1980 YAMAHA XS60 HERITAGE SPECIAL

This bike wasn’t about reinventing the wheel, it was about preserving the tried and true.

A fully stock 1980 XS650, with a few subtle upgrades to enhance the riding experience. Refurbishing components as needed, while preserving as much as possible. The Heritage Special is a wonderful trim level, fitted with beautiful 32 spoke rims and just the right amount of chrome creating a classic look at a time when “retro” was just beginning.

Yamaha’s XS series came in all shapes and sizes over the years. However, the 650 was at the forefront of this line, and packed some serious technological punch for its day. A compact, but not small frame, houses a stout sub 700cc parallel twin engine. While in all appearances it seems similar to some well known British manufacturers parallel twins of the day, this Japanese classic had some serious tricks up its sleeves. A horizontally split case meant far less oil leaks and far easier assembly than the vertical ones sported by said Brits. Additionally, it boasted a unit casting of the crank case and transmission with five speeds, years ahead of the Triumphs, Nortons, and BSAs when introduced back in 1969. Other advancements such as transistorized electronic ignition, an overhead camshaft, dual CV carburetors, and a wet sump oil pump helped this little machine pump out a very respectable 53 BHP allowing it to reach speeds just over 100mph in stock form. That’ll get ya to the Ton Bub. Other modern conveniences came in the form of and electric starter (the kickstart was still retained, as it should be) and front and rear disk brakes.

Later modifications included a lighter flywheel compared to the English bikes of the time, as well as aluminum pistons and lighter con rods,making for a quick revving, read: rapidly accelerating motorcycle. A ball bearing crank, as well as ball and needle bearings throughout the rest of engine internals, along with heavy castings meant these little motors are bombproof. As such, you can find them in everything from cafe racers to scramblers and choppers.