Yamaha TX650 custom

Yamaha TX650 custom

Yamaha’s XS650 has become one of the ubiquitous custom platforms. With a production run of around 13 years from 1970 onwards there are still plenty around. This custom is the second project from a new Australian outfit called the Modern Motor Cycle Company; it isn’t slick by any means but it has a certain rugged charm. ‘MMCC 02’ is based on a 1974 Yamaha TX650 which was part of the XS650 model family. (The TX version was given a new frame and swingarm to improve handling a larger tank and alloy rims similar to those on the W-series bikes.) The bike was a non-runner when bought by its owner James Cecil (of the band Super Melody) and he briefed MMCC to create a rat-style custom that retained the original tank—with its beautiful porcelain-like cracked paint finish—and the original brown headlight bucket. MMCC then fitted shortened aluminum fenders clip-ons new instruments and a vintage-style taillight. A new wiring harness was built in-house and the battery relocated out of sight. A serious performance jolt comes from a pair of Mikuni round-slide carburetors free-flowing air filters and reverse-cone megaphone mufflers plus a Boyer Bransden electronic ignition kit. MMCC’s next two projects are Honda twins from 1973: a CB350 and a CB175. Can’t wait to see what they do with them.

Build sheet

Avon Speedmaster 19 x 350 front tyre

Coker Diamond 18 x 425 rear tyre

Aluminium fenders by WM

Generic reverse-cone megaphones

Alloy indicators with clear lens by Daytona

Gum-coloured GT grips from POSH

34mm chrome plated clip-ons

Mirrors by Daytona

60mm polished stainless steel speedo and tacho

Early-style tail light from Nitroheads

Flat seat with horizontal tuck-rolls in brown from Nitroheads