Riding Timeless Beauty: 1972 Yamaha XS2 - Best 650cc Bike Ever?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ค. 2024
- Riding Timeless Beauty: 1972 Yamaha XS2 - Best 650cc Bike Ever? #yamahaxs #xs650
Welcome back to our channel!
🔥NEW VIDEO ALERT🔥: We're firing up the 1972 Yamaha XS2 and taking her out for the first ride of the year. Is this the best 650cc motorcycle ever made? Come along and decide for yourself!
In this week's episode, we are dusting off the saddle of the iconic 1972 Yamaha XS2. This classic motorcycle holds a special place in the heart of every vintage bike lover. It's a gem of the 70's, combining power and style, with a simple yet robust design that has withstood the test of time.
With a distinct personality that's hard to forget, the Yamaha XS2 boasts a twin 650cc engine that exudes a hearty growl unique to classic motorcycles. But is it the best 650cc motorcycle ever made? While we'd love to give you a simple answer, we believe the real joy lies in exploring and experiencing the bike for yourself.
So, hop on and join us for a riveting ride through winding country roads, as we reacquaint ourselves with the timeless charm of the Yamaha XS2. We'll also share our tips and tricks on maintaining and restoring vintage bikes, so whether you're an old hand at restoration or just starting, there's something for everyone.
Whether you're a Yamaha aficionado, a lover of vintage bikes, or simply have an appreciation for all things classic and cool, you won't want to miss this episode!
Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more motorcycle adventures and reviews. Ride safe and stay tuned!
🏍️1972 Yamaha XS2 Ride - Is it the Best 650cc Motorcycle Ever Made? 🏍️ | First Ride of the Year 2023
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![She Runs! No Start Diagnosis XS650 [P3]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/0q34Vg7c5MI/mqdefault.jpg)
It's probably the best part of 40 years since I've seen one of these beauties. They were an absolute work of art and things of beauty. Never owned one and never drove one but I stopped and stared whenever one went by........and an RD 350 also, lol.
WOW!!! I am a huge fan of XS650’s especially the early ones. The first year XS1 is on my bucket list.
I was 16 when I first saw this model here in the U.K. and I was blown away by its looks and the sound!.Yamaha got everything right with this bike.The aesthetics especially.Never bettered in my humble opinion.
I agree. To me this bike is perfect. I love how much it vibrate, the sounds. It evokes such an emotion when you ride it. Thanks for watching.
3 years ago I finished rebuilding a 1970 XS1, I'm working on a 71 XS1b now and have a 72 XS2 in the wings. I love the first 3 year xs650's.
Wow!!! I agree they are awesome. Although the 75 tank graphics are some of my favorites. Just subscribed to your channel can’t wait to watch your videos.
I rode my '72 from South Florida up the east coast, boy was it a nice machine.
Every time I ride this, I am reminded why it was on my motorcycle bucket list. Thanks for watching.
72 XS2 were certainly the greatest 650 of this era. More power than english bike, more reliable too, a unique year for many parts for 650 yamaha in 1972, one of the greatest year in my opinion
72 was first year for electric start. Such a great platform.
Nope, Yamaha aficionados and collectors reckon the 1975 XS65B was the best year!
And whether a XS650 is more powerful than a Triumph Bonneville is arguable. Cycle World did not think so!
I've had more than one Yuasa battery last more than 10 years. I do keep them on battery maintainers. I've owned three Yamaha XS650s. They were all later "Special" models. a 1979, a 1981, and a 1983 "Heritage Special", the last year for the XS650. Wonderful bikes. Reliable, easy to work on, and they have a lot of character. They actually sound and feel like motorcycles. You use the kick starter because it's part of the fun of riding a motorcycle. I'm 65 and have bad knees, and still kickstart my '07 Royal Enfield.
That bike actually has bright shiny paint, lots of shiny aluminum, and a lot of chrome. it's not 100% FLAT BLACK like all new bikes.
The xs650 is my favorite platform. Thanks for watching.
I had a black one in the middle 1980s , same year. It had the fastest first gear of any 650 I ever had, British or Japanese . It would almost slide you off the seat if you were not ready. I am 61 yrs old and miss it still.
