Rough Crafts has long been revered as one of the most elite custom motorcycle workshops in the world. Led by Winston Yeh, the Taiwanese outfit consistently produces breathtaking builds that boast factory-level fit and finish. Known for its meticulous craftsmanship, high-end components, and liberal use of carbon fiber, Rough Crafts continues to push the boundaries of motorcycle customization. What sets Yeh apart is his ability to work across a diverse range of platforms—from Royal Enfields and Harley-Davidsons to Ducati Hypermotards.
The shop’s latest project, the YenereZ 700 FT, is a testament to this versatility. This one-off build transforms the Yamaha Ténéré 700 adventure bike into a sharp-edged flat tracker—and, as expected from Rough Crafts, the result is nothing short of stunning.
A Serendipitous Start
The concept for the YenereZ 700 FT wasn’t meticulously planned from the outset. Instead, it emerged from a stroke of inspiration. While browsing social media, Yeh stumbled upon an image of a YZ450F flat tracker built by Estenson Racing.
“Flat trackers have always been one of my favorite styles of custom builds. Their nimble, narrow chassis, upright seating position, and wide handlebars make them perfect for navigating Taipei’s city streets,” Yeh explains.
Initially, Yeh considered using a traditional dirt bike or dual-sport as the donor. However, during a visit to Faber Studio for a separate project, he noticed a Yamaha Ténéré 700 in the shop. Intrigued by its frame geometry, he did a quick Photoshop comparison and confirmed that the Ténéré’s chassis bore a striking resemblance to the YZ450F dirt bike.
Yamaha Taiwan was convinced by the concept and provided a 2021 Ténéré 700 for the transformation.
Reworking the Chassis
Collaborating with Faber Studio, the Rough Crafts team stripped the Ténéré down to its rolling chassis. The steel subframe was replaced with a lightweight aluminum unit sourced from Yamaha’s YZ450F. The wiring harness was also streamlined, reducing it to only the essentials.
Power and Performance
At its core, the YenereZ 700 FT retains Yamaha’s proven 689cc CP2 parallel-twin engine, producing 72 horsepower and 50 lb-ft of torque. To enhance performance, Rough Crafts installed a DNA air filtration system and a custom Rough Crafts x JZO Crafts full 2-into-2 exhaust. The high-mounted muffler pays homage to traditional motocross styling.
Top-Tier Running Gear
The build features a premium Öhlins suspension setup, including an RXF48S flat track race fork mounted to a FAOR supermoto triple clamp, and a YA818 rear shock paired with a lowering linkage. Braking is handled by Beringer six-piston supermoto calipers clamping onto 320mm rotors, while a dual-piston Beringer caliper grips the 267mm rear disc. The bike rides on 19-inch Roland Sands Design Traction Flat Track wheels wrapped in Dunlop K180 tires, with a custom disc insert at the rear.
Aesthetics: Merging Adventure and Racing DNA
With the chassis modified and the YZ450F’s subframe in place, the team adapted YZ450F UFO plastics, finishing them in a multi-shade black and grey graphics scheme courtesy of MTR Wrapping. A modified YZ450F seat was seamlessly integrated into the design. Additionally, JZO Crafts fabricated a custom 1.8-gallon aluminum fuel tank, doubling as a mounting point for the bodywork.
Final Touches
The YenereZ 700 FT is equipped with a KOSO headlight, a Rough Crafts x KOSO ION 3-in-1 taillight, and a KOSO GPS speedometer. ZETA foot pegs, a Rough Crafts gas cap, Renthal tracker handlebars, Beringer controls, and Domino grips and throttle housing round out the cockpit.
Why This Build Stands Out
Rough Crafts has a track record of turning out exceptional motorcycles, and the YenereZ 700 FT is no exception. The unconventional choice of donor bike adds an extra layer of cool factor, and the seamless adaptation of YZ plastics and lowered suspension fully transforms the Ténéré into a convincing flat tracker. Not only does it look the part, but it’s also engineered to perform as well as it appears. Among custom builds designed to go fast and turn left, this one ranks at the top of the list.
Spec Sheet
- Class: Flat Tracker
- Project Name: YenereZ 700 FT
- Builder: Rough Crafts
- Donor: 2021 Yamaha Ténéré 700
- Chassis: Double-Cradle Steel Tube
- Engine: Liquid-Cooled 689cc Parallel-Twin
- Horsepower: 72.4HP
- Torque: 50FT-LBs
- Wheelbase: 62.8”
- Production: 1-of-1
Availability
The YenereZ 700 FT is a one-of-a-kind build and is already spoken for. However, Rough Crafts is open to commissions for future projects.
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