Additional photos of this 1977 Yamaha XS650 are available here for your perusal.
Built between 1970 and 1983, the XS650 had a production run of approximately half a million. When released, it was Yamaha’s biggest production bike and it was advanced for the time with unit construction for the engine and transmission, as well as a horizontally-split crankcase. It aped the styling of classic British twins but these Yammies developed a solid reputation for reliability.
The model got several upgrades over its 13 year production run – 1972 was a notable year as that’s when the XS gained an electric start and disc brakes. This Motorcycle Classic story suggests that 1977 was the best year of them all: Five years later, after adjustments to the frame, engine components, exhaust system, carburetor and suspension, Yamaha created what some collectors consider the masterpiece of the line. “The ’77 has some mysterious quality about it where it seemed like everything came together,” says Don Lawson, former director of the Yamaha 650 Society. “It was fast, powerful, smooth, reliable, a lot of fun. I had four of them at one time.”
This example is VIN: 447710117
The odometer shows 13,260 miles.
Modifications:
Dual disc front brakes, stainless brake lines.
Crash bars.
LED headlight.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
The sale includes “an impressive amount of spare parts including a tank.”
The seller notes that this bike “could use a carb sync and that there’s some popping on deceleration.”
Currently located in Chantilly, Virginia, this XS650 is offered on a clean Virginia title. Have any XS650 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments!
