1979 Yamaha XS650

[@antondahl8945]

Fabulous bike. That is an XS650SF. I bought one new in 79 and by 89 had 100,000 miles on it. Wish I'd have kept it. I've owned 8 XS650s and still have six of them. Still one of my favorite bikes to ride. Peace

[@masterofnonetv8361]

I had the exact same red 79 xs650. It was my first road bike. Man I loved that thing!

[@markrancourt5430]

I'll second that.

[@luisoreto8367]

O Taken thiscicol

[@antondahl8945]

Guys I have a really nice 1980 XS650 special that is totally built for performance. It is bored to 750cc and will fly. What really amazes me though is the incredible handling. Tapered Timken steering head and swing arm bearings,fork brace and Avon Venom V rated tires and more...I never knew such great handling was possible out of these bikes!

[@TheFunkhouser]

Omg ... I was at school, 15 years old, was 1982, and I saw a guy riding one of these slowly through the grounds to where he was working.. I was in awe!! ❤❤ Just the look and the presence, that fat back tyre, the shape the colour!!

[@rockdude5150]

still riding my 79 xs 650 , same color , they sound great

[@TheUncleRuckus]

Seeing this bike brings back a lot of memories. My old man had a 79' 650 special in burgundy.

[@markrancourt5430]

Had that same bike. Seemed like not many in red. Loved it. Bullet proof.

[@Ytcoinshooter]

Wow! I had the identical motorcycle, same everything…bought a new ‘79 XS650F from Cycle World - Glastonbury. I rode it 7,000 miles in 23 days all over the USA incl the Sturgis rally in 1980. Put 24K on it before trading it in on my first shovelhead. The Rockies, Great Salt Lake, everywhere was amazing from the saddle of my Yammie.

[@JustinWelchUK]

Coolest dad ever! I hope my month old son and I can enjoy bikes as much as you and yours one day!

[@KaplanCycles]

If you make it your goal like I did then you definitely will best decision I ever made Ken Senior

[@steveschlagel6620]

This was my dream bike. Girlfriend borrowed me money to get it; and I sold my RM250 to pay her back. I've had 60 some bikes(ex dirt bike racer- fanatic), but these are really "special ". I've gone back and bought three more; but the red 79 Special was my favorite. I own Ducs, BMW's, KTM's now; but that Yamaha was so cool, I can't explain. It just thumps right through you, to your soul.

[@Patrick_B687-3]

God that’s a good looking bike. I’d be proud to show up on it almost anywhere.

[@arthurleino]

I bought a 1978 Special when I was in the Navy. Good motorcycle, had a sissy bar on it. Rode to Forest Grove, Oregon from San Diego a few times.

[@jerrybriardy]

My first bike, though mine was a '77. Taught myself how to ride on it. Rode it across the country in the early 80s camping along the way. Good times.

[@ophirdog]

This brings back memories.

[@michaellawrence5492]

Changed my stock final drive from 17/34 to 17/ 32 and Love the taller gearing and lower cruise rpm gained. If I was younger, lighter, and lived upon the flat lands I might have done 17/30 ,Ha!

[@rockdude5150]

will do the same to mine in the new year :)

[@antondahl8945]

I bought a brand new black XS650SF 1979 for $ 2,600 when I was 18. By 1989 I'd put 100,000 miles on it. It still ran. Replaced it with a low miles 1980 XS650SG. Wish I'd have kept my original. Owned eight of these over the years,still have 6. Peace

[@battlewaterloo]

great bike! I have had two of these and customised both. They are great fun to ride. I am getting another one next week to restore. Great video, thanks

[@richard9444]

Come home from work between 1-3.30 in the morning in London UK, always can't wait to see your channel great bikes great looking place can't wait one day to visit , LnR

[@KaplanCycles]

let us know when your coming, we will roll out the red carpet for you! Lots of friends in the UK! Ken sr

[@richard9444]

@@KaplanCycles will do Ken

[@paulgrogan8032]

The very day I graduated boot camp, I had my first 3 Navy paychecks and bought a 79 just like this one only canary yellow. Only problem was 1 week later I got my commission to the U.S.S KITTYHAWK and went to sea for 9 months....LOL

[@TheRealMaturecheese]

I used to own one of those in black, I sure miss it.

