Can the three-cylinder XS750 from the second half of the 1970s be considered the ancestor of the modern MT-09, XSR 900 and Tracer 9? 64 horsepower for 213 kg, shaft drive and a roadster look: still an enjoyable bike today
June 23, 2022
S.did you know that Yamaha had it produced three-cylinder engines even before the appearance of the excellent CP3 supplied with the MT-09? The genesis of the first three-cylinder of the Iwata House is located around the mid 70s when the English-style parallel twin-cylinder XS650 and the subsequent controversial TX750 were retired, which underwent recalls to remedy lubrication problems. The XS750 roadster it is the weapon of recovery in a segment that already saw the other Japanese manufacturers (but also the Italians) fighting each other in terms of performance.
THEIts air-cooled in-line three-cylinder engine with double-shaft distribution in the heads and two valves per cylinder expresses 64 horses, is powered by three 34mm carburettors and proudly still shows the kick start lever on the right hand side, even though it is equipped with an electric starter. The wheels are from 19 and 18 inches, the braking system consists of a set of three discs (the front 267 mm) and ultimately all the chassis is traditional, including the pair of rear shock absorbers attached to the swingarm whose left arm contains the shaft of the final transmission. Performance is close to i 190 km / h top speed and the weight is 213 kg, absolute numbers that can be found coupled even in contemporary motorcycles (if you want, you can do a quick test with our advanced search on the price lists page).
Lto XS750 it is not a lightning bolt of war therefore, but it has good performances and was proposed for a “cheerful” tourism thanks also to the abundant space for the passenger and the comfort of the driving position. Somewhere in between, if we wanted to make an unlikely comparison with the three-cylinder Yamaha of today, between the Tracer 9 and the XSR 900.
It is not a very rare bike, but it is also not very easy to see it on the streets – not even its subsequent evolution of 826 cc – and that is why we have been pleased to see that a 1977 example has just been sold on the Bringatrailer website for the price. with astronomical certain of $ 2,200.
The specimen appears in good overall condition with the normal flaws of a 45-year-old motorcycle such as the aribox pulled away and replaced by three single filters, a corroded silencer, some problems with the electrical blocks but ultimately nothing that can make us say that the XS750 for sale is in poor condition. And, moreover, There have never been significant complaints about the reliability of the Yamaha three-cylinder engine: certainly with little expense the new owner will be able to restore it to its ancient splendor and, perhaps, place it alongside one in the garage XS1100, the bike that sanctioned Yamaha’s entry into top performance with its 95 horsepower. But that’s another story.
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