Classic Yamaha XS650 Special Review
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- Paul Johnston reviews a Yamaha XS650 Special and explains why it's a good choice if you're looking for a retro style bike but don't want to pay a lot for the bike and insurance premium.
I just got a 1981 XS 650 Special. Has been on my bucket list for 40 years. In good condition ready for collector plates.
Bought an XS650SF new in 1979,rode it until 1989. Put exactly 100,000 miles on it. Original engine,only a clutch rebuild. And I still own several of them. Peace
Way cool. That looks like it could be my old bike. In 1979 I was in high school and working pumping gas. So I bought a brand new 650 Yamaha Special. I loved that bike. So I was going to work on Oct 1, 1979 an old guy pulled out in front of me on Highway 212 in Michigan City, Indiana and totaled my beloved 650. I had insurance so I got another one. Nice to see it here. I now have a Honda CBR 600.
I've owned and sold more bikes than I can remember, but one that truly stands out in my mind was a mint '83 Yamaha 650. It was the quintessence of what a 650 British vertical twin should have been, a shaking and vibrating Sixties era bike but without the nightmarish quality problems displayed by the British bikes. One of the few regrets in my now long and wastrel life was selling the thing - I never see them around anymore. Pity.
I had a 78 XS650 Special. Good bike, it was my first Street Bike.
I have the identical bike here in the USA but it doesn't look like that anymore! Super reliable machine. Mine is also a 1979 XS650SF but is totally custom.
Had a 1981 US custom with a fatter back tire as standard from the special. Finished it off great.
Look how young our Paul looks! He said the bike was 18 years old, which makes the video from 1997? Almost 20 years! Bloomin' MK2 Escort sitting in the car park haha
These are lovely old bikes, the problem being finding someone willing to work on 'm. Unless you own your own garage and tools and have a penchant to wrench you will have to rely on the expensive, sometimes unreliable/problematic motorcycle shop. Often as not, they'll no longer work on a bike which is more then 15 years old. But that XS650 motor is such a sweet piece of engineering. . . it's a shame it costs more then the bike is worth to maintain 'm.
I JUST GOT A 1979 Yamaha Special XS650SF Motorcycle, with 10,800 original miles for:US $1,000.00.Sitting in a South dakaota barn for 15 years, exc condition
Any interest in selling? Hit me up
Ten years ago that bike was 18-years-old? They stopped production in 1985 so it had to be 28 or more when this video was made.
I'm glad to see the 650 again, but trust me, don't get the Special. I've owned one as well as two of the Standards (one is still in my garage) and the Standard is superior. Better classical looks, larger tear-drop gas tank (longer riding range), level seat that allows the rider to move around more, flatter handle bar which beats the Special's buckhorn bar which makes you fight the wind on the highway, and no posing as a poor man's Harley chopper.
I gotta get some of those KWIDS!!
WATCHING IN 2020............ 2022
Thanks for video ! Had the exactly same one in HK late 90's , gosh a lots of Philippians on that saddle from wanchai.
I have one like that 650 xs. I cant find some parts in the Phillippines.maybe you or anyone help me find it.I really like to Restore my Bike.Ty.
I have been restoring one and just love em, they are great bikes and now on my third one, this one is a 1980/1 model. US Custom XS650 SG www.flickr.com/photos/illusivejack/sets/72157650509456302/
It smokes.