Yamaha Xs650 Review
"The best vintage Japanese twin you can still reasonably find."
Key Specs
Used Buyer Review
The XS650 is arguably the finest parallel twin Japan ever exported, and the used market knows it. Prices have climbed steadily because cafe racer and bobber builders hoovered up the decent examples years ago. What you're finding now is either genuinely sorted bikes from obsessive owners or basket cases dressed up with fresh paint. Learn to tell the difference before you hand over cash. Check the points ignition carefully — most survivors have been converted to electronic, which is actually a selling point, not a modification to be suspicious of. Mechanically these things are bulletproof when maintained, but neglect kills them slowly. The kick-only variants need a healthy battery to run the ignition, and that surprises new owners constantly. Sourcing parts is still reasonable thanks to the custom scene keeping suppliers interested, but genuine Yamaha bits are disappearing fast. Budget $300-500 for a proper service after purchase regardless of what the seller claims.
Pros
Cons
You need reliability without wrenching occasionally
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