Yamaha XS750 and XS850 Triples
Article by Mark Trotta
In 1976, Yamaha introduced a new line of three-cylinder motorcycles. The XS750 series featured a 747cc four-stroke motor with dual overhead cams, three carburetors, and 3 into 1 exhaust.
Several versions were offered:
- XS750 C (1976 - unpainted cast wheels)
- XS750 D, XS750 2D (1977 - 3 into 2 exhaust)
- XS750 E, XS750 SE (1978 - electronic ignition)
- XS750 F, XS750 SF (1979)
Advantages of Three Cylinders
Three-cylinder motorcycles, commonly referred to as "triples", are capable of making more power than a twin-cylinder engine due to their increased displacement.
Advantages over a four-cylinder bike are less weight and bulk, plus a narrower width that gives a handling advantage over an inline-four.
NOTE: The first modern production three-cylinder motorcycle was the Triumph Trident.
XS750 (1976-1979)
Early XS750 models were fitted with three 34mm Mikuni carbs and three sets of ignition points. The bottom end featured a forged steel crank with two-piece connecting rods. The dual overhead cams were chain driven.
XS750 Engine Specs
- Displacement: 747cc (45.6 cubic-inches)
- Bore x stroke: 68mm x 68.6mm
- Compression: 8.5:1
- Valves per cylinder: 2
Power output from the XS750 was 64 horsepower. Outfitted with triple disc brakes, stopping power was excellent. Total bike weight (with fluids) was about 550 pounds.
Yamaha XS models featured a five-speed gearbox. Final drive was shaft drive, which requires less maintenance than a chain-drive bike, and also endures bad weather better.
Although chain-driven bikes provide more power to the rear wheel, a shaft-driven bike is far easier to maintain. For that reason, it is a better choice for a daily commuter.
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In 1978, the three sets of ignition points were replaced with electronic ignition, allowing the rev limit of the engine to increase from 7,500 rpm to 9,000 rpm.
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Yamaha XS850
For the first three model years, Yamaha triples displaced 747cc. In 1979, bigger cylinders and pistons were fitted, increasing engine displacement to 826cc (advertised as 850). The engine kept the same stroke but had a larger bore.
XS850 Engine Specs
- Displacement: 826cc (50.40 cubic inches)
- Bore x stroke: 71.5 x 68.6 mm (2.8" x 2.7")
- Compression: 9.2:1
- Valves per cylinder: Two
XS850 Models
- XS850G Standard UJM (1980)
- XS850SG Special (1980)
- XS850LG Midnight Special (1980)
- XS850H Standard UJM (1981)
- XS850SH Special (1981)
- XS850LH Midnight Special (1981)
Other upgrades for 1979 included a redesigned cylinder head, which helped increase output to 79 horsepower, giving the XS850 top speeds of over 120 MPH.
In the last two years of manufacture (1980-1981), Yamaha XS850 models were assembled in the U.S.
Notes and Misc
Cycle World magazine referred to the Yamaha XS750 as a "Bargain BMW" and also rated it as one of the Top 10 bikes for 1976. In 1977, it was publicly voted by readers as Motorcycle News "Machine of the Year".
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