Let's See The XS's

[jetmechmarty]

Oldies:

A few pics from an old hard drive.

 

[jetmechmarty]

I found a mess of pics. Here are a few more for a rainy day.

 

[MrBultaco]

^^^^^
Great photos, thanks for posting...

 

[gggGary]

Crank up the Sound first!

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1FTw9nft8X/


https://www.bikebound.com/2026/02/05/double-double/

 

[Signal]

Does anyone know how the motors in these twin engine bikes are linked.

 

[Its been a long time]

Does anyone know how the motors in these twin engine bikes are linked.

Would be interesting to see the other side. I'm guessing it's a toothed belt drive between the two crankshafts. I have seen that before. Front motor probably has clutch and transmission removed.

 

[gggGary]

Does anyone know how the motors in these twin engine bikes are linked.

This pic makes it pretty clear but the Left end and bearings of an XS650 crank weren't designed for driveline loads. Sending the front engine's horse power through the rear motor's crankshaft is pretty scary too.

 

[Raymond]

So it's an engineering lash-up? I don't suppose the builder was too worried how long it might last?

 

[Adamc]

Popped up on FaceAche Market Place

 

[BigG]

I acquired this beauty on 2/14/26 and brought it back to Baltimore to get running again. It is the 1976 Yamaha XS650C. The side covers are not right , but I already found the correct pair and ordered them. Let me know if you need a set of blue 650 Special side covers, I’ll sell you the set that came on this motorcycle.

It has been sitting for decades in a garage just outside of Atlantic City, New Jersey. Before you ask, yes, I did travel 2 1/2 hours in each direction on Valentine’s Day to get a motorcycle. My girlfriend came with me and helped me to load it! Needless to say, she’s a keeper (my girlfriend, though the bike is also).

The challenge now is to go through the bike, cleaning everything, replacing all the rubber bits, getting it running and safe to ride, and ridding the chrome and paint of some light surface rust. I hope to be able to ride it this summer.

 

[halfmile]

View attachment 366735
This pic makes it pretty clear but the Left end and bearings of an XS650 crank weren't designed for driveline loads. Sending the front engine's horse power through the rear motor's crankshaft is pretty scary too.

There seems to be a idler or chain tensioner in the middle of the upper part of the chain linking the motors together. Since the upper part of the chain is load bearing I would have put the idler at the bottom of the chain. Nice frame design though. I`ve seen one sorta like that before with only one motor, just can`t remember where?

 

[jetmechmarty]

I got out for a bit of a ride today. Wrong XS, but it is an XS. The fastest one.

 

[Spannerman]

Finished beating my 78 into shape a couple of days ago, all I need now is some riding weather ( February in the UK)

 

[Spannerman]

Finished beating my 78 into shape a couple of days ago, all I need now is some riding weather ( February in the UK)

This is what it looked like before i started

 

[Raymond]

Calendar.

 

[JOHNDADDY]

 

[gggGary]

2027 calendar for easy search purposes. ;^)

 

[Kevin Werner]

I am losing my game... Turn the page. https://www.xs650.com/attachments/2026-xs650-calendar-layout3-jpg.361637/

 

[Raymond]

Oh dear, slipping Kevin.

 

[Kevin Werner]

Oh dear, slipping Kevin.

This forum and each of you members thought my amateur efforts were worthy of a "Callendar" appearance. Then you voted my son's efforts worthy of a Callendar appearance. I truly want to celebrate each and every XS650 effort. While my "Red Bike" is anything but stock it heralds the virtues of a mid 70's XS650 (did they have any virtues?) This forum guided me to bringing the "Blue Tracker" to a rideable joy. I offer seat time to any and all who might enjoy my bikes. @mt1Mu1 remarked my Blue Bike was like Christmas early when he came cack from a 25 minute ride.