Yamaha Custom Motorcycle

YAMAHA XS650

SATISFY YOUR XS650 CHOPPER ADDICTION

YAMAHA XS650

YAMAHA XS650 Model History

The 1970 model was designated the XS-1. Subsequent models were XS-1B (1971), XS-2 (1972), then they changed the model designation from XS to TX. It went TX (1973), TX-A (1974), then they changed it back to XS but went on with the alphabetical suffix, using XS-B (1975), XS-C(1976), XS-D(1977), XS-E (1978), XS-F (1979). 1979 was the last year of the so-called "Standards" (owner's term meaning opposite to Special). The Es and Fs also came in Special form: XS-SE (S for Special) and XS-SF. From then on they were Specials only to XS-SG, XS-SH, XS-SJ, XS-SK. There was a Special II (Two) model designation in 1979 (XS-SF-II), 1980 (XS-G), 1981 (XS-H) which were models with less chrome parts and drum rear brake (1979, 1980) or wire wheels (1981) versus disc rear brake or cast wheels.

XS 650 Model History

The first two model years (XS-1 and XS-1B) were kick start only, with an electric starter added from the 1972 model year on. This had a compression release added to the front left exhaust tappet cover resulting in a square versus triangular cover found on the other exhaust and intake covers. Upon removal of the compression release mechanism in 1974 due to uprated starter, the square cover at the left exhaust valve was continued.

Model Year, Serial Number & Colour Specifications

Model Serial Number Year Colour(s)

XS1	S650-000101	1970	Candy Green
XS1B	S650-007101	1971	Candy Orange
XS2	S650-100101	1972	Brilliant Red
TX650	S650-200101	1973	Metallic Flake Blue, Pearl Yellow Gold
TX650A	447-000101	1974	Cinnamon Brown, Vegas Green
XS650B	447-100101	1975	Star Black, Baja Brown
XS650C	447-200101	1976	French Blue
XS650D	447-700101	1977	Maxi Maroon, Bountiful Blue
XS650E	2F0-000101	1978	Star Blue, Spruce Metallic Green
XS650SE	2F0-100101	1978	Vintage Burgandy, New Midnight Black
XS650F	2F0-150101	1979	Cobalt Blue
XS650SF	447-910101 (Aus) 2F0-250101	1979	Carmine Red, Black Gold
XS6502F	4F0-250101	1979	New Yamaha Black
XS650G	3G0-000101	1980	Black Gold
XS650SG	3W6 (Aus.) 2F0-200101	1980	Cardinal Red, New Yamaha Black
XS650H	4N9-000101	1981	Indigo Blue, New Ruby Red
XS650SH	5A9 (Aus.) 4M4-000101	1981	New Yamaha Black, Frost Silver
XS650J	5V4-000101	1982	New Yamaha Black
XS650SJ	5V4-100101	1982	New Yamaha Black, NewRuby Red

The beginnings of Yamaha XS650 reach all the way back to 1955 and the HOSK SOHC 500 twin. After about 10 years of producing 500 twin, HOSK engineers went on and designed 650cc twin. Later the HOSK was acquired by Showa Corporation, and in 1960 Yamaha had bought Showa with HOSKs early design of 650cc twin.[1] 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 XS650s engine was used in AMA Professional Dirt Track Racing by national champ Kenny Roberts, which has given Yamaha twice that number one plate. In 1968 only the Laverda 750S, also launched that year, matched the XS 650's modernity of unit construction and SOHC valve operation.

The XS 650 was produced until 1985. In the United States, the last model year was 1983 with Canada, Europe and other markets continuing into 1984 and 1985. However, many US models were left over due to overproduction and an economic recession and brand new 1982 and 1983 models could still be purchased in1987 at some dealerships.

2nd Chance XS by Cannonball Custom Cycles

XS650 Modifications

In recent years the Yamaha XS650 has been used extensively to build chopper style motorcycles. A popular modification to the XS650 platform is to install a hardtail or rigid rear end section which eliminates the rear suspension. Tough durability, classic look and abundance of cheap parts make the XS650 the perfect platform to build a KILLER CHOPPER. www.XS650chopper.com is a site with numerous pictures and information on the customization of the Yamaha XS650. The site contains a variety of pictures featuring xs650 hardtail motorcycles. There are a number of companies who manufacture custom hardtail frames for use with the Yamaha XS650.

XS650 Chopper

Performance

Based on results obtained from testing 1979 XS650, the following apply:

• Standing-start quarter= 13.86 sec at 96.05mph
• Motorcycle average gas millage=51.4 mpg

1979 Yamaha XS650 Oil Cooler

Modifications

Common upgrades on 650s are electronic ignition system, which replaces traditional points, as well as Lockhart oil cooler. Electronic ignitions eliminate point care and reduce ignition maintenance.

Engine Oil Changing

You will need the following items to change the oil:

• 2.5 liters of Yamalube or 20W/40 "SE" type motorcycle oil (this is per factory specs)
  

• 1 1/8" (27mm) socket wrench
  

• Drip pan to catch the oil (one that holds 3 liters or more)

• Funnel

• Rags or towel
  

• Measuring the Oil Level

  1. Let the engine warm up for several minutes and put the bike up on the center stand.

  2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.

  3. Check the oil level by looking through the window on the right side crankcase cover, or by pulling the dipstick.

  The drain plugs can be difficult to remove. Here are some options:

  1. Warm up the bike to full operating temp, then shut off engine and remove plug using a 1 1/8" (27mm) socket

  2. Rap on the drain plug 10 times with the flat side of a 1 lb ballpeen hammer

  The drain plug has a magnet on the end of it that collects debris from the oil. When you remove a drain plug, always be sure to clean the gunk off the end before screwing it back in. Make sure you replace the copper crush gasket also.

  To make the plugs easier to remove, coat the threads in anti-seize and torque to spec (30.5 ft-lb). Do not overtighten.

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