MMCC02, 1974 Yamaha TX650

Completion Date September 2010

A dirtier, "rat-style" finish was requested for this one, starting with retaining the original tank with its beautiful porcelain-like, cracked paint finish, and original brown headlight bucket. A new, brown Nitroheads seat and Posh gum coloured grips were selected to match the headlight and complement the tank.

Also fitted were shortened aluminium front and rear fenders, clip-on handlebars, mini speedometer with built-in warning lights and matching tachometer, alloy rear set foot pegs and pillion passenger pegs, mini alloy indicators and a vintage-style tail light. As has become customary, a new wiring harness was built in-house, and the battery relocated out of sight, along with a number of electrical components in order to clear the under seat area. A remote controlled alarm system was fitted, enabling the key lock to be discarded completely - the original key is now only required to open the petrol tank cap.

A Boyer Bransden electronic ignition kit was installed, as was a pair of Mikuni round-slide carburettors. These components combined with the free-flowing air filters and reverse-cone megaphone mufflers lend this bike some extra horsepower, and a very satisfying, "barely-legal" rumble.