Thanks for the video.
You are so right. Especially if you recently cleaned the seat. Thanks for watching.
She sounds like a blast from the past!
Such a great motorcycle. Thanks for watching
Man I remember my red 1972 Yamaha xs-2 650 model in my garage parked next to my 1966 Porsche and old bmw r/75. Beautiful machines. Very nostalgic.
I believe there was a year earlier model year 1970 was like candy apple green and in 1971 it was this mustard yellow in Japan variant. I compare them to my other bikes in my collection of vintage bikes and they have their own charm about them. I’ve owned old BSA, Triumphs, Indians, Harleys, Ducatis, Mv Agusta as well. I don’t get how ppl can hate on the Japanese bikes like this Yamaha. Sure the design was reminiscent of the British bikes but they had their own special qualities about them for sure
The XS650 is my favorite platform.
I had a 1977 XS 650 one of the nicest looking engines, especially with those huge valve covers. I kept my engine shinny like chrome.
The XS650 is my favorite platform. Thanks for watching.
I have a 1976 XS650C that I’ve owned since new. Wonderful bike! Many miles of smiles. Around 72,000 miles. Something I do with starting mine. Choke on. Petcocks on, a couple of priming kicks. Turn on ignition. Kick over. Shut off choke. Then after that when riding and I make a rest stop, it’s electric start. She fires right up. Using the kick when stone cold does two things, one prevents vapor lock if gas passes to cylinders due to leaky float, and two, saves your electric start from over working it. Needless to say I love my XS650C. The engineers went full on with this design. One of the Japanese motorcycles that put the nail in the coffin of the old British motorcycle industry.
I too love the xs650 platform. Thanks for your starting tips. Send me pics of yours either MotorcycleRewind@gmail.com or on Instagram or Facebook. Would love to see it. Thanks for watching.
The sound this beautiful machine makes! It’s so good
So good. I forgot how much I love riding this XS-2
My brother had a 72 and it was way faster than my 78 and he made those Harley guys sick. Thanks for the video.
So much fun to ride.
Beautiful bike! Phenomenal, strong, over-engineered engine. Handling not great. Improved somewhat in later 70's. 1 improvement was moving the brake caliper to behind the fork. Still wonderful bikes & sounds that only Yamaha could create. I miss my '74.
One of my all time favorites. Thanks for watching.
How did the caliper position behind the fork make a difference?
@@modrarua4594 Greater weight should be behind the forks for better handling. Similarly, in general, it was always recommended for baggage on a bike to be carried low & rearward for better handling. By the late 70's, most manufacturer's, including Yamaha, got the message. Riders who have high tail packs will often agree that set-up impairs handling.
Best British bike ever built 🤗
Yes it is. Thanks for watching.
@motorcyclerewind I thought Yamaha was Japanese.
A well ridden 1970 Triumph Bonneville 650 will thrash these Yammerhammers! And look better to boot!
And wear out quicker! LOL
@@DennisMerwood-xk8wp
Yeah maybe if you could find one of the poor old things still running well enough to ride it that hard without it falling to pieces or exploding 😊
@@hodaka1000 Yep, but a restored 100-point concours 650 Bonny, in the purple color, will fetch twice what you could sell a Yam 650 for!
They're so spot on Yamaha should still make em, simple but beautiful.
They definitely figured it out. The XS650 platform is my favorite
I had a 73 TX 650. I loved every minute of it.
I liked the color scheme of the TX650. Thanks for watching.
The 72 and 73 XS650 right up there with my favorite twins.
Agreed. I like the XS-1 except it doesn’t have a starter. And I like my knees. Thanks for watching.
Bought one new - same candy apple red in 73 ( Dublin Ireland ) . Heads would turn
When I fired it up. Such an amazing grown as it roared into life.
Sold it in 75 for a 3 cylinder , Liquid cooled Suzuki GT 750 A .
That was an amazing machine - but learned quick downshifting
a two stroke was useless when the bends were coming quick.
They are such great motorcycles. Thanks for watching.
