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 650cc vertical, twin cylinder engine was the first 4-stroke produced by Yamaha as the company had only manufactured 2-stroke bikes in previous years. 1970 and 1971 models had points ignitions with drum brakes front and rear. A 1970 Cycle World road test noted, “In its introductory year, the XS-650 must be considered a succes fou (crazy success), having supplied all the ingredients required to please the big Twin fancier in an up-to-date, beautifully styled package. It looks good, rides good, stays clean and shows few of the faults one would expect in a first-year model.”
On the opposite side of things, Yamaha created a model for the end of the production run that they called the Heritage Special. It was given copious amounts of black paint, silver trim, rounded/polished engine cooling fins, stepped seat, pullback bars, different exhaust, wider rear tire, and a smaller gas tank. It also got different spoked wheels and the sidecover emblem was changed from OHC 650 to “Heritage Special.”
This example is VIN: JYA5V4006DA105314.
The odometer shows 13,349 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Moderate (Age Unknown)
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Fail
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Fail
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Dirty
Headlight High Beam: Unknown
Headlight Low Beam: Unknown
Passing Light: Unknown
Parking Light: Unknown
Turn Signals: Unknown
Tail Light: Unknown
Brake Light (Front Switch): Unknown
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Unknown
Plate Light: Unknown
Horn: Unknown
Kill Switch: Unknown
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 90%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: Drum
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 30/9
Tire Date Code Rear: 48/7
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 70%
Tire Press. Front: 18 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 20 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: None
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: N/A
Running Condition: No Crank, No Start
Test Ride Completed: None Taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-Intake Boots are Cracked
-Chain is dry and dirty
Recommendations:
-Fluids
-Carbs
-Tires
-Battery
-Drain old gas
Modifications:
This bike appears to be stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Cheng Shin tires that have aged out.
The sale includes two keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Yamaha is offered on a Bill of Sale only. For $650, Iconic can help source a Tennessee title for the winning bidder which could be transferred to another US state or used for export. Have any XS650 Heritage Special stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
