XS 650

Often referred to as the Japanese Triumph twin, the XS650 is revered both as an excellent bike in its own right and one of the most sought after platforms for custom bike building.

When the Yamaha XS 650 was launched in 1968 it had one of the most advanced 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 1968 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 Dirt Track Racing by national champion Kenny Roberts. In 1968 only the Laverda 750s, also launched that year, matched the XS 650's modernity of unit construction and SOHC valve operation. 

Whilst the later model XS650’s began to reflect the cruiser styling of the period,

this 1977 version is the rarer and more difficult to find ‘standard’ version.

The 1977 models front forks had a major redesign, fork tube diameter increased from 34 to 35 mm and internals were changed, the brake caliper changed from a 48 mm dual piston cast iron design for the 34 mm fork to a 40 mm aluminum single piston floating caliper for the 35 mm forks.

XS650’s have quickly become highly sought after both as classic bikes and as the basis for future customs, and we are finding it harder and harder to find bikes as good as the one available for sale.

We have already had several enquiries on this bike, so please don’t delay

We have one XS650 in stock which can be yours for $6500 for an as is bike, $7500 Licensed.