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Yamaha XS650 1978 Parts & Accessories

Introduced in 1969 for the 1970 model year (as the XS-1) and produced through 1985, the Yamaha XS650 is one of Yamaha's most iconic four-stroke motorcycles. Evolving from early Hosk and Showa parallel-twin designs, it was an advanced modern alternative to traditional British twins, featuring a unit-construction engine with a horizontally split crankcase and a single overhead camshaft (SOHC). Powered by a 654 cc air-cooled parallel-twin with a 360-degree crankshaft, the XS650 earned legendary status both on the street and in AMA Professional Dirt Track racing under national champion Kenny Roberts. Available originally as a "Standard" roadster and later as the factory custom "Special," the model transitioned from contact points to transistorized electronic ignition and remains a classic favorite for custom builds.

• 654 cc air-cooled SOHC 2-valve per cylinder parallel-twin engine producing approximately 53 HP
• Twin Mikuni constant-velocity carburetors (38 mm pre-1980; 34 mm 1980+)
• Tubular steel double-cradle frame
• 34 mm (1970–1976) or 35 mm (1977–1985) conventional telescopic front hydraulic forks
• Dual rear shock absorbers with adjustable spring preload
• Single or twin front hydraulic disc brakes (drum brake on earliest XS-1 models) and rear mechanical drum brake
• 5-speed manual transmission with wet multi-plate clutch and chain final drive
• Contact point ignition (1970–1979) or Transistor Controlled Ignition (TCI, 1980–1985)
• 11 to 15-litre (3.0 to 4.0 US gal) fuel tank capacity (depending on Standard vs. Special trim)