Yamaha XS750 and XS850 Triples

The three-cylinder, shaft drive Yamaha XS750/850 was produced between 1976 and 1981, and while it was one of the most technologically advanced motorcycles of its day, the XS Triple never enjoyed the success of comparable bikes from other Japanese manufacturers.

Driven from the superbike market after the Yamaha TX750 twin proved unreliable, Yamaha faced the challenge of producing a new bike that was unique but not too radical for the mainstream market. Their solution was a 750cc DOHC inline three cylinder engine, producing 65 hp in standard form, in a fairly run-of-the mill "big bike" chassis.



Early bikes suffered from a number of problems which diminished their reputation and popularity, and when the four-cylinder XS1100 was launched a few years later, the triple was quickly forgotten about.