YAMAHA XJ 650 (1980-1985) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Yamaha XJ 650 was a motorcycle manufactured by Yamaha in 1980 and was marketed as a sporty machine. It was suitable for everyday use, so it gained a reputation as a reliable touring motorcycle.

In 1980, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha Xj 650, a motorcycle made in two versions: Maxim for the American market and Seca for the European market, with several differences.

In the visual department, the bike was equipped with standard features, such as a large, round headlight with two instrument gauges mounted on top, a one-piece dual seat, a dual exhaust system with a silencer on each side, and five double-spoke lightweight wheels.

The 1980 Yamaha XJ 650 had installed a 653cc four-stroke air-cooled four-cylinder engine underneath its fuel tank, fed by four Hitachi carburetors, delivering an output power of 71 hp at 9,400 rpm and 57 Nm (42 lb-ft) torque at 7,500 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 was built around a tubular double-cradle steel frame with a 36 mm Kayaba telescopic fork on the front, offering 142 mm of travel and dual side-mounted Kayaba shocks with 93 mm of travel.

As for the braking power, the bike's wheels were fitted with two 268 mm discs with a single-piston caliper on the front and a drum braking unit on the rear, offering optimum stopping performance.