Yamaha XS 650

Yamaha
XS 650 (C Europe, Code 1E1) from 1976
XS 650
Manufacturer	Yamaha engine
Production period	1969 to 1984
class	motorcycle
design type	Naked bike
Motor data
air-cooled four-stroke engine , parallel twin
Displacement (cm³)	653 (later models 654) sports engines up to 1000

transmission	5-speed
drive	Chain
Wheelbase (mm)	1410-1435
Empty weight (kg)	185-217
successor	Yamaha XSR 700

XS 650 is the first motorcycle series with four-stroke engine from Yamaha . Motorcycles of this series were built in various series from 1969 to 1984.

Model history

XS 1 (the first model 1969)

The first model of the Yamaha XS 650 series was presented from October 24 to November 6, 1969 at the Tokyo Motor Show with the type XS 1 from Yamaha. Sales and model features remained disappointing; of the first type a total of 6586 pieces were produced; the next type, the XS 2 , achieved 18,283 units. The sales of the XS 2 in Germany for 1971 were 153 and for 1972 only 192 motorcycles. Then Mitsui Maschinen GmbH (Yamaha Germany) took the machines (XS 2) from the German market; The modified XS2 was resold abroad under the name TX 650 / TX 650 A. The Yamaha TX 750 was offered as an interim solution . After fundamental revisions, the XS650 series was successfully marketed from the introduction of the 2nd generation (model year 1974/1975 with XS 650 (B)). From 1977 chopper models were also offered, which were identified by the addition "Special". In 1978, the first 97 copies (XS 650 Special) were imported by air freight from the French importer Sonauto. Not all versions were officially delivered in Germany. However, a number of other imports came to Germany. The last models were produced in 1983 and some were available as new vehicles until 1987.

Framework development

Right from the start, the frame of the XS 650 series was a double loop frame in which the motor is built in as a stiffening element. Yamaha improved the properties of the XS1 frame in intensive model updates by the British Percy Tait (previously the development and racing department of Triumph) and projects such as the Yamaha XS 650 NVT Special (Norton Villiers Triumph).

For some conversions based on the XS 650, special frames were produced. Sources included AME Chopper Products, Wasp (Enduro bikes), Fiedler (Chopper frames) and other custom-made products. The base frame of the XS 650 was used internationally for trailer operation in racing and on the road. Kenny Roberts sr. became dirt track world champion in 1973 and 1974 on a Yamaha XS with a shell chassis and a Spanish 35 mm Betor fork. According to the ABE no. 9623 of the Federal Motor Vehicle Technology Office of May 20, 1975, no suitability for trailer operation was given. The corresponding ABE was deleted on July 8, 1985. Several other reports are known.

The frames of the series were changed several times and fundamentally reinforced with the introduction of the second generation. Until the end of production with code 447, the "Europe" frames differed from the other frames. The European frames had an additional cross tube and frame reinforcements between the two beams in front of the engine block. The changes in the dimensions of the steering geometry are noticeable.

Model name	Vehicle code	from serial number	Construction time (from / to)	Steering head / caster	wheelbase
XS 1	256	S650-000101	October 1969 July 1970	27 ° / 101 mm	1410 mm
XS 1 B	256	S650-007101	August 1970 July 1971	27 ° / 98 mm	1410 mm
XS 2	306	S650-100101	August 1971 July 1972	27 ° / 101 mm	1410 mm
TX 650 A	447	447-000101	August 1973 July 1974	27 ° / 115 mm	1435 mm
XS 650 B	533	447-500101	August 1974 July 1975	26.5 ° / 108 mm	1435 mm