I really like the looks of the late 60's early 70's XS 650s. They had a cool paint scheme and came in some nice colors. The gold and white version is one of my favorites. But the red one is sweet too. So is the green one.
The crazy thing is each year was only one color. 70, 71 and 72. Green, Gold and Red.
Great video. I daily an all original '71 XS1-B and I will never get rid of it. I have also owned and ridden Honda CBs, and while they are much more mild mannered and confidence-inspiring in terms of handling, they cannot match the character and urgency of the Yamaha 650. Truly a special bike.
Agreed. The XS-650 is my favorite platform. Such great bikes.
Back in 1972 I bought one brand new and loved it. My brother liked it so much he also bought a 72. Over the years I had moved up to bigger bikes, still own a Harley Fatboy. I just couldn't get the XS650 out of my mind so just recently picked up a 1978 XS650 Special. I'm in love all over again.
So happy to hear about your Special. Something about the XS650. Touches your soul
I bought an 81' in 82 when i was in high school from a friend. Had it for years then sold it. Decades later i found one(xs650h in Ruby red)in 2009 and bought it.. same model.. i fully restored it.. and now retired at 60.. its my light cruiser in the Nh mountains.. im just as happy with it as you. I will never get rid of it even if i buy that harley ive dreamed about.
These are such great bikes. I love the styling.
Had one loved it
.
Thanks for watching.
My first bike, a gift on my 18th birthday 1983! I still miss it. Great One!
Wow!!! What a birthday present! Thanks for watching.
Awesome bike! Sounds so good!
I forget how much I like this motorcycle. Then I ride it and remember why it was on my bucket list.
I've had an '81 XS650SH for almost 10 years sitting in my heated basement. I need to sell it.
Non-running, I think it's seized up but it is 98% complete. I'll accept offers.
Located in the Seattle area. I can deliver it!
I wish you were closer> I would be in that basement getting it running!
Took me back to being twenty years old in 1978 when I had my XS2.
Awesome! Thanks for watching
Im build xs650 copper more than 11000usd and im so happy wit that, the engine looks like brand new,powerfull engine, easy to control and one more thing is can win biggest indonesian bike show
WOW... God luck on winning the bike show!
I have owned 2 of these over the years, and still have one. Also had the 1977 version and that was a dream to ride the back country roads
They are so much fun to ride. Thanks for watching.
Nothing like going for a ride along a two lane rural highway. Nothing but you, nature, and the thumping of the motor.
My dad had one of these bikes when he and my mother first got married. He got rid of it because my mom was terrified of riding it with him. Especially when he would dump the clutch and the bike would rear up.
They are awesome motorcycles! I really like my XS2! Thanks for watching!
I'm resembling a xs2 (1972) now and can't wait to get it up and going! Nice video!
Awesome! The XS2 is one of my favorite bikes!
16:10 You're not crazy brother! Regardless of modern opinions of sharp lines and "angry" looking bikes - that truely IS a beautiful looking machine... Like you said, it's an ultimate driving machine! People today get too hung up on the numbers... Sure, this may only be a circa 53hp machine BUT it's naked so instantly FEELS like 100hp and SOUNDS like 150hp... People today dont appreciate any of that!! Given the "modern" speed limits and congestion... I'm utterly bewildered by the fact that the "mainstream" consider raw bikes like this 5417!😉! If anything, they are the best bikes that no one are currently riding! 😊 ...well - except the educated few 😊
I agree!! The xs650 is my favorite platform. They are lighter than the CB750 and just a capable. Plus you get an incredible massage from the vibrations of those two cylinders. The XS2 was on my bucket list. Every time I ride I am reminded why. Thanks for watching.
Picked up a 75 a month ago and love it so much I'm about to pick up a 73 TX and convert it into an XS1 or 2 depending if I can find a drum front end. My dad said no to me getting an XS1 when I was 15 as he had history with the first one in the country I'm from, only recently have we learned how rare they are. :-(
I really appreciate the early XS650’s. Congrats on the XS2. Such a great bike. My favorite tank graphics is the ‘75. Every later model xs650 I changed the tank and side covers to a 75. Thanks for watching.
