Naked Motorcycles
1981Yamaha XJ 650
19 fields on record
The 1981 Yamaha XJ 650 is a middleweight classic that appeals to riders seeking balanced performance and reliability. Its air-cooled inline-four engine delivers smooth 71 horsepower with practical shaft drive, making it ideal for everyday commuting and long-distance touring. Known for durability and user-friendly handling, the XJ 650 remains a popular choice for both novice and experienced riders.
- Capacity
- 653.0 ccm
- Engine
- In-line four
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Wet weight
- 231.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 71.0 HP (52.2 kW) @ 9400 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- This bike suits riders who want a classic, versatile naked machine for commuting, weekend rides, and light touring rather than outright performance.
- Built for
- The air-cooled inline-four and shaft drive give it a smooth, mechanical charm with steady, unhurried power delivery rather than aggressive thrills.
- Not ideal for
- It's not the right choice for riders seeking modern sportbike agility, off-road capability, or class-leading acceleration.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Engine
- Capacity
- 653.0 ccm
- Power
- 71.0 HP (52.2 kW) @ 9400 RPM
- Engine type
- In-line four
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.3074 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 63.0 x 52.4 mm
- Compression
- 9.2:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Shaft
Performance
- Top speed
- 197.0 km/h (122.4 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Rear brakes
- Expanding brake
- Front tyre
- 3.25-19
- Rear tyre
- 120/90-18
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 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 653 cc | 653 cc | 653 cc | 653 cc | 653 cc |
| Fuel capacity | 20.5 L | 20.5 L | 20.5 L | 20.5 L | 20.5 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 650?
The 1981 Yamaha XJ 650 has a Capacity of 653.0 ccm (39.85 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Yamaha XJ 650 have?
The 1981 Yamaha XJ 650 has a Power of 71.0 HP (52.2 kW) @ 9400 RPM.
How many gears does the Yamaha XJ 650 have?
The 1981 Yamaha XJ 650 has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
How much does the Yamaha XJ 650 weigh?
The 1981 Yamaha XJ 650 has a Wet weight of 231.0 kg (509.3 pounds).
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