When it comes to motorcycles that stand the test of time, few are as universally admired as the Yamaha XS650. Launched in the late 1960s, this versatile machine quickly earned a reputation for its durability, balanced handling, and timeless design — making it a favorite among both vintage purists and custom bike builders to this day.

At Heather’s Leathers, we appreciate motorcycles that combine performance with personality — and the XS650 is no exception.

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Born to Compete: A New Kind of ‘Universal Japanese Motorcycle’

Yamaha introduced the XS650 in 1968 to compete with popular British twins of the era — particularly Triumph and BSA. Yamaha’s secret weapon? A powerful, 653cc parallel twin engine known for its smooth power delivery and legendary reliability.

Unlike its British competitors, the XS650 offered:

• Easy maintenance

• Oil-tight cases

• Electric start (on later models)

• More consistent build quality

It wasn’t long before riders discovered the XS650 wasn’t just a clone — it set a new standard for middleweight motorcycles.

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The Engine That Became a Legend

The heart of the XS650 was its forward-thinking SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) parallel twin. Lightweight, simple, and surprisingly strong, this versatile engine became a favorite among racers, tourers, and customizers.

Its balance and torque made it equally at home:

• On the track

• Cruising city streets

• Tackling long-distance rides

Custom builders still love this motor today — from café racers to scramblers, bobbers, and choppers, the XS650 engine continues to be used as a foundation for countless builds around the world.

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A Bike That Inspired a Movement

The XS650’s clean lines made it a favorite canvas for motorcycle builders from the 1970s through today. Its simple double-cradle frame and strong frame geometry meant almost any style of bike — vintage tracker, hardtail chopper, modern retro — was possible with a bit of imagination and craftsmanship.

In many ways, the XS650 was a gateway bike that helped spark the modern custom motorcycle movement.

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Why the Yamaha XS650 Still Matters Today

Even decades after Yamaha stopped production in 1985, the XS650 remains one of the most popular vintage bikes — and it continues to be:

• Affordable

• Easy to maintain

• Available with plenty of parts support

• Perfect for customization

Collectors love it. Riders respect it. Builders can’t get enough of it.

At Heather’s Leathers, we’re proud to support riders who preserve this kind of heritage — and we handcraft leather saddlebags, seats, tool rolls, and accessories that pair beautifully with classics like the XS650.

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Yamaha XS650. Built for Tradition. Built for the Road.

Whether you’re restoring an original XS650 or building it into something new, your bike deserves leather gear made with the same care and craftsmanship as the machine itself.

👉 Discover custom handmade leather saddlebags, seats, and accessories at Heather’s Leathers, designed to last as long as the legends they ride with.

Real leather. Real riders. Made for the road.