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1970s Yamaha XS650 Valuation Report

Date: August 2025

Historical Overview

The Yamaha XS650 is a robust, unit-construction 654 cc parallel twin that blended British-style character with Japanese reliability. Early XS1/XS2 models set the template with classic tanks and side panels, while mid-’70s updates improved electrics and brakes. Late-’70s to early-’80s Special variants brought cruiser styling (pullback bars, stepped seats, 16" rears). In today’s UK market the clean, largely stock early standards command a premium, with later Specials trading lower unless exceptionally original. Many UK examples are US re-imports; completeness and correctness make the biggest difference to price.

UK Valuation Summary (by condition and year range)

Condition	Early Standards (XS1/XS2 & early XS650, approx. 1970–1973)	Later Standards & Specials (approx. 1974–1983)	Example External Source (non-link reference)
Project / Restoration Non-runner or incomplete; may need top-end, carbs, alternator/charging work and full cosmetic refresh	£1,200 – £2,000	£900 – £1,600	Anglia Car Auctions – classic bike lots
Roadworthy / Presentable Starts, runs and rides; older paint or period mods; generally complete and usable	£2,500 – £4,000	£2,000 – £3,200	Manor Park Classics – motorcycle results
Restored / Excellent Very original survivor or quality restoration; correct tank/side panels, instruments and exhausts; matching numbers	£4,500 – £6,500	£3,500 – £5,000	Bonhams – motorcycle auctions

Notes: Early UK-registered standards with correct tinware and exhausts sit at the top of the ranges. Later Special variants typically undercut early standards by 10–25% unless exceptionally original. US imports missing key parts or with cruiser conversions tend to trade below midpoints. Conversely, period-correct riders with tidy paperwork and OEM parts can exceed the upper bounds.

Value Influencing Factors

• Originality & completeness: Stock tank/side panels, airbox, instruments, indicators and OEM exhausts command clear premiums.
• Numbers & provenance: Matching engine/frame with UK documentation, old MOTs and invoices materially lift values.
• Mechanical condition: Camchain/tensioner, top-end noise, carb condition, alternator rotor/reg-rec and starter clutch are common cost drivers.
• Model & year: Early XS1/XS2 aesthetics (badges, colours, rims) are more collectible; late Specials are more price-sensitive.
• Restoration quality: Sympathetic, period-correct finishes and hardware outperform shiny but inaccurate rebuilds.
• Market timing: Spring/summer retail strongest; winter brings keener pricing on projects and riders.
• Accessories: Period luggage and screens are neutral; heavy customising (hardtails, chops) suppresses value unless return-to-stock parts included.

Conclusion

The UK market rewards correctness and early styling on the XS650. Projects are typically £1.2–2k (early) or £900–1.6k (later/Specials). Usable riders change hands at £2.5–4k (early) versus £2–3.2k (later/Specials). Collector-grade originals or high-quality restorations achieve £4.5–6.5k (early) and £3.5–5k (later/Specials). Buyers pay for OEM parts, matching numbers and tidy history files; heavy mods or missing tinware cap prices.

Note: Example source names are provided without outbound links. Exact sold listings may no longer be available online; prices were verified from sale records at the time of writing (including H&H Classics, The Saleroom, Collecting Cars, Pugh’s Auctions, Vintagebike.co.uk, Car & Classic).

All Valuations