Naked Motorcycles
1981Yamaha XJ 550
19 fields on record
The 1981 Yamaha XJ 550 is a lightweight middleweight sport bike ideal for riders seeking nimble handling and accessible performance. Its air-cooled inline-four engine delivers smooth, reliable power with excellent fuel efficiency. Best known for its balanced geometry and manageable weight, it remains a popular choice for commuters and weekend enthusiasts alike.
- Capacity
- 528.0 ccm
- Engine
- In-line four
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Wet weight
- 204.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 9000 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- It's best suited to relaxed everyday riding and weekend backroad cruising rather than outright speed or long-distance touring.
- Built for
- It has the classic air-cooled inline-four charm of the early 1980s UJM era, favoring smooth, linear delivery and mechanical simplicity over aggression.
- Not ideal for
- It's not the right choice for riders seeking high-speed thrills, serious touring range, or any off-road capability.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Engine
- Capacity
- 528.0 ccm
- Power
- 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 9000 RPM
- Engine type
- In-line four
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2451 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 57.0 x 51.8 mm
- Compression
- 9.5:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top speed
- 176.0 km/h (109.4 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Rear brakes
- Expanding brake
- Front tyre
- 3.00-19
- Rear tyre
- 110/90-18
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 528 cc | 528 cc | 528 cc | 528 cc |
| Fuel capacity | 15 L | 15 L | 15 L | 15 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Yamaha XJ 550?
The 1981 Yamaha XJ 550 has a Capacity of 528.0 ccm (32.22 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Yamaha XJ 550 have?
The 1981 Yamaha XJ 550 has a Power of 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 9000 RPM.
How many gears does the Yamaha XJ 550 have?
The 1981 Yamaha XJ 550 has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
How much does the Yamaha XJ 550 weigh?
The 1981 Yamaha XJ 550 has a Wet weight of 204.0 kg (449.7 pounds).
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