Had exact same bike bought second hand in 1975. Yes I'd like it again. Have triumph now which is better bike.
Right on!
I bought my '72 XS-650 new in early '73. I loved it for four years until I went into the USAF. I reluctantly sold it when I found out I was about to be a dad. No regrets.
Mine came with turn signals and side reflectors. 8-)
They are awesome motorcycles. Thanks for watching
I was a Yamaha mechanic at several Yamaha dealerships. these XS650s were pretty bulletproof. They only had one common weakness, they ate brushes about every 20,000 miles ..you had to replace the brushes or the battery would not charge. Easy fix.
I ran into one other issue with these machines two times. I don’t know how common it was. The battery ground strap from the battery to the frame connection. The frame had a lot of paint, preventing the ground strap for making a good connection.
here’s what happened if you do not have a good grounding strap connection,,
you’re wire harness has a few ring connector, grounding points that ground to the frame in places around the ignition coils, I don’t remember the other places, but there are a few. When you would hit the starter button to start the machine, the electrical system would use those tiny grounding points with those tiny wires.. this would result in those wires overheating and melting the insulation off the wire, and eventually melting the surrounding wires inside the wire harness, eventually causing the wire harness to $hort out other components requiring the entire harness to be replaced.. I replaced two of those wire harnesses. Back then they were not cheap. They ran into the hundreds of dollars back in the 80s.
to prevent melting and fusing your wire harness on those XS 650s, make sure there is no paint preventing a good grounding point at the end of the battery grounding strap from the battery to the frame..
other than tire‘s, oil changes, normal maintenance, these XS 650s were pretty bulletproof. They would have no problem accumulating over 100,000 miles with minimal maintenance. Just keep me spare set of brushes handy
Thanks for the info. I love when people with more knowledge than me are willing to share. Thanks for watching.
I agree with you about those bikes. I think the 72, 73, and 75 had the best graphics. 75 is my favorite. I currently own a 74 TX650 , a 79 XS650 special, and an 80 Xs650 special. I really want the 75 and may paint my 74 with that graphic design since they were virtually identical.
Weird thing i read in my Haynes manual is the highest horsepower was in the early 70s. Yamaha detuned them as the series evolved. Not sure if that's true or not. The 80s was the demise of the series unfortunately.
75 is my all time favorite tank graphics. With regards to the horsepower, maybe they were trying to tune the vibration out of them. 🤣 Thanks for watching.
Your exactly right. You twist the throttle and the front end drifts up. Same as my 75
Just raises up and says let’s go!!!
Love it 🇬🇧
Such a great motorcycle. Thanks for watching
I recently purchased a 1983 XS650. Carbs need to be cleaned and I need to removed as much corrosion as possible. The gas tank needs to be repainted, I want to get riding on this bike as soon as practical so it will be a work in progress over the next couple of years. Thanks for sharing your beautiful XS650-2 with us.
Awesome. Clean carbs and get riding. Sometimes it easier to look on eBay for tanks. You can find one in good shape for less time and money than painting.
Happy to share the XS-2 it is one of my favorites.
@@motorcyclerewind Thanks for the advice.
I've got a few- they're the only motorcycles I kept. They grow on you in an endearing way once the dreams of big power and high speeds drift away with increasing age. It's funny, back when they were 'contemporary', I had 10 or 12 solid rides that made the ol' 650 Yami's seem dull....slow and wobbly, and too common to miss or lament. After I'd had enough of the 'high maintenance' razor's edge bikes, and 600 Jap sport bikes made diaper filling performance available to anyone with a credit card, something about the old chug-chug seemed to strike a deeper nerve.
I love everything about the XS2. I am currently in the middle of a 3,000 mile road-trip on a 1983 Kawasaki GPZ1100. The XS2 was my back up mike for this trip.
Same here Floyd , all my 150mph-bikes gone , back to basics 73 TX650 Dave NZ
My fave is the TX-A in either brown or green. You say the XS did battle with the Honda 750? They sure did. In Australia back in the '70s there was a race called the Castrol 6 Hour for dead stock production bikes. In the race of 1972, a Honda 750 won and coming 2nd was an XS-2 and by only around 20 seconds. So, after 6 hours of racing, the Honda which you rightly say had 100cc and 2 extra cylinders could only get 20 seconds in front of the Yam. I have four at the moment and I've owned several more. They are my fave bike of all time.
