Yamaha 650 XS

Menus

• XS XXL !
• Discovery
• In the city
• On the road
• On the highway
• In duet
• Braking
• Consumption
• The interview
• Chronology
• Coast side
• In case of purchase
• Conclusion

XS XXL !

Introduced in France in 1970, the 650 XS was first and foremost the first four-stroke machine manufactured by Yamaha and it was also its largest displacement at the time. Indeed, at the time when we began to talk about anti-pollution standards, especially in the American market which alone already represented the most important part of the world motorcycle cake, the leaders of the firm with three tuning forks then thought of expanding their range. Unlike the two other Japanese manufacturers Suzuki and Kawasaki, who first developed models up to 750 displacement before switching to the valves, Yamaha, whose highest cubic capacity did not exceed 350, made large displacement coexist with timing chain and smaller with light engine. At the time, it was the only mixed 2T / 4T road range from Japanese manufacturers ….

Discovery

The 650 XS has a rare elegance for a large displacement of the time. It evokes finesse, thanks to its narrow tank and rigor, due to the perfectly vertical engine. A superb piece. Its design undeniably borrows a lot from the "so British" elegance of the Triumph Bonneville, which it takes on again. It was designed with the Toyota design office, which will provide Yamaha with all its experience with four-stroke engines, and in particular that acquired during the development of the 6-cylinder Toyota GT2000..

In the city

On the first versions (XS-1, XS-1B, XS-2 but also the first 447), the hoarse sound flowing from the two silencers (not that much by the way … but at the time, even the constabulary was a music lover), is a real treat and superbly accompanies vigorous thrusts or downshifts according to the convolutions. Enough to forget the very present vibrations. A 650 does not lack agility and faces the drudgery of traffic jams with a smile at the end of the cylinders.

On the road

With the sleek tank and the two side covers with their chrome embellishments covering the frame removed, we discover the Achilles’ heel of the beast. The one who, the first, fiddled with his big pilot fingers the intimacy of the beautiful, is called Percy Tait, champion / technician, to whom Yamaha entrusted the mission of returning to the dancer XS, a "road ballistics" and more trajectories. controlled in extreme conditions. It was done and well done. From the first 447 model, the 650 XS will no longer suffer from this somewhat “undulating” handling on bad surfaces. Once the frame is equipped with reinforcements and upper section elements, as well as a strut to stiffen the double cradle at the front of the engine, the handling of the Yamaha 650 will fall into the rank of "senior" !

On the highway

Once again, from the 447 model, the 650 shows a good rigor of behavior. Aside from the chirping in the fingers caused by the intense vibrations, the Yamaha swallows the asphalt running smoothly. Naturally, the lack of protection seriously affects the wearing of the head of the pilot, whose helmet is well tossed past 140 km / h. However, unless you have to, the motorway is not her favorite playground ….

In duet

Surprise, whatever the vintage, a 650 XS overlaps with pleasure. The first models even had a support bar. In all cases, a wide and comfortable saddle ….

Braking

We really enjoy the small winding roads and the entire secondary network with these bikes. What happiness between each turn. On the other hand, in this little game, the XS-2 will quickly hold its own against its two drum sisters in certain sequences requiring muscular and enduring braking. The record that equips it rather honorably, while the front drum of the XS-1 and XS-1B versions will be more…. “Smoking” in some extreme cases ….

Consumption

Whatever the vintage, a 650 XS consumes little. 7l / 100 by pulling on it like a goujat, less than six liters by piloting reasonably ….

The interview

If the bike has been 100% restored, no problem. The 650 XS is a reliable motorcycle, worthy of pampering like any old lady back in business after a facelift. She will appreciate being warmed up, not too heckled and bladder checked every 1000 kilometers.

Chronology

1970, model XS1. The favorite of collectors with its fork bellows and drum brake ….

1971, XS1 B. Modified fork, disappearance of the bellows ….

1972, XS2 (also known as Europa). New front disc brake, new shock absorbers ….

1975, 447. Rigid frame, double discs at the front, large exhaust mufflers (nowhere to be found!), H-profile aluminum rims ….

1975, 447 modified. New exhaust mufflers, calipers placed behind the fork, itself retouched. Redesigned hunting ….

