Yamaha XS 650

Yamaha XS 650
Yamaha XS650
ManufacturerYamaha Motor Company
Also calledXS-1, XS-2, TX 650
Parent companyYamaha Corporation
Production1969 (1970 model)–1985
1970–1983 (U.S)[1]
SuccessorYamaha XSR700
ClassStandard
Engine654 cc (39.9 cu in), 4-stroke, parallel twin, air-cooled, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Bore / stroke75 mm × 74 mm (3.0 in × 2.9 in)
Compression ratio8.4:1
Top speed169 km/h (105 mph)[1]
Power40 kW (53 bhp) @ 7000 rpm (claimed)[1]
Ignition typeContact point-pre 1980 TCI-post 1980
Transmission5-Speed, manual
Frame typetubular steel
SuspensionFront: telescopic
Rear: swinging fork
BrakesFront: Single disc (earlier models); twin disc (later models)
Rear: drum
TiresFront: 3.50 × 19 inch
Rear 4.00 × 18 inch
Weight185 kg (408 lb)[1] (dry)
194 kg (428 lb)[1] (wet)
Fuel capacity3 US gal (11 L; 2 imp gal) or 4 US gal (15 L; 3 imp gal)
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The Yamaha XS650 is a mid-size[2] motorcycle that was made by the Yamaha Motor Company. The standard model was introduced in October 1969, and produced until 1979. The "Special" cruiser model was introduced in 1978 and produced until 1985. The XS650 began with the 1955 Hosk SOHC 500 twin. After about 10 years of producing 500 twin, Hosk engineers designed a 650 cc twin. Later Showa Corporation acquired the Hosk company, and in 1960 Yamaha acquired Showa, with Hosk's early design of 650 cc twin. [3]

When the Yamaha XS 650 was launched in October 1969 it had one of the most advanced reciprocating engines in its class of large parallel twin motorcycles. The engine and gearbox are unit construction with the crankcase split horizontally for ease of assembly, whereas almost all contemporaries in its class in 1969 are either unit construction with a vertically split crankcase or pre-unit construction with separate engine and gearbox. The XS650's engine was used in AMA Professional Dirt Track Racing by national champion Kenny Roberts. In 1969 only the Laverda 750S, and the Honda CB350, also launched that year, matched the XS 650's modernity of unit construction and SOHC valve operation.

  1. ^ a b c d e Anderson, Ric. "Yamaha XS650". Motorcycle Classics. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  2. ^ Note: the XS650 is "mid-size" only by modern standards; when it was introduced in 1970 few bikes were larger than 750cc.
  3. ^ "Yamaha XS 650". Classic Japanese Bikes. Archived from the original on 2012-03-12. Retrieved 2012-04-16.