Yamaha and Deus ex Machina collaborate on a new project involving the new XSR700. This new custom XSR700 continues the tradition of their storied partnership spanning projects like the Deus SR400 'Lightning', the XJR1300 'Eau Rouge' and the stunning XV950 'D-Side.' The latest creation marks the sixth year of their global partnership since its beginning in 2013.
The new creration, called the Swank Rally 700, takes the cool essence of Deus and blends it perfectly with Yamaha's versatile and easily customizable XSR700.
A new Yamaha Yard Built
The XSR's 689cc motor's strong linear torque and agile lightweight chassis form the ideal base for the new project. With off-road entertainment and action in mind, Deus mounted a Yamaha Super Ténéré 1200 front end, including forks, to the XSR, along with a 19" front wheel. Softer springs were used to account for the lower weight of the XSR700 and an Öhlins mono-shock rear was used to balance the suspension. Kineo tubeless spoke wheels were fitted front and rear and Metzeler Karoo rubber ensures maximum grip in the dirt.
Custom work includes a hand-beaten aluminum tank and a handmade saddle, as well as a handcrafted aluminum skid plate. Keeping in true vintage off-road style, Acerbis front and rear fenders are mounted and Acerbis aluminum supports hold vintage plastic hand guards. A proper throaty growl signs off the Swank Rally 700 with a custom 2-in-1 SC exhaust.
Debut at The Reunion 2019, The Sardinia Swank Rally and Wheels & Waves
The Swank Rally 700 broke cover and was on display as one of the star Yard Built at this year's The Reunion bike event at the historic Monza circuit, Italy in May before moving on to a big adventure, The Sardinia Swank Rally.
Celebrating the legendary Rally of Sardinia, first created by Renato Zocchi in 1984 after his return from the Dakar, the Deus Swank Rally was organized to promote having fun with style. It was a perfect fit too as the event includes two classes, one for vintage and one for modern machines. The Swank Rally 700 was the perfect bike to tackle the epic competition, bringing a mix of Yamaha's Faster Sons vibe, Deus custom magic and XSR rideability to the event. Having successfully contested in Sardinia, it was of course on to Biarritz for the next stage of the summer, and the sun-kissed Wheels & Waves event.
Fashion & Pitti 2019
Besides customizing bikes, Deus also has a line of apparel. As such, the Yamaha and Deus collaboration also touched down in Italy for the Pitti 2019 event with its catalog of streetwear and fashion. On display at the both were two superstars of Yamaha's rally racing past - firstly a very special Yamaha DT 400 that took part in the 1976 Abidjan/Nice Rally, still wearing its original race livery. Demanding equal respect was a very rare Yamaha HL600 that saw action in the 1977 FIM Motocross World Championship.
From the first collaborative builds together and continuing with the official global technical partnership, the relationship with Deus Ex Machina and Yamaha grows stronger, bringing a shared passion for fun and emotional riding experiences and the custom lifestyle to a happy and engaged fanbase of motivated two-wheel enthusiasts around the world.
