The collective properties along the yrast line in well-deformed even–even 164—178 Yb isotopes are investi-gated by pairing self-consistent total Routhian surface (TRS) calculations and extended E-gamma over spin (E-GOS) curves. The calculated results from ground-state deformations, e.g., b2, are in agreement with previous theoretical predictions and available experimental data. The basic behaviors of moment of inertia are reproduced by the present TRS calculations and discussed based on the aligned angular momenta. The centipede-like E-GOS curves indicate that the non-rotational components appear along the yrast sequences in these nuclei, which can explain the discrepancy in the moment of inertia between theory and experiment to some extent. The further exten-ded E-GOS curves, which include the first-order rotation–vibration coupling, appear to provide possible evidence of vibrational effects in the well-deformed nuclei of 164—178Yb.