RE: Yamaha XSR700: PH2
Tuesday 3rd November 2015
Before you say anything, Yamaha's XSR700 does appear to be another identikit bike bashed out to appeal to the young trendy market. And yes, the marketing hype around this machine almost inevitably involves chaps with beards wearing lumberjack shirts, open face lids and hanging around brick walls. At the moment, marketing types go all weak at the knees when it comes to attracting this kind of buyer and, yes, the XSR700 is a bike launched with the usual buzz words of customisation and individualisation being bandied about. But before those of you who get all hot under the collar about this kind of machine go off the handle, give the XSR700 a chance because when you ignore all those preconceived prejudices, this is an absolutely fantastic motorcycle. Honestly, it is.
Yep, another bike after the hipsters...It's all about the base...
On the face of it the XSR700 is basically an MT-07 ABS with a body kit in much the same way as the Moto Cage. Yamaha claims its look is inspired by the XS650 machines of the 1970s, and that means it gets round head and tail lights, a new style of tank cover, new seat, brushed aluminium details, a round speedo and a fairly funky set of Pirelli Phantom tyres with their old-school tread pattern. In order to keep up the 'customisation' side of the bike, the frame now has a removable subframe section and the mudguard an aluminium brace, while comfort levels are boosted by taller bars. How much will these alterations cost you? £500 more than a stock MT-07 ABS at £6,249. When you consider the Ducati Scrambler is £6,895 and the new Triumph Street Twin is likely to be slightly more again, that makes the XSR700 look pretty tempting.
Classic looks belie competent chassisBalanced performer
Again, going on first impressions I didn't expect the XSR to feel any different to the MT-07, but it does. Noticeably so. The taller bars and seat height (up 10mm) make for a more upright riding position with less of a slouch, which is certainly more comfortable than on the MT. Although not affecting the ride, the new digital single round dash unit looks very cool and has all the modern essentials, and the Pirelli Phantom tyres do their stuff very well. Despite looking retro, this is a thoroughly modern bike and handles and stops like one should. In fact, it handles and stops considerably better than quite a few modern machines. Not only does the ABS and twin four-piston brakes provide more than enough stopping power, the XSR's chassis is pleasingly agile and although sometimes feeling a little soft when worked hard, the suspension is also more than adequate. However the real star of the XSR show remains the same as the MT's shining light - its parallel twin engine. Smooth, full of torque and beautiful to use both in a crowded urban environment and flat out on the road, it really is an absolutely storming motor that is almost faultless in its performance and perfectly balanced in its spirit to the XSR's chassis. And that's the XSR's real highlight - it's balanced approach to life that makes it such a fun bike to ride.
Tweaks bring higher riding positionA bargain retro
I'm not a huge fan of the whole hipster scene, but I love the MT-07 and I actually find the XSR700 even more appealing. The retro riding position increases comfort levels and I really like the styling, which I didn't think I would. However the two main things that draw me to the XSR700 is its price, which is incredibly competitive, and its sheer fun factor. No other bike on the market offers as many smiles for your pound as the MT-07 and with PCP plans likely to mean it can be had for less than £99 a month, it is very tempting. When people ask me what bike I would recommend they buy as a cheap run around for new or experienced riders my answer is either the MT-07 or Triumph Street Triple. Now I'll add the XSR700 onto this list.
Yamaha XSR700: PH2
Yamaha's retro themed middleweight is far from just some hipster chariot
Yep, another bike after the hipsters...
On the face of it the XSR700 is basically an MT-07 ABS with a body kit in much the same way as the Moto Cage. Yamaha claims its look is inspired by the XS650 machines of the 1970s, and that means it gets round head and tail lights, a new style of tank cover, new seat, brushed aluminium details, a round speedo and a fairly funky set of Pirelli Phantom tyres with their old-school tread pattern. In order to keep up the 'customisation' side of the bike, the frame now has a removable subframe section and the mudguard an aluminium brace, while comfort levels are boosted by taller bars. How much will these alterations cost you? £500 more than a stock MT-07 ABS at £6,249. When you consider the Ducati Scrambler is £6,895 and the new Triumph Street Twin is likely to be slightly more again, that makes the XSR700 look pretty tempting.
Classic looks belie competent chassis
Again, going on first impressions I didn't expect the XSR to feel any different to the MT-07, but it does. Noticeably so. The taller bars and seat height (up 10mm) make for a more upright riding position with less of a slouch, which is certainly more comfortable than on the MT. Although not affecting the ride, the new digital single round dash unit looks very cool and has all the modern essentials, and the Pirelli Phantom tyres do their stuff very well. Despite looking retro, this is a thoroughly modern bike and handles and stops like one should. In fact, it handles and stops considerably better than quite a few modern machines. Not only does the ABS and twin four-piston brakes provide more than enough stopping power, the XSR's chassis is pleasingly agile and although sometimes feeling a little soft when worked hard, the suspension is also more than adequate. However the real star of the XSR show remains the same as the MT's shining light - its parallel twin engine. Smooth, full of torque and beautiful to use both in a crowded urban environment and flat out on the road, it really is an absolutely storming motor that is almost faultless in its performance and perfectly balanced in its spirit to the XSR's chassis. And that's the XSR's real highlight - it's balanced approach to life that makes it such a fun bike to ride.
Tweaks bring higher riding position
I'm not a huge fan of the whole hipster scene, but I love the MT-07 and I actually find the XSR700 even more appealing. The retro riding position increases comfort levels and I really like the styling, which I didn't think I would. However the two main things that draw me to the XSR700 is its price, which is incredibly competitive, and its sheer fun factor. No other bike on the market offers as many smiles for your pound as the MT-07 and with PCP plans likely to mean it can be had for less than £99 a month, it is very tempting. When people ask me what bike I would recommend they buy as a cheap run around for new or experienced riders my answer is either the MT-07 or Triumph Street Triple. Now I'll add the XSR700 onto this list.
Brief snippet of vid here.
YAMAHA XSR700
Engine: 689cc, parallel twin, 8v
Power (hp): 73@9,000rpm
Torque(lb ft): 50@ 6,500rpm
Top speed: 120mph (est)
Weight: 186kg (wet)
MPG: 56 (est)
Price: £6,249
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