XS 850

1980 Yamaha XS 850 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Built around Yamaha's touring motorcycle platform, the 1980 Yamaha XS 850 utilizes a 826 cc (50.4 cu in) air-cooled in-line three, four-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 79 HP (57.7 kW) at 8,500 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 95.6 HP per liter, the engine character is reflecting a performance-oriented street tune that balances strong mid-range pull with an energetic top-end rush.

On the scales, the XS 850 measures 258 kg (569 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.31 HP/kg (3.27 kg per horsepower). The 24-liter (6.3 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 196 km/h (122 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Yamaha archive, this model family spans 3 indexed model years from 1980 to 1982, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.