Chain and Sprocket Replacement on a 1972 Yamaha TX650 (Video)

By Richard Backus

Motorcycle Classics editors Richard Backus and Landon Hall replace the chain and sprockets on Hall’s 1972 Yamaha TX650.

The Yamaha TX650 was a traditional 650 parallel twin with a twist: It was a mix of old-school (a 360-degree, 650cc parallel twin) wrapped in new-school technology. It looked similar to Triumph Bonnevilles, but featured new technology like CV carbs and overhead cams. Yamaha’s new-meets-old approach paid dividends, and the 650 twin rapidly gained favor with buyers. Although it wasn’t any more powerful than a contemporary Triumph Bonneville 650 buyers considered it a more modern, easier-riding machine.