| MODEL | YAMAHA XS 650 SPECIAL 1978 - 1979 |
| Year | 1978 - 1979 |
| Engine Type | Four-stroke, parallel twin, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement / Capacity | 653 cc / 39.8 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 75 x 74 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Max Power | 39.5 kW / 53 hp @ 7200 rpm |
| Max Torque | 54 Nm / 5.5 kgf-m / 39.8 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm |
| Ignition | Battery, induction coil |
| Induction | 2 x Mikuni BS34SU carburetors |
| Start System | Electric and kick |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
| Gear Box | 5-speed |
| Clutch | — |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | — |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic forks |
| Rear Suspension | Dual shock absorbers |
| Front Brakes | Twin hydraulic discs, 267 mm |
| Rear Brakes | Single hydraulic disc, 267 mm |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | 2130 mm / 83.9 in |
| Overall Width | 930 mm / 36.6 in |
| Overall Height | 1225 mm / 48.2 in |
| Seat Height | 785 mm / 30.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 1435 mm / 56.5 in |
| Ground Clearance | 135 mm / 5.3 in |
| Dry Weight | 210 kg / 463 lbs |
| Wet Weight | — |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 3.50S-19 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/90S-16 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 11.5 Litres / 3.0 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | — |
| Top Speed | — |
The XS 650 Special was the cruiser-styled version of the Yamaha twin with a stepped seat, rear disc brake, 16-inch rear wheel and smaller tank. It helped start the factory custom trend and is the most common version found today.
