Yamaha and Deus showcase the custom Swank Rally 700  

In other non-relevant but significant news, Yamaha's global partnership with custom bike-builder Deus has led to the creation of Swank Rally 700 custom. Based on the supremely involving XSR700, the Swank's derives vintage cues from other neo-retro machines but in a modern, MX form.

Yamaha suggested the XSR700 for the custom build for its lightweight chassis and torquey motor. Keeping off-road bits in mind, Deus mounted Tenere 1200's front-end with 43, USDs in the front with 190mm stroke paired with 19in wheels. The shocks are softer than on the 1200 to cater to the lighter chassis. The rear-end gets a Ohlins monoshock with 178mm travel paired with a 17in wheel. The front-end gets Kineo tubeless knobbies while the rear gets Metzeler Karoo 3 for maximum grip in off-road conditions.

The tank is classic XSR with an edgy finish. It also gets a lighter custom 2-1 custom SC exhaust for that Dakar-ish symphony. There's a massive bash plate too to protect the engine.

Yamaha chose the Rally of Sardinia to showcase the Swank's capabilities. Yamaha says, "The retro appeal with contemporary high-tech motorcycles are enabling today's riders to discover the true essence of motorcycling." We couldn't have agreed more! More and more manufacturers are going the neo-retro way to bring-in new strata of customers.

The Swank Rally 700 build is available in Milan to order, if you're planning to buy one.