Description
15th Sep, 2024 10:00
The September 2024 Auction
1980 Yamaha XS650 Special
Popular 1980s 650 twin-cylinder Custom / Cruiser
Estimate
£1, 500 - £2, 500
Buyer's premium: 15. 00%
Lot details
Registration: ESF645W
Frame: 4M4012266
Odometer: 57, 302
MOT: Exempt
The 'Special' differed from the standard with pullback bars and a teardrop tank
Appears to be in original and unrestored condition
Matching numbers and showing 57, 000 miles
V5
Fitted with an aftermarket exhaust system
Running recently but may require some recommissioning before use
During 1978, the XS650SE was released alongside the XS650E. This was the first of the Specials. In 1979 came the XS650F and XS650SF, with the XS650F being the last of the standard XS650s. These were the only two years that you had a choice of two models. The XS650SE and the XS650SF have smaller tanks with the cap offset to one side; much shorter pipes; cast wheels with a fat 16-inch rear with a disc brake; a steel grab-rail; steel side covers; and a slightly stepped seat that was hinged at the side.
By the end of 1979, cruiser bike sales were booming and Yamaha saw no reason to continue making ‘standards’. The XS650SG of 1980 had an alloy grab-rail, plastic side covers and a removable, even more stepped seat. The XS650SH of 1981 was the same as the XS650SG except for a return to a drum brake at the rear but still with cast 16″ wheels.
This was the last model sold in Australia but they continued for another two years in North America, as the XS650SI and XS650SJ Heritage Specials. These models returned to wire wheels, but with 72 spokes instead of the usual 36; steel rims but still with the 16″ at the rear; black chrome; and electronic ignition fired by the crank whereas all previous models had points, driven by the cam
We have been told by the owner that with a battery and some fresh fuel this bike will run. It has been part of his private collection.
