This is nostalgia. Back in the spring of 1993, out in San Diego California, this was the first thing I bought after graduating boot camp and arriving at my duty station at Naval Air Station North Island on Coronado island. I bought this 1980 Yamaha XS 850 special from another guy in the Navy for $600. He bought a brand new bright orange Harley 883 sportster after selling me the old Yamaha. It had a shaft drive, was black with this crappy looking light beige colored seat cover. I had a lot of fun on that bike just cruising up the coast on I-5 to Dana point, Laguna beach and Santa Montica. Honestly, I don't think that bike was running properly because it just didn't feel like it had much power and on the freeway it could barely get up to 85 mph. I really wanted to get a new 1100 Virago. And then, browsing at a Yamaha, Honda dealership I saw the brand new 1994 bright red with chrome Honda Magna 750 and fell in love. 😚

@hoppy760

Жыл бұрын

I live in SD and enjoyed reading your memory. Can’t beat riding in SoCal.

the 850 was only out 1980 and 1981 and that one is the 1980 and it absolutely has an aluminum block.

i used to have one of these long ago, i miss it something fierce too. mine was stolen many years ago and one day on craigslist my pops found it . we went and seen it and i had brought my key and title to it and my registration as well. well, long story short, i had the bike started and running. well he asked how i did it and i told him to look at the v.i.n. nubers on my registration and title,,,,, he was ill after that. lol he offered my bike back to me with appoligies and said he bought it from some one else . i told him its in too rough of shape but it was very cool to find it at last and hear it run. i had a big lump in my throat because my pops gave me that bike when i turned 13 !!! yes 13 and it meant the world to me ever since. id love to own a nice one now. i know that fast bike wouldve killed me, everything happens for a reason. my name is Jack Bush i live in Michigan, Belding area.

I will visit the Museum, I must see the KZ 1000 LTD Kawasaki. I used to ride this bike it was my first big bike. Thanks for what you do Ken. God bless America.

And now it's mine! 1980 XS850 MS 2.0.. Thanks to Ken Jr for his recent assistance.

I had one that I drove from 1990-94 in college and now I can't believe let it go. It was so much fun and reliable. I drove it year round in Indiana (not fun to kick start a 3 in the winter when you could not afford a new battery) It was just a fun perfect bike and I have found memories

I rode a XS850LH from 95 to 99, put 20,000 miles on it, bought it for $800 and sold it for $800, it was a great machine, thanks for posting!

Finishing the ground up restoration on this beauty. The Mikuni 36mm flat slide carb set up gets delivered from Australia tomorrow. Freshly painted tins show up Wednesday. This bike will look brand new again in a week. And definitely run better than it ever has. Only thing is finding the oil leaks after it runs again for a while. Gasket set ordered!

I owned one of these. I loved it. Unfortunately it was stolen out of Salem Oregon and never found.

i never knew these bikes were made my ol lady got me a xs650 couple years back for my bday and i fell in love with em sweet ride love the triple

The legendary sound of the tripples 🥰. . . Also, I 've always put mine on the main stand sitting on it. . Well not sitting but standing on it. .

Anybody interested in a 81 850 special with 4100 kms. Was barely broke in before it was stored. Runs well. New tires.

Yamaha called the finish on the headlight rim 'Gold chrome'

Reminds me of my first xs750. Outstanding bike with a super fun engine.

@halnwheels

2 жыл бұрын

The XS750 was my first motorcycle. Except for the three points ignition system, it had very advanced features. This model has electronic ignition, and a nicer seat. Notice it still has kick start! Very comfortable to ride.

That thing is awesome👍

What a sound!

My bro and I just put a ‘79 XS750F (standard, not Special) back on the road after it sat for the better part of 40 years with only 5k miles on it. Took it on a tour with his ‘82 Seca through the PA Wilds, interesting comparison of two shaft driven 750 old school sport tourers from Yamaha. The Seca ultimately holds an edge in performance but the XS750’s got that soulful “torn-canvas” exhaust note from the triple and is a much classier looking rig

Yep kick assss piece oldie and a goodie

I have recently picked up an '80 850 midnight special and want to resize the jets like you mention in the video, what size did you change them to?

Dope

It fires right up because it was warm . You just came in from a ride on it and then fired it up almost immediately.

So many videos tonight!!!! Get your popcorn ready!!!

Oh no what happened to the mic?

Another 1

Do you need tire tubes on this bike ?

@kencooper526

2 жыл бұрын

Yes

I own this same bike and it is in similar condition. The tank is a little better, but otherwise very similar. It runs and rides, and has no issues. My question is simply, l am 72 years old and want to sell it. What do you think it is worth? Looking forward to your response.

@billstrube3425

Жыл бұрын

I messaged you a few days ago for a response on the estimated value of my 1980 XS850. All I got was a heart. Again l ask, what do you think is an estimated value. I'm 72 years old and I can no longer ride.