Awesome. Thanks for sharing the Castrol 6 hour story. The XS2 was on my bucket list. My all time favorite tank graphics is a 1975 XS650. The black and gold. The XS650 is my favorite platform. And way more affordable than a CB750. Thanks for watching.
Very tight track with a short straight.
An old mate gave me his Castrol Six Hour souvenir badge about forty years ago I think it was from the early eighties 82 maybe, anyway he fronted up on a 1200 Suzuki Bandit a couple of weeks ago and I returned it to him
Dave. Not only is it your favourite bike of all time but I think you were once quoted as saying it was he greatest bike ever made. Big call. My black B was certainly the best looking bike ever made.
awesome bike
Thanks. These are such amazing motorcycles.
Very pretty bike! Handsome AF
The motorcycle is definitely a looker. Need to spend some time on it eliminating some surface rust from some nuts and bolts. Give the ole girls through detailing.
A,beautiful, super cool, bike
Right on! It is such an amazing motorcycle.
love the Chanel. I'm like you with 19 60s 70s bikes. I'm now in a wheel chair . can no longer ride. but I'm a English uk insentric . I need my fix from your Chanel 😂😊
Wow 19. My wife said I can have as many motorcycles as I want as long as her car fits invitee garage. Would love to see pics of your bikes. Send email ti MotorcycleRewind@gmail.com. Thanks for watching. We post everyday except Sunday so you can get your fix.
I know how you feel people dont realize just how these bikes are when i open mine up its exhilarating you would believe you had a four cylinder under you not a twin ive had my xs for over forty odd years it has been altered etc i still ride it an im now seventy it makes you feel young again
That’s awesome. I would love to see pics of your XS. Send pics to motorcyclerewind@gmail.com. Thanks for watching.
Ill have to get someone like my granddaughter to send photo of bike as im not computer literate
Bought a new 1976 XS 650C in French blue and rode it for years. Been riding a 79 special 2 since 89 and always loved em. If I remember a story I read long ago, that this engine was designed in England and Yamaha bought the the company in the late 60's. Japanese Triumph with Hitachi electrics! I can't believe most modern bikes have no kick starters. What were they thinking ?
I love the French Blue xs650s. Thanks for watching.
That story is wrong. The Yam 650 was totally designed by Yamaha and owes more to Yamaha's 2-strokes (crank design) than to Horex or any other European bike.
This might be a shot in the dark regarding the lack of kick start, but perhaps compression ratios have gotten high enough that manufacturers think that kick starting would be too physically demanding for the average rider.
Still, it would be nice to have just in case the battery dies or something goes wrong with the starter.
Clean the carbs, check ignition timing and it will idle at 600 rpm while all you ll hear is the gases flow in and out. No mechanical clatter what soever. Superb machine... 😊
That’s why the XS650 is my favorite platform. Thanks for watching
I agree that 650's in general are underrated. I have a 1978 650 Special that I bought in 1980. I have had it plated most of the years since then. This year I expect to cross the 100,000 km mark with her. So much fun to drive. You take care of her and she will take care of you. I do have other bikes, 02 Kaw Nomad 1500 and DR650 but the ride experience I have with the Special is Special! The sound, the feel, the handling, all work for me. Nice 72 you were driving! Thanks.
The Yamaha XS650 is my favorite platform. Thanks for watching.
beautiful pine forrest ride..
It’s nice having Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge so close(the road that goes through it is a quarter of a mile from our subdivision). Very little traffic and plenty of shade in the summer.
Dude, Small world,I was looking at u ride your bike and thinking about doing the same thing before my surgery and I noticed the road u were on looked just like the back road by my house.I'll be a sob it is Bayou Paqet! I live off transmitter road.Keep up the good work on the videos they were very entertaining. Happy new year bro
WOW!!! It’s a small world. Send me your contact info and let’s connect. MotorcycleRewind@gmail.com.
