Sport Tourers
1981Yamaha XS 650
19 fields on record
The 1981 Yamaha XS 650 is a lightweight sport-touring twin that appeals to riders seeking manageable power and nimble handling. Known for its reliable air-cooled engine and comfortable ergonomics, it excels as an accessible middleweight for both commuting and weekend adventures.
- Capacity
- 654.0 ccm
- Engine
- Parallel Twin
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Wet weight
- 225.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 6800 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- A classic-styled custom cruiser best suited to relaxed street riding, weekend cruising, and light touring rather than outright performance.
- Built for
- Delivers a torquey, vibration-rich parallel-twin character with old-school charm and straightforward, predictable handling.
- Not ideal for
- Not the right choice for riders seeking modern sportbike speed, aggressive cornering ability, or any serious 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
- 654.0 ccm
- Power
- 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 6800 RPM
- Engine type
- Parallel Twin
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2222 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 75.0 x 74.0 mm
- Compression
- 8.4:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top speed
- 171.0 km/h (106.3 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Rear brakes
- Expanding brake
- Front tyre
- 3.25-19
- Rear tyre
- 4.00-18
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 | 654 cc | 654 cc | 654 cc | 654 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 XS 650?
The 1981 Yamaha XS 650 has a Capacity of 654.0 ccm (39.91 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Yamaha XS 650 have?
The 1981 Yamaha XS 650 has a Power of 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 6800 RPM.
How many gears does the Yamaha XS 650 have?
The 1981 Yamaha XS 650 has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
How much does the Yamaha XS 650 weigh?
The 1981 Yamaha XS 650 has a Wet weight of 225.0 kg (496.0 pounds).
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