What is an XS650? Depends on what you want it to be. In the beginning, from 1970 to 1978 Yamaha built what would be considered a standard motorcycle, it was designed to follow the style of British twins that were dominant in the 50’s thru the early 70’s , characterized by an upright riding position with room for a passenger.
View attachment 209389
In 1978 the factory introduced their line of Specials, these were built to follow popular custom trends of the 70’s, with pull back buckhorn handlebars, a more teardrop shaped gas tank, an exhaust system with bell shaped megaphone mufflers and a stepped seat, and a fat 16” rear tire. it also included upgrades such as electronic ignition and rear disc brake. Some models also had mag wheels.
View attachment 209390
Over the years, XS650’s have been modified in just about every way conceivable, some of the more popular styles are,
Cafe racers are modified with non standard bodywork, low clip on or clubman style handlebars and rear set foot controls that get you down into that racers crouch that would be similar to todays sport bike riding position.
View attachment 209391
Street trackers designed to mimic the look of flat track racers, in case you are too young to be familiar with 70’s era flat track racing, the legend Kenny Robert’s successfully campaigned a highly modified XS650. The styling cues here are, flat track racing bodywork, wide handlebars, performance suspension, performance engine mods, and custom exhaust.
View attachment 209392
Choppers were very 70’s and still have their fans, features include highly modified frames with hard tail rear ends increased rake in the steering heard, extended front end, high handlebars, custom seat, paint, and exhaust,
View attachment 209393
Bobbers, are stripped down to the bare essentials, often hard tailed.
View attachment 209394
Brat style, also stripped down with suspension at both ends, custom exhaust, minimal handlebar controls and lighting and a thin , plank like seat.
View attachment 209395
And customs can be ummm…….anything you can imagine.
View attachment 209397