The Yamaha XS650 

I just bought an 1979 XS650 last week for 2k, all stock, little did I know how legendary it is. I’ll keep it for a long time :)

Love the xs650 videos, im currently in the process of getting my 1975 going again. It was my grandfathers and i still have the original receipt! Got it on the road last weel super excited!

A '79 XS650 was my first road bike in 1982. It was a fun and reliable daily driver.

Greetings from Thailand, a quick note, in the 70"s Yamaha employed a guy by the name of Percy Tait (Former Triumph works development rider) to sort out the XS650's dire handling, which he did, with mixed success

It was 1991. My friend's XS650 was slower than my Guzzi 850 T4, and sounded only okay-ish in comparison. But it looked better and was dead reliable, he owns it till today. My Guzzi got sold after a few years, as it was only great when driving. Which it refused to do too many times, and it was always serious and/or difficult.

I owned a 75 xs650 for many, many years. Really miss it. Great bike, bullet proof.

My XS650 (early version but bright orange) had a feeble electric start with a valve lifter that was supposed to enable it to work. However it needed a full battery charge and so I always ended up kicking it. I loved that bike but it had a crack in the frame and weaved like a loom as soon as power was shut off. I changed it for a CX500.

Just got a 1975 xs650 that looks just like yours. It was a barn find in Oregon and has been sitting for 4 years, so it's gonna take a little work to get it completely right, but cosmetically it looks great. I'm thrilled to have this bike -- it's the same model as my first bike, which I bought in 1980 when I was 18 from my neighbor who had bought it new in 1975. I sold my first one in 1982 cuz I was a poor college student and needed the money. I sold that one for only $500. This new one cost me $3000! But with a little bit of work, I figure it will be easily worth twice what I paid. But, like you, I'm not planning to sell.

I had one for myfirst big bike they called it a poor mans triumph but i had the last laugh mine never stopped

Superb bike back in the day, very reliable!

Wish Yamaha would do a 650 in this style again. Only have the SR400 for what I would call an "Optimistic" price.

I had one of these back in the early 90's. GREAT thing. A big end bearing failed and at the time it was such an unloved thing that I left it in a Dumpster... Oh my, if only I knew.. 🙂

Great video. The only thing I'd add is that when looking to build a new bike in the 60s, Yamaha bought out Showa, who had purchased Hosk. Hosk built the original Japanese 650 twin. Yamaha perfected it. Mine was a 1971 with the drum brake. ( I thought it was a 71, may have been a 70)

I had a 76 model when i was 17 an now i have 1 again all stock

The first two models of the XS650, which l remember were called the XS-1 (ed), were evil handling bikes. They got better. I loved my RD350s. They're nutso but in a good way.

Thanks!

The 1973 (only) TX-650 was probably the first four stroke produced by Yamaha. The XS followed in 1974.

I have a 75 just like that that I’m getting ready to go

xs650 in red my second bike.owned ....never a problem but once a flat tire on the freeway .lol

The XS650 is a great motorcycle. I ride an XS2 from 1972 and love it! But Triumph is still very successful today with its Bonneville. So, Yamaha didn't kill them 😉 Nice and informative video 👍

i also have 75 model i put Magura 13mm front brake master cylinder, stainless steel braided brake line and Ferodo pads on front it stops on a dime......i had one brand new in 75 when i was 23 years old i paid $1500 for it

I wanted a '79 Special so bad as a teen but no money.

Only a squid would mistake that for a Bonneville

You might want to adjust the cam chain and valves, boss. A lot of top end rattle.

there was a rumour back in the day that norton where interested in this engine .

i just bought a 1976 model 3 weeks ago here in australia for 7k

I had an XS650E in 1979, great engine. Most now have been butchered.

Kawasaki w650 is my choice and having owned a 1950s Triumph it's much the same experience minus breakdowns and oil leaks

I had a '68 Bonneville in the early 80's. 4 inches over, high bars, king/queen....the ultimate Bonnie. I made myself SWEAR ...I would never ever buy one of these yamaha copies. Ever. I missed my 68....pretty much every day...for 40 yrs. I now have an '83 Honda cx650c. Better brakes,20 more horses, shaft drive, gorgeous motor...I'll always miss my Triumph, but I'll blow by these Yamaha's ....on a better 650 twin.

Sure, the XS 650 was oiltight and reliable but a dragon when you want to deep into a bend. Frame behaved like chewing gum.

The engine vibration on those bikes was terrible 😮

Just a copy of a Bonnie triumph test rider had to show them how to make it

Don't knock the Marines!!

If you think they're great today you won't believe what they felt like in 1976 the first time I rode one.

For me personaly. The xs650 is the best bike yamaha ever build. Kinda have to say that cause i own one. But the best looking bikes were from 69 up to 74 , again just my opinion. After that it went downhill a bit looks wise. From 79 to the last model, the are plain ugly.

The Bonneville V XS 650 - 'mines better than your's' comments have resurrected from the 70's. 😅. Secretly, though, my Yammie was better!

Bad handling and atrocious vibration, not even close to a Bonneville.

I highly suggest that before you take the time to produce a video, you provide your due diligence in acquiring the facts on the subject, your covering. Considering your age, it's obvious you don't have first hand, new bike ownership so at least take the time to interview past owners that do. You've produced a lot of grossly inaccurate statements, unless that was your intent, you might want to stay fact base on researching your subject. The internet is full of inaccuracies, try reading the magazines produced during the same period as when the bikes were produced. Or go to a few bike brand specific bike rallys, speak to the owners and document everything. I've owned (2) Bonnevilles, 1970 & 1979 and (2) Yamaha 650's, 1972 & 78 all purchased new. I maintained and modified all the bikes to address weaknesses. Get the facts.

Bullshit.

Ironically the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is the "new" XS650, at least in spirit.