[@johnkinnane547]

G’day they were really a beautiful bike I remember looking at one when they were just imported to Australia I am over 60yo and when you say that she is over 40 yo it makes me cringe. I bought the 1.1 XS shaft which was a great touring bike anyway thank you for showing it it brings back some great memories regards John

[@craigsteeves4295]

I bought the same model and colour 40 years ago. Last week it I seen it for sale again.

[@davidknowles3459]

Looks great in Red.Here in the UK,we only got it in Black!

[@none7272]

Always brightens my day when i see an upload from ya ken!!! Awesome!!

[@ocavant]

I have an ‘80. King and queen seat and bar. Giving it to my kid. He’ll have to get it going but he’ll have a blast.

[@windridr66]

My first bike was a new 1979 650 Special (black). Great bike!

[@francoiselesage188]

François stevens from Belgium. Merveilleux souvenirs, toute ma jeunesse cette yam....merci pour toutes ces beautés Ken.

[@lukereynolds9907]

I would suspect you were a wild teenager mr Caplan love it brother god bless America

[@KaplanCycles]

One of the main reasons I have a strong faith in God is at I actually survived the crazy younger years

[@lukereynolds9907]

Kaplan Cycles New England Motorcycle Museum amen to that

[@antondahl8945]

Still one of my very favorite bikes to ride.

[@Ghostpeppar]

I have this bike 1979 Yamaha SX 650 special. And I want to learn all about it! I adore this bike!

[@mikebeasley553]

I've got a 75 right now with 7500 miles on it. A little bit rough and has been down at least twice. I think its gonna be a cafe style build. You guys got any parts you let go of . I really need a tank. Have seen another build using an XS 11 tank and it looked great. Everything I find on the web is 500 bucks. I'd be willing to trade some stock parts.

[@mightyjjk1298]

My first bike was black ‘83 Heritage Special. Awesome Bike! Thanks for sharing.

[@MarkMeadows90]

My uncle bought a new 1973 model XS650 back in 1973. Loved it. Sold it to my dad in 1976. My dad rode it for about a month, got scared of it. Said it had too much vibration and torque.

[@dannyb20vtec28]

I’m right in the middle of my 79 XS650 build.. it has a springer front end, hardtail, no front brake , chopped top motor mount , should be a death trap!

[@WILDGEESE399]

I love these bikes i had the 80 81 mod with twin disc i rode that bike everywhere got chased once by cop on bike but he couldnt find me luckily he was going the opposite way by the time he turned around i was gone ,i bought another one its a 78 model put away in the shed one day i will pull it out and rebuild it

[@blockheadfxstc0428]

Love the 77 XS650, where can I find a non running? I am having Absolutely NO luck finding a rebuild candidate, can you send me any links?

[@mosesknows2062]

The Yamaha 650 Special is my fav bike...

[@vontegethoff]

I had one of these too. Awesome channel

[@lordwilbyrockinem2952]

It's the best looking bike that's ever been created

[@rickyhildebrand114]

I almost sold mine but came to my senses.Mine is the dark blue version.

[@jamesrippee3986]

why did Yahama stop making them?

[@jerseyrider4369]

drilled holes in the baffle to go faster????

[@jeffferguson899]

I love that you end your videos with"god bless America" I am an atheist from Canada, but it just shows that you are a true patriot in a world of snowflakes

[@jamesdewer]

That's right, the biggest difference with the 80 -81 was the rear grab handle, that being and at the time huge difference steel tubular handle , alloy grab handle. I was looking at the Bonneville or this. I could afford neither. Interest rates at the time was 25%. Money was expensive.

[@robertcrocker9093]

I'm 15 building 1 out of the 2 I own cuzz one of the engines is seased im exited for it to be my first bike

[@اکرمباغبان]

I wanna buy one here in india sx650 1984 model The bike condition is so so, Can u pl advise how much I should go for?

