Yamaha XS650 - Twintastic

Yamaha - like Kawasaki and suzuki - started out in the world of two strokes and only gradually ported (no pun intended) away to four stroke motive power. The reasons were simple as the two stroke engine is so much easier (and cheaper) to build compared with all the valves, camshafts and lubricant pumps needed in a four stroke motor.

yamaha xs650 twintastic

That said, the target market for the Japanese was the USA and, after the optimism and hippy freedom of the 1960’s, the next decade witnessed not only a fuel crisis but also increasing environmental awareness… So, the stage was set for cleaner burning and quieter running four strokes. After the mechanical issues of the TX range, Yamaha’s next attempt at a big capacity four stroke twin was the XS1. And this time they got it right.

An SOHC engine with a chain driven camshaft, the XS1 mimicked the Brit Bonneville with identical crankshaft phasing but outwitted the UK twin by utilising horizontally split crankcases for oil tightness with a styling package that showed the beginnings of a brand visual shorthand for the boys at Hamamatsu. It wasn’t long before the XS2 emerged complete with hydraulic front disc brake, a lusty 53 horsepower and electric starting (yet still retaining a kick starter just in case).

Come 1975 and the XS650 took over the reigns learning from its predecessors but boasting a new frame and geometry, twin front disc brakes plus improved handling. The motor already had something of a reputation, but this was further enhanced by racing success in the hands of Kenny Roberts on the AMA flat track ovals and an adoption by sidecar MX racers who gradually increased the engine capacity up to a litre in size while still maintaining a measure of reliability.

Becoming highly collectable now, a good standard XS650 is a bike to truly treasure. Speaking of which we have a treasure trove of XS parts on our shelves. Over 800,000 examples of the venerable XS650 were sold and we think we have the world’s largest stock of XS original equipment parts. Have a look on the CMSNL website now and enjoy a Twintastic tour of our huge Yamaha XS inventory!