Since its inception, Yamaha’s XSR700 has been an impressive seller in the middleweight ‘sport heritage’ sector. A combination of that playful chassis and engine lifted from the MT-07, a smart retro dress and relatively low price tag, meant that it sold in good numbers. And for 2022, Yamaha have given it some tasty little updates, bringing it in life with the rest of their XSR range.
Although much of the platform remains the same, the first thing you’ll notice is the updated appearance; the 2022 model has been given a new LED headlight design, new side covers, a revised cockpit layout in terms of both the dash and the switchgears and some glorious new colour schemes, inspired by the legendary RD350LC range. It’s not all about the style though as the 2022 XSR700 has also been given bigger front brake discs, revised front forks and Michelin Road 5 tyres, alongside a few little tweaks to Euro5 compliant, 74bhp, 689cc twin engine too.
And that’s good news, as that lively engine, shared with the Tenere 700, MT-07 and new R7, combines with the soft forgiving chassis and setup in a fairly simple package. It not only produces a cracking little retro machine, but keeps the costs down as well. And with Yamaha’s few little tweaks for 2022, it’s even better than before. A restricted, 47bhp, version is also available for A2 licence holders.
I mean, just look at it. Controversially, I actually think that the RD inspired paint job on the new XSR700 is the best paint scheme in Yamaha’s armoury today, giving the budget middleweight a real classy edge, which is finished with the revised headlight and side covers. Sure, it’s not the cleanest finish in the world (check out the swingarm), but for £8,000 it still really does look and feel the part.
Compared to the lower, sharper, MT-07 the XSR700 actually feels a bit higher and chunkier; while the higher bars and seat lend to a more relaxed position, it does increase the seat height if reach is your worry. Even so, it’s not too much of an issue with thanks to the fairly low weight and centre of gravity, which means that although not intrusive, the XSR700 feels like a ‘proper’ bike onboard.
As far as the riding experience goes, the XSR700 is a cracking bit of kit for the cash. The engine is tried, tested and rightly loved by hundreds of thousands of riders around the world. There’s a good reason for that; it delivers a beautifully torquey drive all the way through the rev range, while remaining incredibly smooth and easy to manage. It’s fun, fruity and frugal, and a perfect fit for this chilled-out vibe of bike.
Where the previous generation XSR700 did lack a little however was on its handling though, and while Yamaha have improved the braking power and feel, the simple ABS system is still very intrusive when braking hard. The forks have seen some improvement too, making the XSR slightly more pliant if you want to ride harder, although they’re still on the budget side of the market in terms of feel and finish.
If you’re looking for something sportier, the 700’s bigger brother, the XSR900, will be right up your street – and you can read that review right here.
Conclusion
At £8,000 ready to roll, the XSR700 is still a cracking bit of kit for the money, undercutting pretty much everything on the market including Triumph’s Street Twin and the Moto Guzzi V7. Compared to the XSR900 it offers a rawer riding experience. Like its main competitor, the Kawasaki Z650RS, there are no sign of fancy electronics but the motor offers just enough character and fun for the power on offer.
Sure, it’s not the best finished, sportiest or advanced machine on the retro market today, but in terms of bang for your buck, you’d be hard stretched to go one better; especially in those stunning new colour schemes on offer.
