Yamaha XS750, manufactured from 1976 to 1979, is a 747cc inline three-cylinder motorcycle, succeeded by the 826cc XS850 in 1980-1981, designed for touring and urban riding. Priced at $2,240 in 1976 (roughly $12,000 in 2025 dollars), it featured a shaft drive, triple disc brakes, and a smooth-running engine, earning it the 1977 Motorcycle News Machine of the Year title. With a claimed 64 bhp and 106 mph top speed, it targeted riders seeking a balance of performance and comfort in the 750cc segment, which dominated 20% of global motorcycle sales in the late 1970s. This report details the XS750’s engine, design, handling, maintenance, and collector value, focusing on enthusiast needs. For those researching Yamaha XS750 classic bike specs or its place among the best retro motorcycles for 2025, this offers a fact-based overview.(Wikipedia )
Engine Specifications: Triple Cylinder Performance
The XS750 is powered by a 747cc, inline three-cylinder, air-cooled, DOHC, 4-stroke engine with a 120-degree crankshaft, delivering 64 bhp at 7,500 RPM and 47.7 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 RPM, paired with a 5-speed gearbox, company records confirm. Early models (1976-1977) used three 34mm Mikuni Mark I carburetors and ignition points, while 1978’s XS750E introduced electronic ignition and Mikuni Mark II CV carbs, raising the rev limit to 9,000 RPM, industry sources note. The engine’s smooth power delivery suited 50-200 km tours, achieving 0-60 mph in 5-6 seconds, test data indicates. However, a second-gear issue, dropping to neutral under load, required short-shifting from first to third, riders report. The later XS850 (1980-1981) increased displacement to 826cc, boosting output to 79 bhp, though it complied with stricter emissions, officials confirm.(Classic )
Fuel Efficiency: Mileage and Touring Range
The XS750 averaged 45-50 mpg (19-21 kmpl) in real-world conditions, with a 17-liter fuel tank (24-liter optional in Europe) offering a range of 323-357 km, ideal for cross-country rides like Delhi to Jaipur, enthusiast feedback suggests. In triple cylinder bike history, it matched the Triumph Trident’s 20 kmpl but trailed four-cylinder rivals like the Honda CB750’s 22 kmpl, industry figures show. Highway cruising at 60-70 mph yielded 50 mpg, while city riding dropped to 40-45 mpg, test reports indicate. At ₹100/liter for petrol in 2025, a tank costs ₹1,700, reasonable for collectors maintaining vintage bikes, riders note. The XS850’s larger engine reduced mileage to 40-45 mpg, company data confirms.(Motor )
Design Elements: Touring Aesthetics and Build
The XS750 features a touring-oriented design with a 3-into-1 exhaust (3-into-2 in 1978’s XS750E), cast alloy wheels (wire wheels on 1976’s GX750 in Japan), and a distinctive striped tank decal, measuring 2,165 mm long, 800 mm wide, 1,165 mm tall, with a 1,465 mm wheelbase and 232 kg dry weight, company specs note. The 31.9-inch seat height suited riders from 5’4” to 6’, with a cushy foam seat for long rides, enthusiast reviews highlight. Colors included black, red, and blue, with the 1978 XS750SE “Special” adding a teardrop tank and chopper-style forks, dealers confirm. A stock fairing, rare for its $2,400 price range, improved aerodynamics, industry sources indicate. Plastic components and unpainted wheels aged poorly, but the steel frame resisted rust, riders report.(Wikipedia )
Suspension and Handling: Touring Dynamics
The XS750 uses telescopic front forks (135 mm travel, adjustable from 1978) and dual rear shocks, paired with a double-cradle steel frame, offering stability at 60-80 mph, test data suggests. Triple disc brakes (two front, one rear) provided strong stopping power, though early models suffered brake fade under heavy use, riders note. The 17-inch cast wheels with tubeless tires (1978 onward) ensured grip, but the soft suspension felt squishy in corners, limiting sporty handling, industry tests indicate. Compared to the Kawasaki Z1’s firmer setup, the XS750 prioritized comfort for 100-200 km tours, dealers confirm. The 232 kg weight and shaft drive made low-speed maneuvers challenging, commuter feedback suggests.
