RE: Yamaha XSR700: PH2

RE: Yamaha XSR700: PH2

Tuesday 3rd November 2015

Yamaha XSR700: PH2

Yamaha's retro themed middleweight is far from just some hipster chariot



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...
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 chassis
Classic looks belie competent chassis
Balanced 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 position
Tweaks bring higher riding position
A 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.

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







Author
Discussion

DBRacingGod

Original Poster:

609 posts

191 months

Tuesday 3rd November 2015
quotequote all
Flashback to '86!

SteveSteveson

3,209 posts

162 months

Tuesday 3rd November 2015
quotequote all
Is the MT-07 now the MX5 of the bike world, as the Street Triple was?

CaptainSlow

13,179 posts

211 months

Tuesday 3rd November 2015
quotequote all
No, that's the MT-09

mitzy

13,857 posts

196 months

Tuesday 3rd November 2015
quotequote all
Is this the one that got done up in Kenny Roberts yellow and speedblocks ?scratchchin


Now that is sexy

jcelee

1,039 posts

243 months

Tuesday 3rd November 2015
quotequote all
Having test ridden an MT07 on Saturday, I'm very tempted to order one of these.
Does it have the same fiddly switchgear as the MT07?
Which colour looks better in the flesh? (Silver or Green)?

BigTom85

1,927 posts

170 months

Tuesday 3rd November 2015
quotequote all
I've been off a bike since I binned it back in May. This may just be the bike to get me riding again, think I'll pop to the dealers for a good poke about.

Looks a perfect package to me.

ZesPak

24,421 posts

195 months

Wednesday 4th November 2015
quotequote all
Looks stunning and would deffo consider it for a next bike, as I'm looking for something a bit slower and more manageable in town.

jcelee said:
Having test ridden an MT07 on Saturday, I'm very tempted to order one of these.
Does it have the same fiddly switchgear as the MT07?
Which colour looks better in the flesh? (Silver or Green)?
From this picture,



I'd take the green everyday smile. But, as your question alludes, probably need to see them in the flesh.

LiquidGnome

551 posts

120 months

Wednesday 4th November 2015
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That dash is awesome. Seriously tempted by this, not that I can afford it or need it!

sjj84

2,390 posts

218 months

Wednesday 4th November 2015
quotequote all
Really looking forward to seeing one of these in the flesh, going by the pictures it'd definitely be silver for me, although I'd prefer it in black if only it were available.

cyclesilly

30 posts

165 months

Thursday 5th November 2015
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Looks very similar to my SRX 600 just like the earlier post. At least the new bike doesn't have a kickstart😉

gareth_r

5,712 posts

236 months

Monday 23rd November 2015
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"60th Anniversary" paint.


gareth_r

5,712 posts

236 months

Thursday 3rd December 2015
quotequote all
Prices are on the Ymaha UK website.

XSR700 : £6,249.00
XSR700 60th Anniversary : £6,399.00

£500/£650 more than the equivalent (with ABS) MT-07.
MT-07 : £5,349.00
MT-07 ABS : £5,749.00

http://www.yamaha-motor.eu/uk/products/motorcycles...

neelyp

1,690 posts

210 months

Thursday 3rd December 2015
quotequote all
Is it just me that think this looks like a pile of random bits of motorbike, cobbled together without any actual cohesive design?
What a st looking bike.

Steve Bass

10,186 posts

232 months

Thursday 3rd December 2015
quotequote all
neelyp said:
Is it just me that think this looks like a pile of random bits of motorbike, cobbled together without any actual cohesive design?
What a st looking bike.
Nope, you're spot on.
Whatever it is between the tank and the rad looks a real mess. it might be pricier but the Scrambler does this much MUCH better. You know it's bad when they trot it out in Speedblock schemes from the off....

jcelee

1,039 posts

243 months

Thursday 3rd December 2015
quotequote all
Has anyone examined this closely at the show yet?

So much to look at and try out on Saturday! Keen to test ride an MT09 (with the XSR900 in mind)but this is really starting to look pricey at £8k in anniversary colours.

Rosscow

8,723 posts

162 months

Thursday 3rd December 2015
quotequote all
The XSR900 is the better looking machine, and only £1200 more than the 700. I know which I would choose.

Some of the new bikes being rolled out by Yamaha, Triumph, BMW etc. look great. Honda need to sort themselves out - look at their website and nothing jumps out at you.

I've always been a Honda man, and I would love a VFR1200, but they seem to be doing very little in way of exciting new models.

Alonso92

245 posts

157 months

Thursday 3rd December 2015
quotequote all
Steve Bass said:
Nope, you're spot on.
You know it's bad when they trot it out in Speedblock schemes from the off....
Got a few weird looks at the office as I sniggered to myself

DJP

1,198 posts

178 months

Thursday 3rd December 2015
quotequote all
neelyp said:
Is it just me that think this looks like a pile of random bits of motorbike, cobbled together without any actual cohesive design?
What a st looking bike.
I agree. And I think that the original MT07 looks miles better.

DJP

1,198 posts

178 months

Thursday 3rd December 2015
quotequote all
cyclesilly said:
Looks very similar to my SRX 600 just like the earlier post. At least the new bike doesn't have a kickstart??
With respect, it looks nothing like.

The SRX looked like a modern development of the classic single.

The XSR looks a like modern bike minus the side panels with a retro paint job and a few random bits thrown on.

The SRX has design purity. The XSR is a dog's dinner.

carinaman

21,224 posts

171 months

Friday 15th July 2022
quotequote all
I can't find the thread that recently mentioned that Lamb Chops Rides Velocity Moto XSR700 review, but wanted to comment that YPXS decal on the tailpiece is great:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr7Fxg5e8ok