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Naked Motorcycles

1981Yamaha XS 400

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The 1981 Yamaha XS 400 is a reliable middleweight twin perfect for novice and intermediate riders seeking an affordable, manageable motorcycle. Its air-cooled 392cc engine delivers modest power with excellent fuel efficiency, while the six-speed transmission and forgiving handling make it ideal for commuting and casual riding. Known for dependability and low maintenance costs, this Japanese machine earned respect as a practical entry-level bike.

Capacity
392.0 ccm
Engine
Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
6-speed
Wet weight
182.0 kg
Seat height
Not on record
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Power
27.0 HP (19.9 kW) @ 7000 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 1981 Yamaha XS 400

vs the 1980
Spec19801981
Power 27.0 HP (19.9 kW) 27.0 HP (19.9 kW) @ 7000 RPM
Other years 1980 1981 1982

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 29Agility 61Comfort 55Off-road 10Touring 40Road manners 60
Off-road & trail10%
Cornering55%
City riding68%
Daily riding60%
Touring42%
Two-up35%
Track15%
Best for
Best suited to relaxed commuting, weekend rides, and general around-town duties rather than performance riding.
Built for
An honest, unpretentious air-cooled twin with a classic Japanese UJM feel and modest, predictable performance.
Not ideal for
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.

Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
392.0 ccm
Power
27.0 HP (19.9 kW) @ 7000 RPM
Engine type
Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.1484 HP/kg (wet)
Bore x stroke
69.0 x 52.4 mm
Compression
9.2:1
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
140.0 km/h (87.0 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Wet weight
182.0 kg
Fuel capacity
17.00 litres
Seat height
Not on record - add it
Dry weight
Not on record - add it
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes
Expanding brake
Front tyre
3.00-18
Rear tyre
3.75-18

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 198019811982
Capacity 392 cc 392 cc 392 cc
Fuel capacity 17 L 17 L 17 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Yamaha XS 400?

The 1981 Yamaha XS 400 has a Capacity of 392.0 ccm (23.92 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Yamaha XS 400 have?

The 1981 Yamaha XS 400 has a Power of 27.0 HP (19.9 kW) @ 7000 RPM.

How many gears does the Yamaha XS 400 have?

The 1981 Yamaha XS 400 has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

How much does the Yamaha XS 400 weigh?

The 1981 Yamaha XS 400 has a Wet weight of 182.0 kg (401.2 pounds).

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