If Yamaha had half a brain, they'd re-introduce the XS-2 in OEM Red & White!!

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Wharfcreek

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The title says it all ..... almost! IMHO the '72 XS-2 in subject color was the second most eye-appealing motorcycle ever built, behind only the Vincent Black Shadow! Yea, there may be emmisions issues or brake issues or even lighting issues to overcome in doing a remake. But Yamaha could deal with all that! And, once again, they would have a bike that would appeal to the masses! So why not? What do you think????
 
Wharfcreek said:
The title says it all ..... almost! IMHO the '72 XS-2 in subject color was the second most eye-appealing motorcycle ever built, behind only the Vincent Black Shadow! Yea, there may be emmisions issues or brake issues or even lighting issues to overcome in doing a remake. But Yamaha could deal with all that! And, once again, they would have a bike that would appeal to the masses! So why not? What do you think????
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I think Royal Enfield and now BSA beat them to it. Currently, a very slightly used BSA can be purchased for pocket change in the UK is my understanding. Locally, the H-D dealer is selling Royal Enfield and they can’t be the only one. As much as I’d like to see it, I don’t think Yamaha would get return on investment. I’m trying to think about how many retro Honda CB1100s I’ve seen on the road. Lovely bikes. I recall seeing one once, and another in the dealership at Gainesville, GA several years ago. I do see Triumphs and all accounts say the Triumph, RE, and BSA are great bikes. Let’s not forget the W800, no longer available in the UK. I’ve never seen one in the flesh.
Hopefully, the world economy will improve and give some relief to those who build and sell motorcycles.
 
I also think Yamaha Could do it Not sure about the 72 though
They have the Know How.
The Heritage.
Half decent bike at Half decent price the people would come to the dealership have a look. Names be signed on the dotted line.
Have Nothing against BSA nor RE But I do believe Yamaha could do it better.
Parallel twin have had customers for a long time .And I believe still have -- Simple no nonsense machine
With some styling
But business is another thing
 
While I'm not completely familiar with the BSA entry, I'm quite familiar with the Royal Enfields. Yes, Harley Dealers have them, or most do. The Indian (made in India) Royal Enfield has had some growing pains over the years, starting with just trying to build a decent set of engine castings that would hold up. Until about 10 years ago, it was still a problem! But, the success of the Royal Enfields re-entry into the world market allowed them to invest in some better technology, both from a metallurgical perspective, as well as updated electronics and fuel delivery systems. Today's EFI Enfields are actually pretty good motorcycles!! But, back to Yamaha:

While the traditional 'XS-650' (incl TS and other) motor was never produced in an EFI version, Yamaha has ALL the technology needed to adapt a single or multi-port injection system on to this vertical twin platform...... and make it start and run like it NEVER did! Granted, a LOT of tweaking and/or investing in alternate carbs and/or ignition systems can overcome a lot of the woes from 'stock' configuration, but lets face it: EFI Rocks!! I'm 72, been doing this crap with carbs of all types since I was 12 (yea...that's 50 years of it!!). I'll take EFI any day, even though I still think there's a place for a carb motor (on a vintage show machine!!). But more than that, there have been advancements (or 'alternates') in terms of things like Hughes re-manufacturing of the crank and cam, delivering a new approach to the good old vertical twin! How does he call it?..... 'home built'??!! Think what Yamaha could do!!! And, they have the ability to manufacture this stuff in volume, build a reliable and 'high-performance' version of the 650 twin motor.... AND package it all to look aesthetically just like the original. Hey, they might even fix the electric start problems!!!.....lol

My point is this: That motorcycle hits a sweet-spot in the market that hasn't gone away! It falls into nearly EVERY category of available motorcycle at some level, being light, sporty, capable of two-up riding, reasonably powerful, and clearly (after over 50 years) reasonably reliable! Good for local transportation, or even an extended trip! Granted, it's no Harley ElectraGlide, nor is it a Ninja, or 50cc scooter. And, yea, it DOES need some effort put int 'vibration and suspension' management. Maybe a rubber mounted motor and some 'good' shocks and forks? But think of the possibilities!!: A 'sport' version, a 'touring' version, maybe even a 'trainer' version (as light and low as possible!!). I've wanted to build one with a faring, hard bags, and FishTails!!.......lol. (yea, I ride my 2020 Street Glide regularly!!). Anyway, I believe that if Yamaha 're-issued' this motorcycle with all the needed upgrades, they'd sell a million of 'em! I'd be in line today to order one!! Hell, maybe I can get Yamaha to offer me VIN #00001......lol Wishful thinking!!
 
Wharfcreek said:
DOES need some effort put int 'vibration and suspension' management.
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That vibration is often recognized as soul. I’ve noted that most of it can often be tuned out of it if one has the skill to do that. That said, your EFI solution and better manufacturing tolerances probably get it good enough.
Yes, the OE suspension is both almost adequate and terrible. When it’s functioning properly, it does keep the rubber in contact with the pavement and little more IMHO.

I have a same vintage XS1100 in my garage. It is very smooth running and very fast. The suspension has upgrades short of replacing the front end. I am large in stature and in good health, so I can effortlessly handle the much larger XS1100. All that said, it’s usually the XS650 that I’m throwing my leg over and I think it has much to do with the “soul” of the thing. 40 years of riding it and I’m not tired of it!
 
Jet, the same was said about the Harley vibrations.... until they put balance shafts in twin cam softails, and rubber mounted engines on Dynas and then Sportsters. Think 'Norton'! They were doing it back in the '60s!! If a re-intro'd bike were being designed today, I think they would almost certainly have to incorporate either rubber engine mounting or a balance weight in a newly designed crank-case. With suspension technology what it is today, it would take very little to improve the overall ride quality and handling of a 'new' version of this bike!
 
I am with jet M there the first one I had was crashed and the crank slightly twisted
After dealer adjustment of crank a couple new bearings and synchronized carburetors. Rich Mixture
There are no vibrations to speak of ..with electronic fueling and ignition I would believe it can run " Boringly " Even
But i Dont think the customers will Complain if there are some vibrations.
They can buy an electric bike if that is a problem

It depends on the customer I Know from VOLVO having more or less the same motor in Saloon cars and
Turbo Sportier models ..
The latter customer was buying in to the Sportier setup No Complaints about some exhaust notes or rattling ash tray or so
They more or less expect that as the lads said back in the day -- Clutch down
and step on it Pontiac GTO " Show the Potency "
Perhaps have changed .But I believe it is there Royal Enfield have it slightly wrong
 
Face it, I think it's wishful or rather wistful thinking to believe that a motorcycle styled like a 60's era twin is going to appeal to a modern buyer.
I'm 70, and I cut my teeth on twins and singles that looked like real motorcycles, today they wax nostalgic about GSXR's, Ninja's and R1's as the idols of their childhood.
I can appreciate some of what the manufacturers are churning out today, only some. The new Yam XS twins to me are stone ugly and modern engine configurations do not lend themselves to aesthetically pleasing shapes, being all sharp, angular and edgy.
I think the RE, Triumph and Kaw W series twins are the closest things we can hope for and they do sell, basically to old codgers like us. And for the most part they're decent reliable motorcycles. I think the RE needs some time yet to prove itself to many but the fact that S&S is making lots of performance goodies for them for flat track racing gives them some level of credence.
 
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