1973 Yamaha TX750

What was your intended objective when you started the build?

To get the engine in good stock condition. This model had some real problems when introduced. I wanted to confirm that my engine would not suffer from the conditions that created so many recalls.

What motivated you to start your project?

This is a very uncommon bike as it was only offered in the US in 1973-74. I was glad to find it.

What was the most unique and creative thing you did to the bike?

I performed all of the fabrication, mechanical work and painting. Good friend, Mottley, covered the seat that I formed. I built a new mount plate & cam and used a pair of Dyna pick up coils to replace the points with electronic ignition. I machined a new aluminum oil filter housing to replace the goofy original. I fabricated a new oil tank to fit inside of the frame.

What are you most proud of?

I got the appearance of a mid seventies endurance racer that I was striving for.

3 Comments

Wayne Blackburn says:

March 2, 2022 at 6:13 pm

Verry nice ride

Reply
Brett T says:

May 20, 2022 at 10:19 pm

Great to see another owner transform their TX750 into a tasteful Cafe Racer. I did the same with my 1973 TX750 about nine years ago. I built it up into a Laverda SFC tribute bike that is known as ‘Laverha’.

Reply
Rulg says:

February 25, 2023 at 4:52 am

Italiano, at the Isle of Man-Dude.

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Submitted by: Kelly W

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Specifics

Make, Model & Year: 1973 Yamaha TX750

Engine: Engine is stock but for the electronic ignition, oil filter housing and oil tank.

Intake: K & N filters on stock Mikuni carbs.

Exhaust: Cone Engineering megaphones on modified head pipes.

Transmission: Stock 5 speed.

Frame: Frame had tabs removed then custom tabs welded in place to support accessories, such as frame mount fairing and seat, oil tank, electronics, new battery location and side covers. Finding & mounting the handlebars to work with the fairing was a challenge. I wanted the bars to be as high as possible, while still having the frame mount fairing look appropriate. Gauges are mounted to the frame. Providing clearance for the forks to function took some imagination.

Suspension: Stock front suspension got new fork seals. Hagon rear shocks replace originals.

Wheels, tires and brakes: Stock spoke wheels with Dunlop tires. Front brake disc ground. Hydraulic master cylinder & caliper rebuilt.

Finish – Paint: Frame stripped & blasted, then repainted with liquid automotive paint. Tank, fairing, front fender & seat painted with the same. This is only my second attempt at automotive type painting.

Accessories: I wanted this bike to look like an endurance racer. I chose to put the front number in the center of the fairing, then mount dual LED lights below. The signals & tail light seem to fit. Since a racer would not have mirrors, I mounted a rear view camera with screen in the fairing. Works pretty well within the range of several car lengths.