I owned 3 XS 650's over the years. 1 was a 1983 model ( the last year for them) and a pair of 1976 models. The XS 650 was everything that the British twins were not. Dependable, solid, absent the cursed Lucas electrical system ( what a piece of garbage that thing is) The 650's motor was a great racing motor rejetted with better less restricted mufflers it made an already fast vertical twin even faster. I wish I could still ride because if so there'd be an XS 650 in the garage. I was raised around cousins who had Triumph's and Norton's and that initially was the appeal to the XS 650. I grew to love that bike for its handling and power. Get out of the city on a winding and hilly country 2 lane and AHH. FREEDOM! Lean over in a curve and never worry about unexpected surprises. Those bikes were SWEETHEARTS to ride. By the way guys the computer voice with the YA MA HAA really gets annoying. Other than that though the review was great and brought back some nice memories of country roads and balmy autumn days.
I'm a second generation xs650 lover, and as a testimony of the reliability... I cleaned the carbs on one that sat for 10+ years and it fired up first kick.
The XS1 XS1-B and XS2 were the best of the breed. They had a rowdy camshaft that made them like a 2 -stroke. Wide duration camshaft with narrow LSA and a very generous flowing cylinder head, and a perfect rod to stroke ratio of 1.75. They set out to design a rugged honest bike with a transmission as strong as a middle aged yak. I n 1973 the EPA demanded that they tone it down, and from then on they didn’t have the ferocity of the earlier engines. I had one and I can attest to the fact that they gave the Sportster of the 70s a run for their money for charisma. I really like them . Being 62 and blind I still want another but the vision is an issue.
I owned 3 of these bikes. The first one I bought was a 77 brand new I road it across canada from ontario to alaska to newfoundland and back the only thing I ever had to replace besides tires was a set of genorator brushes, they cost me around 7 dollars at the time. I wish I still had the old girl.
The numbing deep bass is proof of the large displacement at that time. Exports to overseas account for 70% of the early XS, and I'm glad that they are taken up in this way overseas as well.
I fell in love at first sight with my 1970 XS-650 and loved it, except for the vibration. I found that shorter handle bars helped a good bit to make it feel better. Later I had a Honda CB450 which I liked but it didn't come close to the feel of the XS-650. It wasn't until I got a BMW RS-750 that found a better bike than the XS-650.
One of two bikes that killed the British motorcycle industry the other is the 305 Honda I love the first generation of these Yamaha models great for the home bike tinkering chop ir cafe it or leave it stock the cdi units were problematic but now there are somewhat affordable solutions for the stock units great family bike given some time the cases polish up fine
There is a 270 crank available for the XS 650 engine? My first street bike was a new 79 XS 650 at a young age of 18. There was a lot to like it cost 2499 new, it got 60 mpg. It had no problem power wise in it's class. it could hold it's own against most 750's and 2 strokes. It was relatively light at 463 lbs. I rode bikes pretty steady until 15 years ago. at 60 years old I wanted another bike, not much to choose from at the dealerships. So I bought a used 2016 Fz07, I'm experiencing that first new street bike experience again. The suspension is about the same. Needs work in stock form, I'm ok with that mindset. Produce transportation to the masses. They want to upgrade their machines for style, sound, utility or performance. I like the smoothness and the pulse of the new CP2 motor. Both engines and bikes are easy to service.
I owned 3 XS 650's over the years. 1 was a 1983 model ( the last year for them) and a pair of 1976 models. The XS 650 was everything that the British twins were not. Dependable, solid, absent the cursed Lucas electrical system ( what a piece of garbage that thing is) The 650's motor was a great racing motor rejetted with better less restricted mufflers it made an already fast vertical twin even faster. I wish I could still ride because if so there'd be an XS 650 in the garage. I was raised around cousins who had Triumph's and Norton's and that initially was the appeal to the XS 650. I grew to love that bike for its handling and power. Get out of the city on a winding and hilly country 2 lane and AHH. FREEDOM! Lean over in a curve and never worry about unexpected surprises. Those bikes were SWEETHEARTS to ride. By the way guys the computer voice with the YA MA HAA really gets annoying. Other than that though the review was great and brought back some nice memories of country roads and balmy autumn days.
and also; a better carburetor.
Joe Lucas the Prince of Darkness
Really was an iconic motorcycle.
I'm a second generation xs650 lover, and as a testimony of the reliability... I cleaned the carbs on one that sat for 10+ years and it fired up first kick.
I did that with a CB450 and with the same result. Needed new tires though.