[@JohnSmith-yn8pl]

I owned 3 650 Yamaha twins. All was good running.

[@k.i.i.3699]

Ken Jr has an exact copy of his fathers voice! It almost sounds like Ken Sr is talking to himself.

[@SaiKumar-wd4hj]

very beautiful bike 👌👌✌️

[@kristynfredrickson9210]

I have the same bike..a 1979 xs650 Yahama...this bike is almost in mint condition with all original parts (the spidomiter is broken) and it only has 2000 miles on it. Has a title and runs fantastic! Can anyone tell me what mine might be worth please?

[@Dominoid86]

I found one! Old man owned since 92 for 500 cash!!

[@troycrowder9942]

and that dam thing sounds good

[@williamfoltynewicz9780]

Ah The old Japanese Vibrator Had one before switching to the Inline 4's Did the same thing to my pipes

[@eliximenes8193]

Beautiful motorcycle 1972 very good

[@troycrowder9942]

i have to say i i havent seen one bike you guys have had up for sale that wasnt top knotch

[@kk2into194]

Sounds wicked!

[@nancyblanchard9175]

Hey Ken love your stuff. But, Hartford to Montreal on original tires,no thanks, but it's not across the country

[@antondahl8945]

The Avons were not the original tires.

[@TheBsbk1]

Slick bike!! Is that mic from the 70s too? lol

[@seanhutchins1]

I am looking for this bike. If you know of one reach out !

[@jamesrippee3986]

It looks great.

[@Spool77]

Sweet bike!

[@DARisse-ji1yw]

Wish they still made these.... but with fuel injection... modern alternator & charging system. ....

[@nut-thing601]

Yup alternator & charging systems suck !.

[@jcampbell2481]

@@nut-thing601 I have had my 1978 XS650SE for 13 years now. The stock alternator works very well for me. You need to clean the slip rings occasionally and keep an eye on the brush length. The best think is to replace the stock mechanical regulator with an automotive regulator such as the VR115 from AMC cars. I have never had any charging problems.

[@jasonking9401]

They do! Yamaha XSR700 🎉

[@motomark9736]

This was my third Street bike I had previously owned a 550four And a 750 four and at 23 I bought this from a guy in town it was great handling I use to wheely it it quit charging and I don't remember what I did with it after that

[@RotorKev]

Had a 1979 XS650 special when ias 19, only paid $350 for it.

[@mjf650]

Hermosa !!

[@nancyblanchard9175]

That sounds so much bigger than a 650

[@phasegen]

My 81 xs650 was Midnight Blue

[@micky_mc_mullet1992]

ken kaplan for president

[@joseluisbronco9069]

Tuve una fue mi segunda moto una maravilla su sonido unico

[@casio745]

that sound wowwww

[@rodgerweed2010]

Very nice bike.

[@nut-thing601]

Those bikes are notoriously riddled with electronic problems..i know, i own one... Can't believe he said...the electronics are better then other biles.

[@antondahl8945]

The electronic system is fine. I put 100,000 miles on my 79 XS650SF and it was rock reliable. I did install a Martech electronic ignition on mine.

[@antondahl8945]

Martek oops

[@PenDragonsPig-Jam_on_Top]

Mine was burgundy and I hand painted it crappy black so everyone though it was a POS. Much fun, much burning people off, much pissing people off, much BLLLAAAAT!

[@farreltucker7466]

Like mine started out.

[@bigridge717]

Is Wolverine trying to sell me an xs650?

[@Cornbreadjonez]

Amazing

[@ksprr6856]

Wolverine, is that you?

[@aliloukerrout7122]

I have yamaha chappelle xs653 I'm from in Algeria

[@daverees9344]

In the UK, that would be $10,000

[@gersonferreira1230]

Twin rx 180 brasileira motors 2T

[@supersportimpalass]

$5500 and it still needs tires? WTF!!!!!

[@markwhitty4838]

"Runs like a raped date" apologies, but what a way to describe a motorcycle 🤣

[@hondashadow8379]

*raped ape

[@user-oq3ls6tx6t]

Got mine for 200