yamaha Vixion is recognized for its efficiency thanks to the use of fuel injection technology. This efficiency is one of the key factors behind the Vixion’s popularity among daily riders seeking a sport motorcycle with affordable operating costs.
Culturally, the Yamaha Vixion holds an important position within Indonesia’s automotive landscape. It is often regarded as a pioneer of modern sport motorcycles in the 150 cc class. Numerous active Vixion user communities still exist today, transforming the motorcycle from a mere mode of transportation into a symbol of identity and lifestyle.
The general specifications of the latest Yamaha Vixion generation can be summarized as follows: a single-cylinder, four-stroke, SOHC, liquid-cooled engine with a displacement of approximately 155 cc; fuel injection system; six-speed manual transmission; deltabox frame; telescopic front suspension and rear monoshock; and disc brakes at both the front and rear.
Overall, the Yamaha Vixion represents the long journey of technological and design evolution within Indonesia’s motorcycle industry. From its early 150 cc generations to the current 155 cc VVA-equipped version, the Vixion has consistently maintained its reputation as a well-balanced sport motorcycle in terms of performance, efficiency, and comfort. Its existence is not only part of Yamaha’s history, but also an important chapter in the history of Indonesian motorcycling.