Motorcycle specifications YamahaXJ 650 1980 Roadster simplicity

presentation of the XJ 650 1980

Born in 1980, the 650 XJ inaugurated a line of road-going machines that continues today with the 1300 XJR.

The engine is a classic road-going 4-cylinder with double overhead camshafts and two valves per cylinder, developing 71 hp at 9,200 rpm. Maximum torque is reached at 7,500 rpm. In those days, of course, there was no fuel injection, so there were 4 carburetors. A universal joint transmits power to the rear wheel.

Braking was provided by two 267 mm discs and single-piston calipers. There's a drum at the rear, but it's not quite enough to stop the 231 kg of this beast, which can exceed 200 km/h. The frame is a double tubular steel cradle.

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This machine had a fairly short career - production was discontinued in 1983 - and saw few changes, mainly openwork brake discs and adjustable shock absorbers. It was replaced by the 600 XJ, which became the Diversion some ten years later.

It's a good tourer that requires little maintenance (thanks to the cardan shaft...), fuel consumption is reasonable, and the saddles of the time were more duo-friendly than those found on more recent bikes.

As for reliability, no worries, the one I own has clocked up over 100,000 kms and consumes no oil.

Michel S.

Published on 10/20/21
by Greg

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Key facts Yamaha XJ 650 (1980) : What you need to know before you buy

Highlights

• Rareté
• Fiabilité
• Entretien

Weak points

• Freinage

Prices

	Basic version
France	2,860€

Bikers' reviews

of 4 reviews Read reviews

Model sold in 1980 1981 1982 1983

Replaced by

XJ 650 1981

Performance

• Max speed : approximately 200 km/h (124.30 mph)

Competitor

Kawasaki Z650 1980

Find others Naked of 1980

Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 4 reviews

duingt Model 1980

This bike replaced a CB 400N, which was reliable enough to be used for military service in Germany, but had the handling of the time, and the engine feel quickly became boring. In the end, I was bored to ride it, and didn't appreciate its engine character or roadholding, let alone its braking. Replaced by a more fun FJ1100, albeit with many faults. 04/20/2025 10:21 Rating : 2/5 Respond to duingt

Amour à vie

Fazerman Model 1981

This is my very 1st motorcycle, and it was second-hand, belonging to a whole host of people before me, some of whom had mistreated it. In spite of this, it has always been faithful to me, with outstanding reliability. Heavy, clumsy, a bad brakeman, it's not the ideal bike when you're starting out, but how I loved it: the velvety 4-cylinder, the cardan shaft, the great comfort, I had the impression that it was made to take care of you, even those who mistreated it!
The sensation of the 1st, it's exceptional whatever the subject, 1st girlfriend, 1st motorcycle it's the same, crazy in love! I keep such an exceptional memory of it that I refuse to find it again and tarnish my memory of youth. Normal, I've had around twenty motorcycles, including ten or so super-sport 1000s, including a very turbulent r1 98 with no assistance and no steering damper, which broke both my shoulders! The 650 XJ with universal joint is an exceptional machine that exacerbates feelings of love! 05/08/2023 20:27 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Fazerman

rare et cher

mecatwin Model 1980

puncture-proof and very reliable, a restored 1980/1981 4KO model sells for between €4500 and €8000, refurbished and entirely original... of course...!!! 10/11/2020 11:14 Rating : 5/5 Respond to mecatwin

magicsenna Model 1980

I've always really liked this bike, with its harmonious lines. A great competitor to the Z650, it didn't overshadow it much, even if its dynamic qualities were better. I can understand a manufacturer's desire to make a better bike than its neighbor, and even if the Kawasaki looked a little dated in terms of looks, it retained the favor of a public that had always supported it. Looking back, I didn't see that many of them on the road. Probably the price at which it was sold was justified, although it would have deserved a third disc for the price (the latest Z650Fs had it), but I think that the bikers it did not leave indifferent must still have found it a little too expensive. 02/25/2020 10:19 Rating : 5/5 Respond to magicsenna

Ricoune

I took my driving test on this bike in '83, which was a good memory, even though I used other, more pleasant bikes during my training, such as the Honda CBX 400, or the Honda CBX 650, which also had a cardan shaft. Although it was less maneuverable than the others due to its weight, it had a good character that made you want to twist the right-hand handle... A good start, all things considered, even if this machine didn't have the career it deserved. 05/06/2020 05:09 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

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FAQ Your frequently asked questions about the XJ 650 1980

What is the power of the XJ 650 1980?

The XJ 650 1980 develops a power of 73 ch (72 hp)

What is the torque of the XJ 650 1980?

The maximum torque of the XJ 650 1980 is 6 mkg to 7,500 rpm.

What is the maximum speed of the XJ 650 1980?

The XJ 650 1980 is capable of reaching a top speed of approximately 200 km/h (124.30 mph) on the track.

What is the weight of the XJ 650 1980?

The XJ 650 1980 has a a dry weight of 206 kg (454 lb), a weight when fully loaded of 231 kg (509 lb).

QWhat is the seat height of the XJ 650 1980?

To ensure good accessibility, the XJ 650 1980 offers a minimum seat height of 780 mm (30.71 in).

What is the price of the XJ 650 1980?

The price of the XJ 650 1980 is 2,860€ in France