Engine and transmission development

XS 650 as a café racer

The basic conception of the engine is a four-stroke engine with a co-rotating parallel twin , which in its origin shows similarities with the developments of Horex , which Ludy E. Beumer, Yamaha Motor Europe NV, denied. The relationship of the engine goes back to a camshaft drive from Hermann Reeb (Horex Columbus) that was new at the time. (See Patent Information No. DE-893875). Initially, the motor was developed for the Horex Imperator 500 , but was only used on a smaller scale for the Horex Imperator 400 in series production. The Hosk company in Japan then built these motors under license. Hosk was taken over by Showa and the engine developed further to a version with 650 cm³. Showa was later taken over by Yamaha and so this engine was available as the basis for the XS650 model series. (In this process, Yamaha followed the scheme with which Kawasaki had successfully introduced the Kawasaki W-series motorcycles. The manufacturer Meguro, which was taken over by Kawasaki , produced parallel twin engines under license from the British motorcycle manufacturer BSA .). Another development goal was the use of technologies that were available through the Yamaha 2000 GT engine . From 1989 to 2002 Yamaha built further engines with parallel twin for the models Yamaha TRX (850 and 900 cm³), Yamaha TDM (850 and 900 cm³) and Yamaha XTZ 750 . Since 2006 Rotax and BMW have been using the BMW F 800 engine, a further developed version of a parallel twin.

A special feature of the engine / transmission block was the introduction of horizontally divided assemblies. Until then, a vertically split housing was common for these motors. The reasons for the horizontal division were the simplified production and less oil loss. The first fundamental change to the gearbox and housing came with the introduction of the electric starter. The clutch was modified several times in order to be adapted to the torque. Additional reinforced components were also offered for use with performance-enhanced engines. Motors of this series up to 1000 cm³ are known from the field of motorsport. (Victory in the 1975 European Cross-Gepann Championship by Ton van Heugten with an XS 650)

Due to its design, the alternator integrated in the engine block was exposed to the vibrations of the crankshaft. The performance of the alternator has been increased several times:

XS 1: 14.5 V / 9 A / 2000 / min
650 E: 14 V / 11 A / 2000 / min
650 SK: 14 V / 16 A / 5000 / min

The performance, the cost of spare parts and the durability of the alternator were often criticisms. Therefore, several factory-independent solutions have been developed by the owners of these machines.

Carburetor variants

The first model, the XS 1, was equipped with two Mikuni BS 38 carburettors. The development of this vacuum carburetor goes back to a license production of Solex carburetors. With the introduction of the soft chopper, some smaller Mikuni BS 34 carburettors were installed. These carburettors have undergone numerous changes in the course of development and were usually screwed into a group of two. For later model versions that had a vacuum-operated fuel tap, a connection was integrated in the intake flange.

ignition

Ignition adjustment with centrifugal adjustment device

Most models were delivered with two breaker contacts (saves the ignition distributor ) for the battery ignition and a mechanical (centrifugal force-controlled) ignition timing adjustment . Later models such as the XS 650 G Special (Code 3G0) have an electronic ignition system. Furthermore, electronic ignitions controlled by light barriers (type Piranha) were offered in the accessories trade, which were used together with the mechanical ignition adjustment. A conversion to the electronic Boyer ignition, which did not require any mechanical components to adjust the ignition, was also frequently carried out.

Model history

The model history of this series is characterized by extensive model updates and a number of country variants. Fundamental changes have been made to the engine, frame and other equipment over the years. The following table of the model series gives an overview of this, but only gives a few details of changes. From the introduction of the second generation, a modified (reinforced) frame by Tait with the chassis dimensions steering head / caster: 27 ° / 115 mm, wheelbase: 1435 mm (later from model year 77/78 steering head / caster: 27 ° 45 '/ 119 mm used). Further deviations are listed in the table. The suffix “S” identifies models with light alloy cast rims. The following data are extracts from the model overview listed in the web links.

