Deus Ex Machina meets Yamaha XJR1300

in 2012 Yamaha has started a revolutionary project, asking some talented preparers to unleash their creativity, to transform series models into “Yard Build Special”, motorcycles capable of igniting the imagination.

After having created the first prototypes, each manufacturer is now busy creating unique aftermarket kits, which allow riders to realize their wishes and build themselves the bike they have always dreamed of. Stimulated by the spirit of this challenge, the famous custom motorcycle developers Deus Ex Machina they are only the last, in order of time, to face the development of another Yard Build Yamaha: Project.

Deus Ex Machina, mystical motorcyclists whose name is inspired by a device from Greek theatre, the final "twist", are known throughout the world for their hand-made motorbikes, and because they love to have fun while working. Showroom-workshops in Italy, America, Indonesia and Australia have quickly become the epicenter of creativity enthusiasts. United with Yamaha by the same passion for self-expression through two wheels, it was destiny that the mechanical philosophers would meet the house of the three tuning forks, to transform a production motorcycle into something that had never been seen before. The moment has come, and here's how Deus Ex Machina tells Project

“The Yamaha XJR1300 for Deus Ex Machina has always been an intriguing bike. We looked at it and wondered: what's under the skin of this muscle-bike?", remember Alessandro Rossi of Deus Ex Machina Italia. “We took inspiration from the legendary motorcycles used in endurance racing from the late 70s to the 80s, with their sleek and streamlined look. Motorcycles created for one thing only: winning races. We decided we needed to free the XJR from the superfluous, to create a bare-bones custom that proudly showcases its heart, the 1251cc air-cooled engine, and that looks ready to fight!”.

“When we started removing pieces from the bike, we realized that it had a very aggressive attitude, like a broad-shouldered bulldog. An impression that we wanted to emphasize by adding a wider handlebar and then hand-working aluminum sheets to sculpt the look of the bike. Together with Luca Viglio, Filippo Bassoli and the entire preparatory team, we spent hours and hours beating the metal, to shape the tank, the side panels and the front light, until we obtained the perfect shape, the one that best represents the new " physical” by XJR. When we were completely satisfied with the result achieved, we used a special paint on the metal."

“We call it “transparent dark” because it is neither black nor brown. In fact it is black and brown at the same time, and becomes amber when its transparency allows the aluminum to emerge. The color is never the same, it is a really strange painting and the shade changes in relation to the angle of incidence of the light".

“However, we never forgot that the goal was to pay homage to endurance bikes, with particular attention to style. To remain faithful to the source of inspiration we have equipped the bike with exceptional components. Öhlins suspension, Brembo radial brakes and clutch lever, Leo Vince titanium exhaust, Pirelli tires and Marvic Streamline magnesium rims. It would have been nice to keep the bright original color of the Öhlins suspensions, but it would not have been in line with the character of our creature. So we anodized the fork and painted the shock spring black, to make it less visible. The bike is an aggressive street fighter that loves to lurk in the shadows, without exposing itself too much".

“With the look complete, we only had a few finishing details left. We covered the flat seat with leather on the sides and suede fabric on top, like on a racing motorcycle. This solution ensures the rider has greater grip, increasing stability during acceleration. The seat is also narrow, so the rider can see the engine underneath him. We also removed the speedometer and left only the tachometer, just like on a real racing bike.".

“Finally there was the question of the name. What should the bike have been called? Yamaha asked us to work in absolute secrecy, so there was only one suitable name for it: Project X...".

“Project To help them realize their dream, at EICMA 1300 in November, we will present a "kit" version of Project And that's not all we have on the agenda. Each of us had so much fun developing Project X that we were inspired to build another bike, which is still a secret. I can't say much about the new project, but I can tell you that it is much closer than Project X to the legendary endurance bikes of the past...", he concludes.

YAMAHA YARD BUILT XJR1300 “PROJECT X” BY DEUS – list of technical changes:

• Ohlins 43mm fork with fully adjustable TiN stanchion treatments in black
• Double Ohlins rear shock absorber with black anodization
• CNC machined from billet triple clamp steering plate (Deus design)
• Brembo radial master cylinders (brake and clutch)
• Marvic Streamline magnesium wheels
• Leovince full exhaust in titanium
• Hella Rallye 3000 headlight
• Pirelli Diablo Wet tyres
• Over Racing passenger footpegs
• Racing oil radiator in aluminium