Yamaha XS650: A Classic Motorcycle That Still Turns Heads

KustomGaras - The Yamaha XS650 is a motorcycle that was first introduced in 1968 and was produced until 1985. It was designed to be a high-performance bike that could compete with the best of the British and American motorcycles of the time.

The XS650 was designed by Yamaha's chief engineer, Akira Araki, who was inspired by the British bikes of the 1960s. He wanted to create a motorcycle that would have the same level of performance and handling as the British bikes, but with the reliability and durability that Yamaha was known for. The XS650 was powered by a parallel twin engine that was based on the company's RD56 250cc race bike. The engine was initially a 654cc, but later models had a 669cc engine. The engine featured a SOHC (single overhead cam) design and produced around 42 horsepower.

One of the unique features of the XS650 was its five-speed transmission. This was a significant improvement over the four-speed transmissions that were commonly found on motorcycles of the time. The five-speed transmission allowed for more precise gear shifting and improved the overall performance of the bike.

The XS650 had a double downtube frame that was made of steel. The bike had a telescopic front fork and twin rear shocks. The suspension was designed to provide a smooth and comfortable ride, even on rough roads. The bike also featured a disc brake on the front wheel, which was a significant improvement over the drum brakes that were found on most motorcycles of the time.

The XS650 was available in several different models, including the standard, the special, and the custom. The standard model had a classic, simple design that was inspired by the British bikes of the 1960s. The special model had a sportier look and featured a two-into-one exhaust, while the custom model had a more modern look and featured a single, large headlight.

The XS650 was a popular motorcycle, and it was sold in many countries around the world. It was especially popular in the United States, where it was known for its reliability and durability. The bike was also known for its smooth and comfortable ride, as well as its responsive handling.

The XS650 was produced until 1985, when it was replaced by the XJ650. However, the XS650 remains popular among motorcycle enthusiasts, and many people still ride and restore the bikes today.

In summary, the Yamaha XS650 is a motorcycle that was first introduced in 1968 and was produced until 1985. It was designed to be a high-performance bike that could compete with the best of the British and American motorcycles of the time. The bike was powered by a parallel twin engine that was based on the company's RD56 250cc race bike. The engine was initially a 654cc, but later models had a 669cc engine. The XS650 was known for its reliability, durability, smooth and comfortable ride, as well as its responsive handling. It remains popular among motorcycle enthusiasts and many people still ride and restore the bikes today.

Yamaha XS650 Custom Bike Inspirations