1976, model H1. New decoration, new dashboard ….

1978, SE Special. Custom positioning.

Coast side

Distrust, prices are rising at a galloping speed. The recent craze for the XS 650 is taking its ratings to new heights. An XS1, restored to 100% competition condition, can be negotiated around 8,000 euros. Count a thousand less for an XS1B. The remanufactured 447 sell for plus or minus 6,000. H1 models from 76 are approaching 4,500 euros. It is however possible to find an XS "in its own juice", from 2000 euros ….

In case of purchase

Appeared in 1970 and withdrawn from the market thirteen years later, finding a 650 XS is not very complicated. However, the first models XS1 and XS1B (1970-1971), remain the most sought after. Depending on the use you want to make of it (salon motorbike, motorbike for occasional use or motorbike to be used every day), it should be remembered that the versions prior to the 447 of 1975 vibrate a lot and have a rather poor road.

Conclusion

Starting with the second version 447 model and subsequent versions, whose fuel tank has rounded off for greater range, the XS is a little more opulent, but none the less elegant. Its beauty is now considered "classic" compared to the competition which prepares the passage to the 80s, often abandoning chrome in favor of plastic. Regardless, the reputation of robustness and reliability of the 650 XS is well established and impervious to fashions, it will keep its loyal fans until the end of its career, even made up as a chopper (Special SE in 78 or 3L1 the next year). It will last in France until 1983. This abundance of production is reassuring. Finding an XS is easy and fun, it can pay off big !

Strong points

• Sumptuous allure
• Scent of history
• Parts availability
• Sacred music

Weak points

• Fierce vibrations
• Special handling (models before 75)
• Soaring prices (first models)
• Average braking

Datasheet

Pubs !
In 1977, Yamaha, proud of its valve line, featured its entire fleet on a full page of advertisements. Of course, the 650 XS presented as a flagship! (Photo A)
Sober ads for a motorcycle not being less…. The 650 XS is seduction in discretion…. (Photos B and G)

Finally an informative ad! The message shows that a 650 XS trip necessarily ends with a goatee game. (Photo F)

">

Related articles

• Yamaha FJR 1300 AS test

  New re-evolution High-end road symbol of the manufacturer with tuning forks, the FJR 1300 descends from a long line of dynamic travelers. The first of…

• Yamaha YZF-R1 road test

  200 hp at 13,500 rpm, 112 N.m at 11,500 rpm, 199 kilos with full fuel, from € 18,499 Is the Crossplane engine an advantage in road use ? Even if the…

• Yamaha VMAX Cafe Racer motorcycle test

  Rocket hyper modified by Roland Sands Design The Power Cruiser stripped down to lose 36 kg The Yamaha VMax is undoubtedly one of the most iconic…

• Yamaha RZV 500R motorcycle test

  GP 500 2 stroke … road ! 50 ° V4, 494 cc, 100 hp, 134 kg Sports bikers are familiar with the Yamaha RD 500 LC, inspired by Kenny Roberts’ YZR500….

• Yamaha MT-09 Tracer test

  Trace strong and far The impressive commercial success of the Yamaha MTs is a quantified reality: 3,700 MT-09 (including 15% of Street Rallye and Sport…

• Yamaha GTS 1000 test

  The unfinished future The brand with three tuning forks, wishing to prove its lead in terms of technology and innovation, unveiled its 1000 GTS at the…

• Yamaha YZR500 OW48R motorcycle test

  Kenny Roberts’ 3rd title bike in 1980 4 cylinders in line, 2-stroke, 498 cm3, 102 hp, 135 kg This is the year of the pyramids in motorcycles, with a good…

• Yamaha 500 XT test

  Exquisite XT After inventing the concept of trail running with the DT 250, the Japanese firm had the audacity to create the 500 XT…. Directly inspired by…

• Yamaha YZF-R6 test

  R6, Wind and Fire With multiple sporting origins, such is the Yamaha R6, drawing its roots from different family branches of the segment. Thus, at the…

• OJ Yamaha YZR250 OWL5 motorcycle test

  The 2000 GP250 World Champion 90 ° V-twin, 249 cc, 97 hp, 268 km / h, 97 kg In 2000, Olivier Jacque dazzled Grand Prix enthusiasts riding the Yamaha of…