Yamaha XS 850 G - [1979] Review and Comparison including Similar Bikes, Alternative Bikes, Performance Specs and Technical Information.
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Performance Review: Yamaha XS 850 G - [1979]

Yamaha XS 850 G - [1979] image

Yamaha XS 850 G - [1979]

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Yamaha

Figures & Specs Summary:

  • Edition: Yamaha XS 850 G
  • Year: 1979 | Type: Touring
  • Engine: 826 cc (50.4 ci) 6 Valve
  • Engine Type: Boxer | Cylinders: 3
  • Engine Stroke: Two | Valve Config: DOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: Carburettor
  • Cooling: Air | Fuel Type: Petrol
  • Transmission: 5 speed | Manual
  • Drive: Shaft
  • Wet Weight: 258 kgs (568 lbs)
  • Dry Weight: 0 kgs (0 lbs)
  • Power: 79 bhp (58 kW) @ 8500 rpm
  • Torque: 46.4 lb-ft (62.9 Nm) @ 7500 rpm
  • BHP Per Ton: 306.2 bhp
  • Torque Per Ton: 180.1 lb-ft
  • 0-60 mph (96.6 kph): 12.1 secs
  • 0-100 kph (0-62 mph): 12.3 secs
  • Top Speed: 118 mph (189.9 kph)
  • 1/4 Mile (Est.): 13.86 secs @ 98 mph
  • Frame: Steel
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Yamaha XS 850 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Yamaha XS 850 G is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1979. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1979 Suzuki GSX 1100 SX Katana Prototype and the 1980 Honda CB 900 FA Bol dOr.This particular Yamaha XS 850 has a 826cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Boxer Petrol powerplant with 3 cylinders and Carburettor.

Norton Commander Rotary - [1991] image

An alternative Boxer engine, Touring style motorbike includes the Norton Commander Rotary - [1991]

The 1979 XS 850 shares its Boxer engine and Touring style configuration with the likes of the 1991 Norton Commander Rotary and the 1990 Norton Commander Police. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the XS 850's Touring style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1991 Norton Commander Rotary | 1991cc.1990 Norton Commander Police | 1990cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 258 kgs (568 lbs) this makes the Yamaha XS 850 G in the same weight category as the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 or the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC SE, give or take 50kg.

Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder  - [2025] image

The 1979 Yamaha XS 850 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder - [2025]

In terms of power the 826cc 6 valve Boxer 3 cylinder engine produces 79 bhp (58 kW) @ 8500 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [73.4 bhp (54 kW) @ 8750 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm].

The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 46.4 lb-ft (62.9 Nm) @ 7500 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [50.9 lb-ft (69.0 Nm) @ 4750 rpm] and the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [47.2 lb-ft (63.9 Nm) @ 8100 rpm].

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Yamaha XS 850 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

Kawasaki Z1 DOHC B - [1975] image

The 1975 Kawasaki Z1 DOHC B has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1979 Yamaha XS 850 G.

The 1979 Yamaha XS 850 G has a Power to weight ratio of 306.2 bhp per ton and 180.1 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1979 XS 850 competing with the 1975 Kawasaki Z1 DOHC B [331.1 bhp\ton] and the 1974 Kawasaki Z1 DOHC A [331.1 bhp\ton].


Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Yamaha XS 850 generating around 180.1 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1973 Kawasaki W3 650 [205.1 lb-ft per ton] and the 1968 Kawasaki W2 650 [205.1 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 12.1 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 12.3 secs, this makes the Yamaha XS 850 G similar in acceleration to the 2009 Kawasaki Gpz 500 S (12.1 secs) and the 2009 Kawasaki Gpz 500 S (12.1 secs). This Yamaha XS 850 G also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).

Suzuki GS 650 GL - [1981] image

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1979 Yamaha XS 850 G and the 1981 Suzuki GS 650 GL

When talking about the performance of the 1979 Yamaha XS 850 G on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.3 secs @ 98 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1981 Suzuki GS 650 GL (13.3 secs) and the 2015 Yamaha XVS 1300 Stryker (13.3 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1979 version of the Yamaha XS 850 G has a maximum speed of 118mph.

Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom - [2012] image

Top Speed of the 1979 XS 850 equals the 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1979 Yamaha XS 850 G then how about a 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom (129 mph) and the 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom (129 mph).

Related Links:

1979 Yamaha XS 850 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Yamaha

Bike Comparison


Performance Figures & Specs:

Choose a Bike Make for a List of More Performance Figures and Specs.




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More Yamaha Models:

Edition:

AG

BT 100

CS 200

DT 125

DT 175

DT 200

DT 230

DT 250

DT 360

DT 400

DT-1

DT-2

DT-3

DX 250

FJ

FJ-09

FJR

FZ

FZ 150i

FZ 16

FZ 400

FZ 600

FZ 700

FZ 750

FZ-03

FZ-07

FZ-09

FZ-10

FZ-S

FZ1

FZ6

FZ8

FZR 1000

FZR 250

FZR 400

FZR 600

FZR 750

FZS 1000

FZS 600

FZX 250

FZX 700

FZX 750

GTS 1000

GX 250

GX 400

GX 750

IT 125

IT 175

IT 200

IT 250

IT 400

IT 425

IT 465

IT 490

MT-01

MT-03

MT-07

MT-09

MT-10

MT-125

MT-25

MXT 850

MXT 890

NMAX

R1-Z

R5

RD 125

RD 200

RD 250

RD 350

RD 400

RD 500

RS 100

RS 200

RT-1

RX 350

RZ 125

RZ 250

RZ 350

RZ 500

SDR 200

SR 125

SR 250

SR 400

SR 500

SRV 250

SRX 250

SRX 400

SRX 600

Star Raider

SZR 150

SZR 600

T-150

TDM 850

TDM 900

TDR 125

TDR 250

Tenere

Tracer

Tracer 7

Tracer 9

Tracer 900

Tricity 125

Tricity 155

Tricity 300

TRX 850

TT 225

TT 250

TT 350

TT 500

TT 600

TT-R 225

TT-R 250

TW 125

TW 200

TW 225

TX 500

TX 650

TX 750

TZR 125

TZR 250

V-Max

V-Star 250

Vixion

VR 300

WR 125

WR 200

WR 250

WR 400

WR 426

WR 450

XJ 1100

XJ 400

XJ 550

XJ 6

XJ 600

XJ 650

XJ 700

XJ 750

XJ 900

XJR 1200

XJR 1300

XJR 400

XMAX 125

XMAX 250

XMAX 300

XMAX 400

XP 500

XP 530

XP 560

XS 1100

XS 250

XS 360

XS 400

XS 500

XS 650

XS 750

XS 850

XS1

XS2

XSR 125

XSR 155

XSR 700

XSR 900

XT 1200

XT 125

XT 200

XT 225

XT 250

XT 350

XT 400

XT 500

XT 550

XT 600

XT 660

XTZ 125

XTZ 250

XTZ 660

XTZ 750

XV 1000

XV 1100

XV 125

XV 1600

XV 1700

XV 1900

XV 250

XV 400

XV 500

XV 535

XV 700

XV 750

XV 920

XV 950

XVS 1100

XVS 125

XVS 1300

XVS 250

XVS 400

XVS 650

XVS 950

XVZ 1200

XVZ 1300

XZ 400

XZ 550

YZF-600

YZF-R125

YZF-R15

YZF-R25

YZF-R3

YZF-R7

YZF-R9

YZF1000

YZF750


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Quarter Mile Time
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Top Speed

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