In 1982, Yahama walks in Honda’s footsteps and releases its very first turbocharged motorcycle. Honda had already paved the way with its CX 500 Turbo, quickly replaced by the CX 650 Turbo. In the following years, all four of the major Japanese motorcycles manufacturers will have their turbocharged models, with the Suzuki XN 85 and the Kawasaki 750 Turbo.
The engine block of the Yamaha XJ 650 is adopted for this motorcycle, yet modified to fit a turbocharger. Placed under the rear arm, in front of the wheel, the compression rate of the engine was reduced to compensate the turbo effect.
This technical choice allows the Yamaha XJ 650 Turbo to have a very smooth engine, so smooth in fact that the effect of the turbocharger disappears in some way. Yamaha also was the only one, out of the four Japanese manufacturers, to keep a bank of carburetors to feed the engine.
With the XJ 650 Turbo, Yamaha was aiming at the category of sports grand tourer with very specific details, such as the full body flare and the presence of a gimbal. In terms of design, the influence of the Suzuki Katana is particularly visible.

This Yamaha XJ 650 Turbo was only driven 2,384 kms. Delivered new to its current owner, it quickly joined a large collection where it remained for 31 years.
Having not run for so long, it will need to be restarted and is sold as is. Never registered, this Yamaha XJ 650 Turbo has no current registration document.

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