1976 Yamaha XS 650 Custom Restore

We had a customers 1976 Yamaha XS 650 in the shop for a rebuild and partial facelift.

[@GrantFricks]

My first bike was a 1976 XS650. After I wrapped it around an Oldsmobile I got another, & bought my bent one from the junkyard. Only the front end was messed up, besides the plastic. I went to Harleys after, but I wish I hadn't. My Yamaha didn't pee everywhere it parked and I am blown away by all the variations of customizing that went into that fantastic bike.

[@topturretgunner]

That XS 650 is a sweetheart motorcycle. Great handling, trustworthy, no vices. I always enjoyed getting mine out on a hilly, winding two lane country road on a nice balmy autumn day for a ride. I could lean that bike over in a turn at speed and knew that she was sure footed, no surprises. Man I sure do miss that Yamaha.

[@jamesmcgrath1952]

I'm an old fart and this has always been one of my favorite engines.

[@phillipmitchell5879]

When will Yamaha revive the XS650?? With all the BritBike revivals lately, a renewed XS650 (or XS800) would be Very attractive!

[@eatmelily]

One of my Favorite classics, I had a 1970 model I bought new, the the Gorgeous Emerald green.. This brought back some memories. Watching the rear fender and tail light, I had to chuckle, they really were "paint shakers".....Nice Job....

[@jeffruebens8355]

I rode a 1975 XS-650 from 1980 to 1985. A fun bike to corner until the pegs scraped. Problems- the air cooling had a lot of heat coming up from the engine at a stoplight on a hot day, the engine vibration was not bad at 60 mph but my eyes were shaking at faster speeds, and my alternator brushes wore out so the battery stopped charging. A tip for oil- half Valvoline regular motorcycle oil makes the clutch feel better, and half Valvoline synthetic motorcycle oil makes the shifting feel smoother. I like Fluid Film spray from Lowes for the chain. My favorite tires are the Michelin Commander II.

[@michaelpumphrey5275]

Beautiful restoration you should be proud of your work. Great job 👍🏻

[@ScottMiller-tu3gg]

Very nice job! I have what I call (torpedo) mufflers on mine and I love the way that they sound. They are the long mufflers that a lot of people drill out the ends for a louder sound - they were typically found on the older XS`s.

[@reggiechin230]

Great restoration job. The bike looks great.

[@billrok]

Nice job. Looks and sounds great.

[@kalaharimine]

Gorgeous motor and sound.

[@awrwayne]

I like everything except the replacement handlebars. The pull-back handlebars that were on the bike are the best that ever came on the XS650. I have them on my XS and love them.

[@ChristopherHayniedd980]

Johnny that sounds great.

[@dannyb20vtec28]

Right in the middle of my xs650 build.. hardtailed, springer front end, spool hub with no front brake, 667 big bore pistons with mikuni vm34 carbs... wicked chop... don’t worry I have an unmolested completely stock xs650 also that I won’t chop up! Harder and harder to find

[@allanbrogdon7453]

Put slick-50 in mine clutch started slipping.Changed the oil took a few weeks but saved it -lesson learned!

[@haraldfilipancic7084]

a real pretty motor

[@arthurleino]

Those were good Motorcycles. I rode my 1978 XS650 special to Forest Grove, Oregon from San Diego and back. Kept it a steady 70 in California and 55 in Oregon. Sold it in 80 to a Squadron Mate.

[@snafu6548]

I still own my '79 XS650SF (my first new vehicle ever!), but the poor thing has been dead since the late eighties. Just can't part with it, as my hopes of restoring her remain strong.

[@gabrielmillien7439]

My favorite motorcycle. 🏍️😎

[@jmh8743]

like the twin very much.