AMERICAN Beauty!
Back in the 1960s and early 1970s there was an aura about British bikes produced for the US market. These were for export only – they were almost impossible to buy in the UK.
These bikes, mostly Triumphs and BSAs, may only have been fitted with smaller tanks, different mudguards and higher handlebars, but there was something exotic about them, particularly if stars like Clint Eastwood and Steve McQueen were seen riding them. The Japanese factories also offered US-tailored machines, often with different paint schemes that added even more style.
The Yamaha TX650 twin I’m riding was another of the machines that caught my eye in the VJMC’s tent at the West Kent Run last August, mainly because of its metallic blue paintwork and large fuel tank, both of which were different from the UK model I tested way back in 1972 when I was a rookie bike journalist. I always find big parallel twins fun to ride – their rorty and regular exhaust note, the quick pick-up and the general ease of control made them a good partner for both riding down to the pub or on longer trips, even if the vibes became intrusive after a while.
VJMC member Pete Nunn found this US-model TX650 after it had been imported five years ago. Some parts were missing, but the essential look was right and the bike was mechanically sound, so Pete set about sourcing bits so he