The XS1 XS1-B and XS2 were the best of the breed. They had a rowdy camshaft that made them like a 2 -stroke. Wide duration camshaft with narrow LSA and a very generous flowing cylinder head, and a perfect rod to stroke ratio of 1.75. They set out to design a rugged honest bike with a transmission as strong as a middle aged yak. I n 1973 the EPA demanded that they tone it down, and from then on they didn’t have the ferocity of the earlier engines. I had one and I can attest to the fact that they gave the Sportster of the 70s a run for their money for charisma. I really like them . Being 62 and blind I still want another but the vision is an issue.
Had a 78 XS650 Special. Rode it much in San Diego. Great bike!
My son owns and rides my old '78. Still going strong!
I love these bikes, they give you joy to ride and even to work on.
I still have my 1978 Yamaha xs 650 standard green color Love it 😊❤
I owned 3 of these bikes. The first one I bought was a 77 brand new I road it across canada from ontario to alaska to newfoundland and back the only thing I ever had to replace besides tires was a set of genorator brushes, they cost me around 7 dollars at the time. I wish I still had the old girl.
My brother owned 2 XS 650 early models yes did vibrate but fun to ride.I own TXA 650 great bike.
The 270/90 mod is just amazing and cam rephased like an XS2 and it ran so good!
I have an '81 XS650 SPECIAL in my garage, a barn find from West Virginia.
I have just got myself a Yamaha 650, I hope I will get happiness in her. I called her big mother after some modifications
The numbing deep bass is proof of the large displacement at that time.
Exports to overseas account for 70% of the early XS, and I'm glad that they are taken up in this way overseas as well.
That spirit of Yamaha that robot is talking about is called, Kando.
I fell in love at first sight with my 1970 XS-650 and loved it, except for the vibration. I found that shorter handle bars helped a good bit to make it feel better. Later I had a Honda CB450 which I liked but it didn't come close to the feel of the XS-650. It wasn't until I got a BMW RS-750 that found a better bike than the XS-650.
Had a 1972 red a white pretty and fun. I have triumph thruxton now. Faster smoother.
Also Great engine & reliable😊
One of two bikes that killed the British motorcycle industry the other is the 305 Honda I love the first generation of these Yamaha models great for the home bike tinkering chop ir cafe it or leave it stock the cdi units were problematic but now there are somewhat affordable solutions for the stock units great family bike given some time the cases polish up fine
Just inherited my Dad's 1983 XS650 - I love the bike - but it has been sitting for a while - should I just put in a new battery and see what happens?
My dads almost 70. I think he will be buried mounted on his 650. I love these bikes.
Best British bike ever built
There is a 270 crank available for the XS 650 engine? My first street bike was a new 79 XS 650 at a young age of 18. There was a lot to like it cost 2499 new, it got 60 mpg. It had no problem power wise in it's class. it could hold it's own against most 750's and 2 strokes. It was relatively light at 463 lbs. I rode bikes pretty steady until 15 years ago. at 60 years old I wanted another bike, not much to choose from at the dealerships. So I bought a used 2016 Fz07, I'm experiencing that first new street bike experience again. The suspension is about the same. Needs work in stock form, I'm ok with that mindset. Produce transportation to the masses. They want to upgrade their machines for style, sound, utility or performance. I like the smoothness and the pulse of the new CP2 motor. Both engines and bikes are easy to service.
Yes, I had (as far as I know) the first one in the world around 20 years ago.
My friend just got a 71 for free really nice shape hasent run since 86
Only 1 problem with xs650. Every time I twist throttle it lefts front wheel off the pavement
Somebody 20 years ago made a conversion kit to make this into a Norton Commando John Player Special clone.
I know the guy who built and owns the 9x street tracker. He has several street tracker machines, each a bit different.
Someone should teach the robot how to pronounce Ya ma ha. I've had two of these a 71 and still have a 79 slowly becoming a street tracker.
Got myself a 75 XS650B for a project bike right now.
I have a 76, almost finished!
I had 2 75s and a 76. Sure miss them.
Interesting photos, but the nerdology voice was too much.. Need great music for one of the coolest motorbikes ever made...
mumtaj jiddan bro...i have to
Compuvoice. Unwatchable.
Jesus Christ STOP THE ROBO NARRATION!!!
Narrator needs to speak english
Are real people not available to commentate on this? Ridiculous auto voice, almost unwatchable.
Well, I prefer Maryanne over Ginger. Brunettes are the best!