Deus Ex Machina has done good. In an era where much moto customization makes bikes worse, not better, Deus (as part of Yamaha’s Yard Built program) has tweaked a Tenere 700. The result turns the T7 into a very cool homage to ’80s Dakar racers, from a modern rally-style ADV bike.
It’s pretty easy to get cynical about modern motorcycle customs. Too often, so-called “builders” just slap some knobby tires on a machine, some new handlebars, a mesh headlight guard, and then call it a scrambler. Great idea, but the bike’s still a street bike. Take a look at previous Yard Built entries, and you can see for yourself. Some are well-done, but some arguably look worse than the original bike they’re based on, and probably don’t work as well either.
Deus Ex Machina appears to have done this T7 build correctly, though! First up, the builders put on better suspension, with 30 mm more travel up front. There’s a new set of Andreani forks, and a new Ohlins shock. There’s also a new SC-Project exhaust, made of titanium, with “soft racing sound.” That probably won’t add power, but it certainly cuts weight.
There’s a Yamaha-issue skid plate on the bike, Acerbis handguards, and Metzeler Karoo Extreme knobbies.
The most obvious change-up is the bodywork, though. Deus Ex Machina’s website says “A challenging work has been done together with Camal Studio in order to industrialize the design with 3D realizing faring, tank cover, and seat, back fender, side tables included in one piece.” That doesn’t sound like it’s production-line ready; the machine may inspire Yamaha to build a retro T7 (sort of like an XSR-series adventure bike?). But, don’t expect this bike from Deus to make it to market.
However, if you want one of your own, Deus says “The result has been a full body in fiberglass which may become a kit on request.” You’ll have to pay dearly to play that game, but there’s no denying it’s a cool-looking machine, if you’re into ’80s rally raid racing.
“A challenging work has been done together with Camal Studio in order to industrialize the design with 3D realizing faring, tank cover, and seat, back fender, side tables included in one piece.”
That thing hit every branch of the ugly tree on the way down…