The Velomacchi x Yamaha XSR700 Rural Racer is one of the most thoughtfully engineered custom XSR700 builds to come out of the modern neo-retro motorcycle scene. Created in collaboration between gear brand Velomacchi and Yamaha, this Yard Built project transforms the already-capable XSR700 into a weekend-escape machine that is equally at home on urban commutes and unpaved backroads.
What Is the Velomacchi Rural Racer?
Velomacchi is known for producing some of the most practical and well-designed motorcycle luggage and storage solutions on the market. When Yamaha handed them a stock XSR700 to customise, the result was a concept centred on one idea: a high-technology commuter that doubles as an adventure escape bike. The XSR700 platform, built around Yamaha's 689cc parallel twin engine, was a natural starting point for a project blending vintage aesthetics with modern performance.
Key Upgrades on the Custom XSR700
Every component of the Rural Racer was chosen with purpose. The suspension received a full Race Tech overhaul, with Gold Valves in the front forks and a custom G3-S shock at the rear, tuned for aggressive back-country riding. A Yoshimura R&D exhaust system with a redesigned catalytic converter delivers more power and less weight while remaining street-legal in all 50 states. Wire-spoked Kineo wheels were fitted to accommodate the OEM rotors and ABS hardware, and Pirelli MT60RS adventure tires complete the contact patch.
The seat is a hand-stitched leather unit inspired by vintage Yamaha Enduro racing, cleverly designed with integrated storage beneath so riders can stow documents, tools, or a spare fuel cell. A custom rear subframe combines the fender, tail light, turn signals, and licence plate holder into a single detachable unit, freeing up space for a duffle bag or tool roll when needed.
Technology: Drones, Facial Recognition, and a 7,000-Lumen Headlamp
Where the Rural Racer separates itself from other custom XSR700 builds is in its technology stack. A DJI drone is gimbal-mounted directly to the fuel tank, allowing the rider to capture smooth aerial footage mid-ride and deploy the drone with minimal effort. The motorcycle can be started via facial recognition through a paired smartphone, which simultaneously activates GPS navigation, speedometer, and tachometer display. A Cyclops Desert Racing headlamp replaces the stock unit, punching out 7,000 lumens to handle any off-road night riding situation.
The XSR700 as a Custom Motorcycle Platform
The Yamaha XSR700 has become one of the most popular bases for custom motorcycle builders worldwide, and projects like the Rural Racer illustrate why. Its neo-retro styling, accessible torque, and relatively compact dimensions make it a versatile canvas. The Rural Racer demonstrates how a production scrambler can evolve into a genuine dual-purpose machine without sacrificing the character that makes the XSR700 so appealing to begin with. For more builds centred on this philosophy, Bike EXIF's coverage of the Rural Racer and Yamaha's official Yard Built page provide additional technical detail.
Explore Custom Motorcycles at TheArsenale
If the Rural Racer has sparked an interest in custom motorcycle craftsmanship, TheArsenale carries an exceptional selection. The Bad Winners Yamaha XSR700 is a premium custom build directly based on the same platform. The CRSS #9 Yamaha XV750 Cafe Racer and the Blacktrack BT01 Carbon are two further examples of meticulous custom craftsmanship available through the platform. Browse the full custom motorcycles collection to find your next build.