My dad got it brand new in 72 hardly had time to ride it , Now its a show bike in my living room only 1100 miles on it.
That’s so awesome. Happy that you have kept it. I would love to see pics of it. Send them to MotorcycleRewind@gmail.comThanks for watching.
I decided to buy a Harley Sportster in 1993. Long story short I had to order the bike and it never arrived until April of 1994. I foolishly sold my Honda V45 Magna to get the money for the sportster. So...I was looking for a bike to ride until my sportster arrived. I found a 1978 Yamaha XS 650. I had to do some work to it, like fork seals and some basic maintenance. I really loved that bike and I got a lot of thumbs up from other riders. I don't know if they might have thought it was a twin cylinder British bike? I sold it to a coworker and he rode if for years. My only grip about it was it vibrated pretty bad above 60 mph.
The XS650 is my favorite platform. Thanks for watching.
Cool bike.
Beaut of a 196811 450 Honda Hellcat. My friend had a 72 650 Yamaha . A beautiful. My brother had a 650 Triumph Boony P.O.Sh.t !
Such a great motorcycle.
Had a red ‘76 in the early 90’s. was a ton of fun, wish I still had it.
Such an amazing motorcycle. Thanks for watching.
Great bike. Just bought a 77 in crimson can't wait to get it on the road
The XS650 is my favorite platform. Enjoy.
I think it was the most produced model of the Xs series. I always thought it was the most handsome in the line up. The 77-9 standards got everything right.. handles.. looks.... I have 3 Xs 650's... 70', 75' and 82'.. but the best 650 now.. is the Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor... Mine's parked downstairs. 😎
The XS650 is my favorite platform. Thanks for watching.
I built my 78 xs cafe put aftermarket cam and went up 1mm on intake and exhaust valves. Almost did the 750 kit but glad I didn't. It just revs effortlessly. I find myself looking for sixth gear and then realize I'm going way toooo fast. I think the clutch is the only thing I can not pick. The XS is the motor triumph wish they built 😂
I agree. Such a great platform. Lots of performance mods. Thanks for watching.
Great sounding engine
I really like the XS650 platform especially the early ones.
Great info about the decomp lever. I never knew. Always wanted one but the only ones for sale had all been screwed with. Currently got a 650 Royal Enfield.
The Royal Enfields are cool motorcycles.
@motorcyclerewind they feel a little heavier than an XS, but I'm turfing the heavy exhaust system. The four valve, balance shaft, six speed Royal Enfield motor is nice and revvy, pretty good down low too. But the cam doesn't have bearings.
Beaucoup de souvenirs … cette moto fut ma première que j’ai achetée en 1972 … j’avais 20 ans.
Salutation du Québec
Magnifique! Avoir 20 ans et posséder une CB750 devait être libérateur. Merci d'avoir regardé.
C’était une Yamaha 650 1972 achetée neuve au mois avril 1972 .. merveilleux souvenirs… j’ai également possédé un Norton Commando 1972 achetée la même année.
Salutation
Keep it, it will be one of your favorite-bikes when you get old (ask me ! )..and you can trick that motor up a bit . Dave NZ
This is my favorite XS-650 number 2 is the 1975, I think it has the best tanks graphics. Thanks for watching
I got to get one.
My favorite platform. Go get one.
I had an orange ‘72 which I loved. Loads of character but scary high speed handling and that disc brake was nothing special either.
The orange ones are really cool.
I want one now😂
They are the best. Thanks for watching.
So beautiful ❤
One of my. favorites. Thanks for watching
I have one sitting in my garage!!
Where do you live?😂😂😂
Regarding the battery issues you've been having. In my experience, batteries don't particularly like being left sitting for a long time while not doing anything. They get upset, and they don't want to work anymore.
I had a Yamaha ATV that sat in a barn for two years. The thing ran fine after we dug it out of storage, but I had to put a new battery in it because, as I said, they don't particularly like being left inactive.
Maybe I need to get a load of battery tenders. Thanks for watching.
