Yamaha XSR700

Having a resemblance to other XSR series of neo-retro roadsters, which include models like XSR155 and XSR900, the Yamaha XSR700 has a simple design which looks easy to the eyes. However, that doesn’t mean that the XSR700 has a very basic visual appeal, for this motorcycle has a premium vibe to it. 

Like all neo-retro roadsters, the Yamaha XSR700 also comes with a rounded headlamp, which is an all-LED unit sitting within a blacked-out housing. This gloss black fascia with LED headlamp has triangular clamps to its sides, with the XSR700 also having body-coloured front and rear fenders. The LED turn indicators are not placed on the sides of the headlamp but are mounted on the sides of the radiator placed ahead of the engine. 

The Yamaha XSR700 has golden coloured wheels in the Historic Black colour scheme, while the Historic White colour scheme of the motorcycle gets traditional black alloy wheels. The curvaceous fuel tank with a slanting upper surface looks has minimal body graphics on its sides, while the exposed diamond frame, sub-frame and side panels are blacked out. Meanwhile, the engine here is finished in a golden theme.

The Yamaha XSR700 has a compact silver-coloured exhaust pipe, with the motorcycle has a minimalist tail section with a rounded LED tail lamp having sleek LED turn indicators to its sides. The single-piece seat of the XSR700 has a hump in the middle, with the pillion perch having a small size that can be a concern for taller or bulky people. 

The Yamaha XSR700 has a centrally-placed single-pod full-LCD instrument console with a negative display. This console has a digital speedometer with a digital tachometer around it, while its lower part houses the fuel gauge. The digital speedometer also has a gear indicator above it and switchable displays of the odometer, trip meter, average and instantaneous fuel consumption figures and engine temperature. 

Besides the engine, the Yamaha XSR700 also shares the rest of the mechanical hardware with the YZF-R7 and MT-07, including the diamond frame, suspension setup, wheels, tyres and brakes. The suspension setup – telescopic fork at the front and a mono-shock with linked-type swing-arm – has been tuned for the XSR700 with a different travel of 130mm at both ends. The 17-inch alloy wheels of the XSR700 have a 120/70 ZR17 tyre at the front and a 180/55 ZR17 tyre at the rear, with this neo-retro roadster having dual 282mm discs at the front and a single 245mm disc at the rear.

The Yamaha XSR700 sources its power from a four-stroke, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin, 689cc engine, which is the same CP2-series engine that also powers other popular Yamaha motorcycles like YZF-R7 and MT-07. This engine is paired with a slick 6-speed gearbox and churns out a maximum power output of 74 bhp and a maximum torque output of 68 Nm. Yamaha claims a maximum fuel efficiency of 23.3 kmpl for the XSR700.

Except for ABS, the Yamaha XSR700 misses out on all other sophisticated riding aids one expects in a middleweight motorcycle priced similarly to it. Yamaha opted not to equip it with fancy riding aids given the simplicity of the neo-retro roadster theme of the motorcycle. 

While the Yamaha XSR700 might not feel too modern due to its basic equipment levels for a motorcycle of its price, this neo-retro roadster motorcycle packs in a lot of character with its nostalgic design that has an essence of modernity with LED lighting. The performance of the CP2 engine and agile handling with fine-tuned suspension and lean profile of the motorcycle add more thrill to its character.