Me and my triple, Spring 2004
This page is about the Yamaha XS750.
These bikes are usually referred to as "Triples" because they have 3 cylinders.
They were produced from 1976 until 1981, and was proclaimed the "Bike of the Year" for 1977 by the motorcycle press.
The first 4 model years the bike displaced 750cc.
This was increased to 850cc for the final 2 model years.
The Yamaha Triple was the most technically innovative bike of its day.
In addition to having a 120° three cylinder crank, it also features dual overhead cams, 3 carbs, shaft drive, triple disc brakes and solid alloy wheels.
The only modern street triples are the new Triumph 750cc to 955cc bikes.
Binelli has introduced a new 900cc triple, the Tornado, which is in showrooms and there have been persistent rumors that Laverda is planning a new triple for the street.
Triumph released their monster, three cylinder, 2,294cc, Rocket III in 2004.
My triple is a 1977 XS750-2D (1J7-103582) which I bought new.
I also had a 1978 XS750SE (1J7-311594) which was a parts bike.
I gave it to another triple fan who needed it.
During the winter of 98/99 I updated my 2D with parts from the SE model.
Now my bike has the carbs, crankshaft, top end, cams, middle gear drive and other E model goodies installed.
This upgrade is the subject of an article that began in the June 1999 issue of Classic & Motorcycle Mechanics magazine.
Follow this link to the XS750-2D+ and check out the triple exhaust systems page for more pics.
Interested in old Yamaha Triple motorcycles, check out the Ytriples email list
Use the automated server software. Send mail to majordomo@cerebro.xu.edu
with no Subject: line and a message
body consisting of:
SUBSCRIBE ytriples-1 Joe Yamaharider@
Please replace "Joe Yamaharider@" with your e-mail
address. All vintage Yamaha riders are welcome.
Rare shot of the 1976 C model (spec sheet) Taken at Blalock Cycles in Wheaton, MD (1976)
These were taken the first few days after I got it home in May 1977
My XS750-2D in June 1977 after installing the fairing and luggage rack/sissy bar
My 2D in 1995 with the stock headers and Jardine muffler
My daughters, Ashley and Grace, posing with me on the triple for Grandma, July 1994
My 2D with three other triples at the 1st Y-triples Rally at Big Meadows in the Shenandoah National Park, August 1998
Beth is very proud of her classic 1976 D model
Three for the Road - my rebuild in 1995