OUTSTANDING CLASSICS - 1976 YAMAHA XS650

[@CaffeineThrottle]

My Dad,RIP, bought one new in 1975.It was dark maroonish and gorgeous. I was 10 yrs old and used to help wash it .Then we'd go for a ride.👍

[@tommaples9174]

Gorgeous motorcycle 😍

[@bonniecavalcante9149]

Now it just hurts to watch when my passion is bigger than my wallet

[@ar2043]

Same!!! That's like every single video that they put up though!!! Haha!!! I definitely feel your pain!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🦅🦅

[@johnnydangerously9426]

Watch Craigslist for classic bikes . You can get a great deal on one . 😎

[@davidnorris5675]

So many get chopped up, I think they’re great in stock form

[@alanlake5220]

Totally agree

[@rcnelson]

Yep, and I don't get it.

[@RetNemmoc555]

I shortened the seat on mine by sectioning the loop. They're classics, but it's not like they're a Vincent Black Shadow. There are tons of these still on the road, and they make good templates for customization.

[@Don-lw4cb]

What a pristine beautiful motorbike , gorgeous!

[@paulh.5691]

Great bikes, had two of them Rode one day and night for three years on end, all seasons, was my only means of transport. The only bad thing about it I can name is the clutch actuating mechanism. I made it an hydraulic system with clutch slave cylinder from a Honda. You have to mill out the left cover and do some welding though. Works miracles!

[@lachlanmaccormack5427]

I believe that the Head of BSA, on seeing the first XS650 at the International motorcycle show in 68, stated that it was the best British Motorcycle we never made. I owned an XS650 in the early 80s, lovely machine.

[@rcnelson]

This is one fine example of the Yamaha XS 650. I preserve the fuel tanks of my motorcycles, old cars and tractors, and utility machines by filling them with Stabilized gasoline. Works great and as the cherry on top eliminates carbs gumming up. I did that with my XS 650 and let it sit for two years (don't ask) and it started and ran easily a few weeks ago.

[@mldiode]

Just a suggestion, zip tie those side covers to the frame through the top mount openings on the cover to the frame. Extra precaution to not lose them as if the spring loaded locking clasp isn’t secure those covers can fly off. Those covers in the right factory color are very hard to find. Years back I lost one and I was very lucky to find a new OEM cover in French blue. I had to get all the individual parts (locking mechanism )including the decal and have that professionally put on and clear coated. I went so far as to put my name and phone number on the insides of the covers with,” Reward if found”

[@allanfoster5418]

Beautiful machine. Kaplan America has best selection of classic bikes with a eye for detail in the entire world. 🇬🇧

[@GREYBEARDS]

I owned one just like that back in 1987 loved it rode like a dream so stable and reliable mine had 2k miles and I payed $700 for it from a Yamaha shop in Garland tx

[@cyclerider5652]

That's a nice one. Love the sound. Just right. Gold chains are cool. It's the great attention to detail on your bikes that I like.

[@KaplanCycles]

Glad you like them!

[@sissygoog9456]

1976 Yamaha KS 650 the bike is the same age as me wow so gorgeous great filming Ronald❤ it's absolutely amazing it only has 9,110 it's absolutely amazing that it's all original gorgeous condition Kaplan Cycles number one God Bless America❤

[@joelmclamore1898]

I like the sound of a 360 crank .😊

[@jerryandnancywertzbaugher7778]

Nice. We (I say we because I’ve given it to my son in law) have the same bike in the same condition. Oh, except it’s got peashooter mufflers. Fortunately we’ve still got the original mufflers so we could still make it completely original.

[@jefffawcett1626]

Ok, so I'm watching this and cracking up and drooling at the same time. Cracking up listening to Cap's story. I, too, started out in high school with a new 1974 Yamaha RD350 (LOVED it) but upgraded to a 1976 XS650 just like the one in the video..... that's the drooling part. The RD350 was like a small muscle car, super spicy, but the XS650 was like a big 'ol Buick. Nice, comfortable even two-up, dependable, and lot's of character. You guys are an inspiration to us older boomers!

