For Masaaki Fukayama, a renowned industrial designer and automotive enthusiast, also known as Imaginative and Prescient Design, the TX650 presented the ideal foundation for his audacious restomod venture. Dubbed the TX650 Mustang, his creation is a revolutionary fusion of a Japanese roadster and a restaurant on wheels, its sleek design inspired by the legendary P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft.
At the very core of Masaaki’s TX650 Mustang is a reimagined parallel-twin engine configuration. Masaaki carefully bored the unique, high-performance 654cc cylinders to a larger 750cc capacity, replacing them with new pistons to increase the engine’s energy output and ensure the bike remains competitive among twenty-first-century enthusiasts. Fuel is managed through a swift and controlled injection courtesy of Weber’s diverse range of carburetors. Masaaki successfully adapted the DCOE40 carburetor, typically suited to smaller automobile engines, by crafting a bespoke consumption manifold from nylon, featuring a unique design conceived and 3D-printed under his personal vision. A 2-into-2 custom exhaust system finishes the configuration, providing an additional attribute worthy of a motorcycle bearing the design cues of fighter aircraft.
Passed by the robust engine, this TX650 is equipped with a totally fashionable suspension system and upgraded brakes. With meticulous precision, Masaaki swapped out his original forks for a set sourced from a GSX-R1000, seamlessly integrating them via a Cognito Moto conversion package. The rear suspension features YSS shocks, offering a stylish solution for both everyday driving and high-performance handling. To further optimize his upgrade strategy, Masaaki installed twin Tokico 4-piston calipers. The wheels and tires have undergone significant enhancements within this comprehensive framework. Wrapped around the 18/17-inch combination of anodized EXCEL rims, the bike features Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross tires.
The most striking alterations to Masaaki’s bespoke TX650 are his meticulous transformations of the “cockpit”. To create a truly immersive experience akin to piloting an aircraft, he has designed and 3D-printed a custom gauge cluster replete with practical controls and cautionary indicators, elevating the riding experience to unprecedented heights. Situated beneath the switches is a pair of Daytona-inspired gauges that prominently display velocity and engine revolutions, flanked by a sleek digital readout. The digital display features three additional dials showcasing lean angle and altitude, velocity and current latitude, and compass bearing, mirroring the instruments found in an aircraft. It’s a lot to process, leaving no doubt about the impact of this mission.
The electronic management system features a sophisticated Motogadget M-unit controller, seamlessly integrating and controlling various electrical components. The custom-designed Motogadget switches and LED lighting seamlessly integrate to replace traditional components, while a state-of-the-art 12-volt alternator system featuring VAPE’s innovative solid-state ignition technology is paired with a reliable SHORAI LFX battery, delivering unparalleled performance and functionality.
Masaaki’s meticulous attention to detail is most strikingly evident in the exquisite bodywork of his TX650 Mustang. Prior to the advent of 3D printing, the individual designed every primary component, including the fairing, seat base, bellypan, and fenders. Modifications seamlessly integrate an XS750 gas tank and custom-fabricated subframe, yielding a harmonious and streamlined appearance reminiscent of the iconic P-51 Mustang that served as inspiration for the build. Finishing flourishes, including the supple horsehide seat and grips, a base coat of sleek silver paint, and machined aluminum accents on the flip-up signal housings, collectively elevate this motorcycle’s overall aesthetic to a new level.
This bespoke bicycle transcends mere aesthetics, its purpose-built design enabling riders to seamlessly integrate with the road. With a blend of timeless charm from the iconic Yamaha TX650 and forward-thinking innovation, Masaaki’s creation stands out as a truly unique cafe racer of 2024, its P51-inspired design imbuing it with an unmistakable flair?
