c.1981 Yamaha XS650 Street Scrambler Custom

Arguably Japan's most successful attempt at a traditional, British-style 'big twin', Yamaha's 650 debuted in 1969 as the XS1, progressing via the XS2 to the XS650. Developed with assistance from ace road-racer Percy Tait, the XS650 banished the handling woes of its predecessors while retaining their torquey, bullet-proof, overhead-cam motor. Top speed was within a whisker of 110mph, while restrained riding could see fuel consumption approach 60mpg. In modified form the engine was used successfully in sidecar moto-cross and also by Yamaha in dirt-track racing in the USA. More recently the XS650 has become a favourite with customisers, who have found it the perfect 'blank canvas' for transformation into café racers, bobbers, scramblers, and flat trackers. The model's strong after-market support ensures plentiful parts supply and a wide range of styling options.

This striking Yamaha XS650 Scrambler was acquired by the current private owner at an auction in May 2025 and clearly reflects extensive works undertaken by a previous owner. Upgrades appear to include, but are not limited to, repainted wheel rims with new spokes and Mitas tyres; a bespoke paint scheme; bar-end mirrors; and an after-market tail light and indicators. Since acquiring the Yamaha, the vendor has changed the oil and used the bike sparingly, though the usual safety checks and recommissioning are advised before returning it to the road.

The slimline speedometer's odometer reading was 15 miles at time of purchase and is now 53 miles, approximately 15 of which were covered on the trip to Bonhams store in late October. However, as the speedometer is clearly a replacement and there are no MoT certificates on file, nor any recorded history on the gov.uk MoT database, the true mileage since 1981 is unknown but evidently exceeds 53 miles. Now over 40 years of age, the machine is MoT exempt.

Accompanying documentation consists of a V5C Registration Certificate showing three former keepers; an HPI Report recording three previous keepers; and a DVLA vehicle enquiry print out. It should be noted that the V5C incorrectly lists the frame number as '4470855985' (with a '0' in place of the correct dash separating the prefix and serial number).
Offered with key