Deus Ex Machina’s Custom Yamaha XSR155 “Aka-Tombo” Looks Prepared for Armageddon

More than two decades have passed since Deus Ex Machina’s first garage – or “shrine,” as they like to call it – was established in Sydney, Australia. From the very beginning, Deus made it clear that we weren’t looking at some run-of-the-mill motorcycle customization enterprise. This brand was more of a culture rather than a mere workshop, and it wasn’t long before their two-wheeled masterpieces captured the public’s full attention.

Over the years, the firm saw a rapid expansion to several locations around the globe, including Japan, South Africa, and a plethora of European nations. The bike we’re featuring today was conceived by Machina’s Indonesian garrison on the Island of the Gods, which is basically just a fancy way of saying Bali. It all started with an invitation to Yamaha’s Yard Built contest, where they were to present a reinterpretation of the humble, yet competent XSR155.

Sure enough, the ambitious Deus pros didn’t think twice about embracing this challenge, and the result of their intense labor certainly speaks for itself! This rugged piece of machinery was nicknamed “Aka-Tombo” (meaning “Red Dragonfly” in Japanese) to commemorate the YA-1, Yamaha’s very first motorcycle. In keeping with the Yard Built rules, Bali’s moto shamans were instructed to leave the creature’s liquid-cooled 155cc single-cylinder mill and Deltabox framework untouched.

Otherwise, the team’s creativity was allowed to roam free. Upon arrival at its aftermarket clinic, the donor's original bodywork items were promptly stripped away, along with its standard swingarm. To replace the latter, Machina’s experts proceeded to manufacture a bespoke alternative using stainless-steel tubes and Swiss watchmaker-like precision.

Next, the XSR's stock subframe has been amputated to make room for a custom skeleton, flanked by CNC-drilled aluminum side panels and topped with a gorgeous tan leather saddle. Behind the new upholstery, we notice a minute tail section with integrated LEDs, while a handsome fuel tank can be spotted up north.

You will also find aluminum fenders, beefy fork guards, and a unique skid plate, all of which were forged by means of traditional metal-shaping techniques. At the front end, Deus went about fitting a tracker-style handlebar clad with Ariete grips and bar-end blinkers, as well as a snazzy fairing that embraces a Daymaker LED lighting module.

In terms of footwear, Aka-Tombo features VND billet aluminum wheel hubs, TK Racing spokes, and 18-inch Sprint XD rims, which sport a pair of Scorpion Rally tires from Pirelli’s catalog. The crew tweaked the XSR’s inverted forks to stiffen things up, while the rear monoshock received a higher-spec spring for good measure. Additionally, the bike’s engine exhales via bespoke plumbing and a state-of-the-art Shorty muffler developed by SuperTrapp.

When these components had been installed, it was time for Machina to paint the canvas. The chosen color scheme blends raw alloy, polished surfaces, and a Rally Red finish from Mitsubishi’s palette, accompanied by a tasteful selection of Deus graphics to round it all out. The final touch comes in the form of a removable surfboard rack, which should definitely come in handy when you’re living near the sunny coasts of Bali!