A late pal {he and a colleague were sadly electrocuted when a crane jib touched overhead wires on a Boxing Day over 20 years ago} owned an XS2 in that striking orange and black that they also came in. They had ropier handling than the later models but bigger carbs and a much revvier engine with a much better exhaust note. It's always the way of things, isn't it ? They fix one thing but ruin another. Ditto with the early vs late Kawasaki two stroke triples.
The orange and black ones are really cool.
Back in the day i had a 1979 XS500 with a 2 into 1 pipe it made a great sound . happy days..
Those are awesome. I have had several xs650’s over the years. Such a great motorcycle.
Good
Thanks
I had one black but an xs 650 what a dream bike did e very thing I asked and more great fun sorry I sold it as sounded great and ticked all boxes but got good monrr we y I think that’s why 😂
This was a bucket list bike. The XS-650 is my favorite platform. Have had several over the years. The one bike I wish I had back was an XS-650. I paid $50 delivered traded it for my 1978 Ford F-150, I use to haul motorcycles around. Thanks for watching.
I have an 81 sounds just like it bought a cheap amazon battery called pirate been going strong for 5 years now
Great sounding bikes. Thanks for watching.
I had a 1976 model. Did you check the valve lash on those cylinders. It sounds like it wouldn't hurt. Easy job.
A full tune up is in its future.
Hey, working my way back through your vids and loving the Content 😊 Quick question RE this bike: If the starter is also the de-comp lever, then what do you do for the kick? Is she just a genuine leg breaker or is there an e-start bypass when using the lever?
You just kick it and hope for the best. Actually it’s not that bad. But it could be if not tuned properly. Thanks for watching.
Decomp was added to help the starter on cold starts. It's not necessary for kick starts.
@motorcyclerewind I wonder if there's something like an electronic fuel injection kit so you don't have to worry about a carburetor and all their quirks.
W650 is even better, very similar to ride but better handling at low speed and better throttle response.
I have a W2 650 also. They are great motorcycles.
I wish Yamaha would bring it back into production with a counterbalancer to cancel most of the vibration. Other then that it would be the perfect bike for me at least.
That would be awesome. The vibration is no joke it makes the mirrors unusable. 😂
@@motorcyclerewind 🤣🤣🤣🤣👍👍👍👍👍👍 The vibration at certain speeds was hand numbing
I don't understand why that specific crank angle was chosen. The cranks are arranged 360° apart, so the pistons are moving in pairs. When one is moving up, so is the other one.
at certain speeds the twin will vibrate the handlebars that it will become quite annoying . No bike is perfect but except for that vib it is a joy to ride . And you don't have to go fast to enjoy it's lite handling . @@twistedyogert
@@twistedyogert The wonderful barking "Brit bike" sound of a 360°-crank. A huge selling point!
Nobody wanted a 180°-crank, and the bike to sound like a.....Honda!
It’s so good question though. Why when you turn right your over on the wrong side of the road for so long?
I do that for my friends in the UK!!!😂
Would you sell the XS2??🤠🇺🇸 13:07
I would sell it. Send me an email with your contact information. Motorcyclerewind@gmail.com.
what bike is the black behind you?
There are two. 1978 Honda CB550k is the one with pin stripes. The one with chrome side covers is a 1968 Honda CB450 k1.
So…..is it any good?
It’s so good!😂
These bikes introduced in 1970, though very good, were initially poor handlers. Put to shame by any Triumph 650 of the time.
For the 1975 model, the XS650B, Yamaha consulted with Englishman Percy Tate, of Triumph fame.
Various frame modifications were made, and the bike finally lived up to its promise. The handling was 150% better.
If you are looking for a rider, the 1975 - 79 standard models are the best choice. Bullet proof engine.
Avoid the 1972 and 1973 XS-2 with troublesome electric starter.
Also steer clear of the later "Specials" with pullback bars, teardrop tank, and pseudo-Yank chopper looks! Poor resale value.
If you are looking for a collector, the first year 1970 XS-1, with garish green tank, and drum front brake and, is the most sought after.
But it is a wobbler!
Agreed these are great bikes. 1975 has the best tank graphics. Thanks for watching