Model name	Vehicle code	from serial number	Construction time (from / to)	Weight	Tank capacity	Country versions and model updates
XS 1	256	S650-000101 to S650-006686	October 1969 July 1970	185 kg	12.5 l	Steering head / caster: 27 ° / 101 mm, wheelbase: 1410 mm
XS 1 B	256	S650-007101 to S650-25383	August 1970 July 1971	185 kg	12.5 l	Steering head / caster: 27 ° / 98 mm, no more bellows on the fork
XS 1 F	256	S650-007101 to S650-25383	August 1970 July 1971	185 kg	12.5 l	Steering head / caster: 27 ° / 98 mm, round rear light with chrome-plated bracket, no seat strap
XS 2	306	S 650-100101	August 1971 July 1972	194 kg	12.5 l	Steering head / caster: 27 ° / 101 mm, electric starter, front one-sided disc brake 298 mm
Policy (XS 1 / 1F / 2)	***	S650 - ******	1970-1973	199 kg	12.5 l	Models from ongoing production, tracking siren driven by the rear wheel
TX 650 (US)	366	S 650-200101	August 1972 July 1973	195 kg	14.0 l	Bracket for second brake calliper
TX 650	476	476-200101	August 1972 July 1973	195 kg	14.0 l	Bracket for second brake calliper
TX 650 A	447	447-000101	August 1973 July 1974	212 kg	15.0 l	2nd generation - steering head / caster: 27 ° / 115 mm, wheelbase: 1435 mm
XS 650 B (US)	447	447-100101	August 1974 July 1975	212 kg	15.0 l	Takasago light alloy high shoulder rim
XS 650 B	533	447-500101	August 1974 July 1975	215 kg	15.0 l	Introduction of the 2nd generation in Germany, new reinforced frame (Tait), steering head / caster: 26.5 ° / 108 mm, wheelbase: 1435 mm, front double disc brake 267 mm, new price: 5,598 DM, country version: Europe
XS 650 C (US)	584	447-200101	August 1975 July 1976	212 kg	15.0 l	Country version: USA
XS 650 C	1E1	447-300101	August 1975 July 1976	215 kg	15.0 l	new instruments, new price: 5,598 DM Country version: Europe except France
XS 650 C (F)	1H1	1H1-000101	August 1975 July 1976	215 kg	15.0 l	new instruments, country version: France
XS 650 D (US)	1T3	447-700101	August 1976 July 1977	212 kg	15.0 l	Square brake fluid reservoir, country version: USA
XS650 D	1T3	447-400101	August 1976 July 1977	212 kg	15.0 l	Country version: Canada
XS 650 D	1U3	447-600101	August 1976 July 1977	217 kg	15.0 l	Wheelbase Switzerland: 1470 mm, country version: Europe except France
XS 650 E (US)	2F0	2F0-000101	August 1977 July 1978	212 kg	15.0 l	Country version: USA
XS 650 E	1U3	447-850101	August 1977 July 1978	217 kg	15.0 l	Country version: Europe except France, new price: DM 5,648
XS 650 E	1V2	1H1-200101	August 1977 July 1978	217 kg	15.0 l	Country version: France
XS 650 E	2G6	447-800101	August 1977 July 1978	212 kg	15.0 l	Country version: Canada, Australia, Middle East
XS 650 SE Special	2M0	2F0-100101	August 1977 July 1978	210 kg	11.5 l	Country version: USA, Mikuni BS38 carburetor
XS 650 SE Special	2M1	447-900101	August 1977 July 1978	210 kg	11.5 l	Country version: Canada
XS 650 E Special	3N0	2F0-250101	August 1977 July 1978	210 kg	11.5 l	Country version: USA, Takasago light alloy flat shoulder rim
XS 650 E Special	3N1	447-860101	August 1977 July 1978	210 kg	11.5 l	Country version: Canada, Takasago light alloy flat shoulder rim
XS 650 SF Special	2Y8	2Y8-000101	August 1977 July 1978	210 kg	11.5 l	Country version: France (97 pieces), first soft chopper for Europe, larger Mikuni BS 38 carburetors
XS 650 F	1U3	447-855101	August 1978 July 1979	217 kg	15.0 l	Country version: Europe, Takasago light alloy high shoulder rim
XS 650 F	1V2	1H1-300101	August 1978 July 1979	217 kg	15.0 l	Country version: France, Takasago light alloy high shoulder rim
XS 650 F (US)	2F0	2F0-020101	August 1978 July 1979	212 kg	15.0 l	Country version: USA, Takasago light alloy high shoulder rim
XS 650 F	2G6	447-855101	August 1978 July 1979	212 kg	15.0 l	Country version: Canada, Australia, Middle East, Takasago light alloy high shoulder rim
