YAMAHA GX 750 (1976-1980) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Yamaha XS 750 and XS 850 were a line of motorcycles powered by a three-cylinder engine and manufactured by Yamaha from 1976 to 1981. It was voted by Motorcycle News readers as the "Machine of the Year."

In 1976, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha GX 750 (known in Japan), and unlike other models sold worldwide, the GX version was fitted with wire-spoke wheels instead of cast alloy ones. The XS 750 became the export name.

In the visual department, the 1976 Yamaha GX 750 was fitted with standard features, such as a round headlight, a one-piece dual seat with a passenger grab handle, a dual exhaust system, a side stand, and lightweight wire-spoke wheels.

In the performance department, the 1976 Yamaha GX 750 had installed a 747cc four-stroke three-cylinder air-cooled engine underneath its fuel tank, boasting 67 hp with a peak force at 7,000 rpm and 62 Nm (46 lb-ft) torque at 6,500 rpm.

A five-speed manual transmission fitted with a wet multi-plate clutch handled the bike's power and sent it to the rear wheel through a low-maintenance final shaft drive.

The bike packed a telescopic fork on the front paired with a single brake disc and twin side-mounted shock absorbers on the rear with a single brake disc mounted on the wheel, providing optimum suspension performance and handling.