[@treeandaturd]

had a 71, remember riding her home from the dealership, the induction roar was intoxicating!

[@peterholthoffman]

I can't believe I missed this! How much did it sell for?

[@geraldscott4302]

I'm old enough to remember when that was new. I was 17 in 1976. I bought a brand new 1979 Yamaha XS650 Special

[@joelmclamore1898]

Yamaha should bring this back.

[@Noelzsazsa]

I am in the process of restoring an xs650 other than some good discs and calipers I will keep it stock

[@andrewroberthook3310]

Had one of these In the early 80s It was a very good bike Rode it to school Great motor

[@dogsbyfire]

Great video and awesome bike! I’m assuming you also changed the fork seals and fork boots. Your detail job is mind blowing. I remember when those bikes were new, and I never saw one with wheels like that. Truly more beautiful than factory.

[@radsdad1]

My dad bought a new one to replace his RD350 and let 16 yo me take it for a spin. 3 tickets later, I gave it back him to him. He was so proud.

[@mickthemerciless9694]

I had the US Custom 650 in early eighties. Great solo bike Just needed a sixth gear as the vibrations were badand the engine screamed too much at higher, motorway speeds. Great fuel economy nomatter how you ride . Once managed 90 mpg! Average 60/70 mpg which is excellent. Easy to work on. Reliable and plenty of power unless you're a speed freak. The Japanese Bonneville.

[@hypervigilance1465]

so clean.

[@billbright1755]

Machine presents as new. Very nice. Only missing the tuning fork symbol.

[@markparker5451]

Justin sure does a nice job...good find!

[@sonnyseabury4051]

Too bad Yamaha doesn't make bikes that look this good anymore. Manic Mechanic taught Justin some good info on microdrilling the carbeurator pilot jets. That's awesome! John Lee seems to highly excel at whatever job he does..

[@KaplanCycles]

Couldn't agree more!

[@sonnyseabury4051]

@@KaplanCycles Hope You and your Family had a Happy and Safe Easter, Brother.

[@bresem]

I remember the place there where the outstanding MZ 250 GS was driven.

[@briandavey7187]

Absolutely gorgeous, my 76 Yamaha RS100 had a very similar paint job. Those alloy rims weren't standard as I recall? Are those Boranni rims? We loved to convert to Boranni's in the UK back then, survived the winters better with the road salt everywhere.

[@hubdormans5709]

The original alloy rims where D.I.D.and they where standard. Nice memories on my '75 and '78 XS650. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@PTG_Jamie]

I have a 73 TX650 I think you would like.

[@MonochromaticLightsource]

I've got a '77 650D with the twin discs.

[@matthewcoldicutt5951]

My french blue 76 XS has fewer miles than this one, but isn't flawless, as the Kaplan example is. I guess it all depends on what use they are put to.. tho it's sure lovely to see one like yours that has been brought up to concours condition

[@warrenarmstrong1175]

Wasn't this model affectionately known as "Vibrators" back jn the day? 🤔

[@Dicky104]

I loved mine. Was a great bike.

[@johnsabin3626]

best bike i ever had

[@mldiode]

I thought my 1976 XS650C which I’ve owned since new was cherry but this one blows mine away. Mine does have 80,000 miles of smiles though. This is the cleanest one I’ve seen! I assume this one still has points ignition and the stock charging system? I changed mine to electronic ignition and a PMA charging system. I assume this one is for sale? What is the price? P.S. French Blue Rocks!!!😊

[@peterfarrelly483]

They were a good bike.

[@pbmachines972]

Wow love it👌

[@gubergasse]

Can I buy the yamaha you show there?

[@vanguardsr368]

Same year as mine

[@3-DtimeCosmology]

Cool 😎

[@sergiososa5855]

yamaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!

[@mattd5681]

I had the 77. Harley guys hit me up all the time about it. Was my first bike