Safety Features: Braking and Stability
Safety includes triple disc brakes, a pass switch, and a side-stand cut-off, with the 1978 XS750E adding electronic ignition for reliable starts, company data confirms. The shaft drive reduced maintenance but caused slight torque steer, noticeable during hard acceleration, riders report. No ABS or traction control was available, typical for the era, industry sources note. The LED-free halogen headlamp offered decent visibility, but weak low beams frustrated night riders, enthusiast feedback indicates. The fairing’s rake improved high-speed stability, a first for sub-$2,700 bikes, test reports highlight. The XS750’s 550-pound curb weight demanded careful handling in traffic, dealers advise.(Wikipedia )
Pricing and Variants: Historical Costs
The XS750 launched at $2,240 in 1976, with variants including:
Standard (1976-1979): $2,240-$2,600
XS750E (1978): $2,500, with electronic ignition
XS750SE Special (1978-1979): $2,700, chopper styling
XS850 (1980-1981): $2,800-$3,000, 826cc engine
In 2025, restored XS750s fetch $1,200-$2,000 on collector markets, while XS850s range from $1,500-$2,500, auction data estimates. Unrestored bikes cost $800-$1,200, often needing carb and electrical work, enthusiast forums suggest. In India, equivalent pricing would be ₹1-2 lakh, factoring import costs, dealers note. Maintenance parts remain available, but second-gear fixes are costly, riders report.(Motor /)
Technology Features: Era-Specific Innovations
The XS750 featured a digital regulator/rectifier, three carburetors, and a 3-into-1 exhaust, with 1978’s XS750E introducing electronic ignition and a two-position choke, company specs confirm. A stock fairing with storage, rare for its price, added touring utility, industry sources note. The 1979 XS850 replaced the dipstick with an oil viewing window, dealers highlight. No modern tech like Bluetooth or LCD displays was included, but the shaft drive minimized maintenance, riders report. Compared to the Honda CB750’s four-cylinder complexity, the XS750’s triple was simpler to service, test data suggests. A 5-year frame warranty underscored durability, company records indicate.(Wikipedia )
Competitive Landscape: 750cc Segment Rivals
The XS750 competed with:
Honda CB750:: 67 bhp, 22 kmpl, $2,200—smoother, heavier at 240 kg, industry figures show
Kawasaki Z1: 82 bhp, 20 kmpl, $2,500—faster, chain-driven, market tests note
Triumph Trident: 60 bhp, 20 kmpl, $2,600—less reliable, riders say
Suzuki GS750: 63 bhp, 21 kmpl, $2,300—faster, less comfortable, industry data indicates
Yamaha’s 2,000+ global dealers and shaft drive gave it an edge for tourers, but the Z1’s power and CB750’s refinement challenged it, market insights suggest. In triple cylinder bike history, the XS750’s 64 bhp and smooth ride earned it Cycle World’s “Bargain BMW” title in 1976, sales data confirms.(Motorcycle)
Maintenance Costs: Keeping It Running
Annual maintenance costs $200-$400 (₹15,000-₹30,000 in 2025), covering oil, filters, and carb cleaning, enthusiast data suggests. Common issues include second-gear slippage, carb seizures, and electrical faults like solenoid wear, reducing starter reliability, riders note. A full carb rebuild costs $150-$200, while second-gear fixes run $300-$500, industry sources indicate. Parts are available via global suppliers, but rare components like fairings are pricey, dealers confirm. The shaft drive cuts chain maintenance, saving $50 yearly, test reports suggest. Regular valve adjustments every 6,000 km ensure 50,000+ km longevity
Collector Value: Market and Restoration
Restored XS750s sell for $1,200-$2,000 in 2025, with pristine models hitting $2,500, auction records estimate. The XS750SE Special and XS850 fetch 10-20% more due to rarity, enthusiast forums note. Unrestored bikes, often with 20,000-30,000 miles, cost $800-$1,200 but require $500-$1,000 in repairs, riders report. Key restoration costs include tank repainting ($200), chrome replating ($300), and electrical rewiring ($400), industry sources suggest. The XS750’s cult following, especially in Germany and the US, drives demand, with 150,000 units produced, dealers confirm. Regular maintenance preserves value, commuter insights
Purchase Logistics: Acquiring a Classic
XS750s are available via auctions, enthusiast forums, and marketplaces like eBay, with US and European sellers dominant, industry data suggests. Buyers should verify frame condition, carb functionality, and second-gear performance, dealers advise. Shipping to India adds ₹50,000-₹80,000, with customs duties doubling costs, importer feedback indicates. Restoration projects start at $800, while ride-ready bikes cost $1,500-$2,000, auction estimates note. Test-rides are rare but critical to assess handling and engine buzz, riders suggest. Financing is unavailable for classics, requiring upfront payment, industry norms confirm. (E Bay)
Insurance Details: Coverage for Classics
Insurance for a restored XS750 costs $100-$200 yearly (₹7,500-₹15,000), varying by region. Comprehensive coverage at $150 includes theft and damage, with vintage bike policies offering agreed-value options, insurers estimate. Third-party coverage is $50, but inadequate for collectors, industry tips suggest. Online quotes save 10%, dealers note. Coverage reflects the bike’s low 106 mph top speed and touring use, rider feedback indicates.
Conclusion: Legacy and Appeal
The Yamaha XS750, priced at $1,200-$2,000 in 2025, offers a 747cc triple engine, 45-50 mpg mileage, and a 232 kg frame with shaft drive, triple disc brakes, and touring comfort. Its smooth engine and fairing made it a 1970s standout, though second-gear issues and dated suspension limit modern appeal, riders note. Ideal for collectors and tourers covering 50-200 km, it blends reliability with classic style. The XS750 remains a niche gem in the best retro motorcycle category, backed by a dedicated following, assuming maintenance is meticulous.
FAQs About Yamaha XS750 Classic Bike
What’s the current price range?
$1,200-$2,000 for restored bikes, $800-$1,200 unrestored, equivalent to ₹1-2 lakh in India, auction estimates note.
What’s the mileage?
45-50 mpg (19-21 kmpl) real-world, with a 323-357 km range on a 17-liter tank, industry figures indicate.
What are the key features?
747cc triple engine, shaft drive, triple disc brakes, stock fairing, electronic ignition (1978), company specs confirm.
How does it compare to the Honda CB750?
XS750 is smoother, shaft-driven; CB750 offers more power, chain drive, market tests show.
Is it good for touring?
Yes, 323-357 km range and comfy seat suit 50-200 km rides, riders note.
What’s the maintenance cost?
$200-$400 yearly, with carb and gear issues needing attention, enthusiast data suggests.
