Yamaha XS 650 Special Weight (487lb)

Quick answer

Across the 1979 and 1981 model years, the Yamaha XS 650 Special motorcycle has a listed wet/running weight of 487.2 lb (221 kg).

Wet / running weight487.2 lb (221 kg)
Fuel capacity3.17 US gal (12 L)
Full tank fuel weight19.7 lb (8.9 kg)
Model years covered
19791981

Yamaha XS 650 Special weight overview

WHAT THIS MEANS

At this weight, footing and parking technique matter. Once moving, geometry and balance can disguise the mass, but you still have to manage the full weight at walking speed.

Heavy Motorcycle

CATEGORY WEIGHT POSITION

How heavy is the Yamaha XS 650 Special?

wet weight

Using a model-level wet weight comparison, the Yamaha XS 650 Special is heavier than about 51.2% of 42 Yamaha sport-touring motorcycles with compatible weight data.

LighterTypicalHeavier
487.2 lb (221 kg)
42 Yamaha sport-touring motorcyclesMedian: 486.1 lb (220.5 kg)
WEIGHT VISUAL

Ready-to-ride weight

Wet / running weight487.2 lb (221 kg)
REAL-WORLD LOAD

Bike + rider total weight

These totals use the model’s representative wet weight. They exclude riding gear, luggage and a passenger.

150 lb rider637.2 lb (289 kg)bike + rider • bike is 76.5% of total mass
180 lb rider667.2 lb (302.6 kg)bike + rider • bike is 73% of total mass
210 lb rider697.2 lb (316.3 kg)bike + rider • bike is 69.9% of total mass

Yamaha XS 650 Special weight & related specs

Model years covered 1979, 1981
Wet / running weight 487.2 lb (221 kg)
Engine displacement 654 cc
Fuel capacity 3.17 US gal (12 L)
Full-tank fuel weight (estimated) 19.7 lb (8.9 kg)

Weight changes by model year

The available comparable weight figures do not show a meaningful year-to-year change.

Useful weight calculations

Displacement per pound 1.34 cc / lb
Weight per 100 cc 74.5 lb / 100 cc
Fuel weight as % of bike weight 4%

What the weight numbers tell you

Using a model-level wet weight comparison, the Yamaha XS 650 Special is heavier than about 51.2% of 42 Yamaha sport-touring motorcycles with compatible weight data.
The listed fuel tank capacity is 3.17 US gal (12 L). A full tank of gasoline is estimated to weigh about 19.7 lb (8.9 kg); this fuel mass is already part of a wet/running weight figure.

Yamaha XS 650 Special weight FAQ

What is the Yamaha XS 650 Special wet weight?

The supplied wet/running weight is 487.2 lb (221 kg) across the model years covered here. That figure is the most useful available number for real-world handling because operating fluids and fuel are included.

Is the Yamaha XS 650 Special lighter or heavier than other Yamaha sport-touring motorcycles?

Weight is broadly typical for the category, landing around the 51st percentile in this model-level Yamaha comparison.

Which Yamaha XS 650 Special years have different weight specs?

No clear weight change appears in the usable model-year data. Other specifications may still differ by year.

How much does a full tank add to the Yamaha XS 650 Special?

Based on the supplied 3.17 US gal (12 L) tank capacity, the gasoline itself weighs about 19.7 lb (8.9 kg) when full. On models with a wet/running weight, that fuel mass is already included in the listed ready-to-ride figure.

What is the combined Yamaha XS 650 Special and rider weight?

Using the model’s representative wet/running weight and a 180 lb rider, the combined bike-and-rider mass is about 667.2 lb (302.6 kg) before riding gear, luggage or a passenger.

How much of the Yamaha XS 650 Special total weight comes from fuel?

The calculated full-tank fuel mass is about 4% of the listed motorcycle weight. Because the available basis is wet/running weight, that fuel is already included in the ready-to-ride figure.

What is the Yamaha XS 650 Special engine-size-to-weight ratio?

The available figures work out to 1.34 cc per lb. This is not a performance rating, but it is a useful way to compare engine size against total motorcycle mass.

Where will I notice the Yamaha XS 650 Special weight most?

The main challenge is low-speed and stationary handling. Once moving the chassis may disguise the mass, but backing up or holding it on a slope still means managing the full weight.

Official information note

Motorcycle specifications can vary by model year, market, equipment and the exact dry/curb-weight definition. Calculated fuel-weight and ratio figures on this page are estimates derived from the supplied specifications. Confirm critical figures in the owner’s manual or on the official Yamaha Motorsports website.