XS 650 SF Special	2M0	2F0-150101	August 1978 July 1979	210 kg	11.5 l	Country version: USA, smaller Mikuni BS 34 carburetor, rear disc brake 267 mm
XS 650 SF Special	2M1	447-910101	August 1978 July 1979	210 kg	11.5 l	Country version: Canada, smaller Mikuni BS 34 carburetor
XS 650 SF Special	3L1	3L1-000101	August 1978 July 1979	209 kg	11.5 l	Country version: Europe, first soft chopper for Germany, rear disc brake 267 mm, new price: 6,500 DM
XS 650 G Special	3G0	3G0-000101	August 1979 July 1980	210 kg	11.5 l	Country version: USA, Takasago light alloy flat shoulder rim
XS 650 SG Special	3G1	3G5-000101	August 1979 July 1980	210 kg	11.5 l	Country version: USA
XS 650 SG Special	3G5	3G5-000101	August 1979 July 1980	210 kg	11.5 l	Country version: Japan
XS 650 SG Special	3U6	3U6-000101	August 1979 July 1980	210 kg	11.5 l	Country version: Canada
XS 650 SG Special	3D6	3W6-000101	August 1979 July 1980	210 kg	11.5 l	Country version: Australia
XS 650 US Custom	4G7	3L1-020101	August 1979 July 1980	210 kg	11.5 l	Country version: Europe, seven-spoke light alloy cast wheel, new price: 6,675 DM
Police XS 650	1E5	1E5-000101	August 1977 February 1979	216 kg	15.0 l	each from ongoing production, partly rocker switch, steering head / caster: 27 ° / 115 mm, country version: Japan, Australia, Iran, Portugal, Africa
TX 650	4E3	447-455101	August 1980 July 1981	212 kg	15.0 l	Country version: Japan
XS 650 SH Special	4E4	3G5-457101	August 1980 July 1981	208 kg	11.5 l	Country version: Japan
XS 650 H Special	4N9	4N9-000101	August 1980 July 1981	208 kg	11.5 l	Country version: USA, Takasago flat shoulder rim (chrome-plated steel)
XS 650 SH Special	4M4	4M4-000101	August 1980 July 1981	208 kg	11.5 l	Country version: USA, attached bench
XS 650 SH Special	4T6	4T6-000101	August 1980 July 1981	208 kg	11.5 l	Country version: Canada
XS 650 SH Special	5A9	5A9-000101	August 1980 July 1981	208 kg	11.5 l	Country version: Australia
XS 650 US Custom	5E6	3L1-040101	August 1980 July 1981	210 kg	11.5 l	Country version: Europe, seven-spoke light alloy cast wheel, new price: 6,675 DM
XS 650 G / H	1U3	447-450101	August 1979 July 1981	217 kg	15.0 l	Country version: Europe, Takasago light metal high-shoulder rim, offered in Japan and Europe, replacement model for the "Normal-XS" since 1979, new price: 6,150 DM
XS 650 G / H	1V2	1H1-310101	August 1979 July 1981	217 kg	15.0 l	Country version: France, Takasago light alloy high shoulder rim, replacement model for the "Normal-XS" since 1979
XS 650 J	1V2	1H1-315101	August 1981 July 1982	217 kg	15.0 l	Country version: France, Takasago light alloy high shoulder rim
XS 650 K Heritage Special	5V4	5V4-000101	August 1981 July 1982	210 kg	11.5 l	Country version: USA, Canada, Takasago flat shoulder rim (chrome-plated steel)
XS 650 SJ Heritage Special	5V5	5V5-000101	August 1981 July 1982	210 kg	11.5 l	Country version: USA, Canada, attached bench
XS 650 K Heritage Special	5V5	5V5-000101	August 1982 July 1983	210 kg	11.5 l	Country version: USA, Canada, Takasago flat shoulder rim (chrome-plated steel)
XS 650 SK Heritage Special	5V5	5V5-100101	August 1982 July 1983	210 kg	11.5 l	Country version: USA, Canada, seven-spoke cast light alloy wheel

Patent information

Patent DE893875 : Camshaft drive for two or more cylinder, air-cooled internal combustion engines for motorcycles. Published on October 19, 1953 , applicant: Horex Columbus Werk, inventor: Hermann Reeb. ‌

literature

The motorcycle : Driving report Yamaha XS650, issue 10/75 of May 17, 1975, Motor-Presse-Verlag Stuttgart
Dieter Langbein: Yamaha XS 650 - [technology, types, tuning, tricks and tips] .- 2nd edition, Text - & - Technik-Verlag, Weissach 2008, ISBN 978-3-932563-09-6
Joachim Kuch and Jürgen Gaßebner, Yamaha Motorräder since 1955, Motorbuchverlag, 2004, ISBN 978-3-613-02280-5