Retro off-roading Swank Rally 700 from Yamaha and Deus combines form and function
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The partnership between Yamaha and Deus has produced some cool bikes over the years. Since 2013 there has been the Deus SR400 ‘Lightning’, the XJR1300 ‘Eau Rouge’ and the XV950 ‘D-Side’, based on original Yamaha models. The latest offering, the Swank Rally 700, is a Deus customised XSR700.
The XSR’s 689cc twin-cylinder motor and the lightweight chassis formed the 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 19in 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, wrapped in Metzeler Karoo rubber.
Custom work includes a hand-beaten aluminium tank and a handmade saddle, as well as a hand-crafted aluminium skid plate. Keeping in true vintage off-road style, Acerbis front and rear fenders are mounted and Acerbis aluminium supports hold vintage plastic hand guards. A proper throaty growl signs off the Swank Rally 700 with a custom 2-in-1 SC exhaust. The Swank Rally 700 broke cover at this year’s The Reunion bike event at the Monza circuit, Italy, in May before attending the Sardinia Swank Rally.
