Yamaha XS650

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The 1970 XS-1, seen here in a Yamaha promotional piece, was the first model of the twin that would later be.
The 1970 XS-1, seen here in a Yamaha promotional piece, was the first model of the twin that would later be.
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Yamaha unveils its 650cc twin to dealers in this 1969 publication.
Yamaha unveils its 650cc twin to dealers in this 1969 publication.
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Dick Hutting takes a rural cruise on his 1973 XS650, with its original metallic blue and gold paint scheme.
Dick Hutting takes a rural cruise on his 1973 XS650, with its original metallic blue and gold paint scheme.
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Yamaha touted the XS650’s speed and reliability in this 1973 advertisement focusing on a 9,000-mile trip through the Australian Outback.
Yamaha touted the XS650’s speed and reliability in this 1973 advertisement focusing on a 9,000-mile trip through the Australian Outback.
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Yamaha touted the XS650’s speed and reliability in this 1973 advertisement focusing on a 9,000-mile trip through the Australian Outback.
Yamaha touted the XS650’s speed and reliability in this 1973 advertisement focusing on a 9,000-mile trip through the Australian Outback.
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The 650 engine was designed before computers, so everything in it was built overly strong.
The 650 engine was designed before computers, so everything in it was built overly strong.

Yamaha XS650

Years produced: 1970-83
Total production: 500,000 (est.)
Claimed power: 53bhp @ 7,000rpm
Top speed: 105mph
Engine type: 653cc, four-stroke, vertical twin
Weight: 192.6kg (428lb) wet
Price then: $1,245 (1970)
Price now: $1,500-$2,000

If you’ve toured on a Yamaha XS650 for more than a sitcom’s worth of time, you probably fall into one of two groups in your opinion of the classic Japanese touring motorcycle.

Group one considers the experience as nightmarish as “Joanie Loves Chachi,” thanks to the two-cylinder bike’s well-documented tendency to vibrate at highway speed.

The other group’s feelings are perhaps best voiced by Jim Griner, a longtime Yamaha XS650 owner from Hoopeston, Ill., and founder of the 1,000-member Yamaha 650 Society.

  • Published on Aug 21, 2009
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