They have nostalgic café-racer styling, however Yamaha’s XSR bikes have not been round lengthy. They have been launched in 2016, capitalizing on a pattern in the direction of what Yamaha calls “fashionable basic” bikes. So what do homeowners consider them? We dug deep into on-line boards to seek out person opinions and proprietor evaluations, and the consensus is mostly, sure, homeowners appear to essentially take pleasure in their XSR700s.
Proprietor evaluations spotlight the low-RPM torque and the truth that the ability continues to be thrilling even after years of possession. The sound of the inventory exhaust appears to be a excessive level for homeowners too, with a nice collection of acceleration acoustics, however swapping it out for an aftermarket exhaust system actually frees up some pretty sounds. Riders who picked the XSR700 for his or her first bike reward the bike’s easy-to-ride nature, with a easy clutch and simple customization choices. The XSR, like different café bikes and bare sport bikes, has no fairings, so it is easy to entry all the most important elements for upkeep.
Is it quick? Nicely, that is a matter of perspective. Riders have taken their XSR700’s nicely above 130 mph (213 kph), which is definitely quick sufficient to interrupt any velocity restrict in the US (after which some), but it surely’s not the form of velocity you’d count on from sport bikes. As such, the XSR700 may have a tough time maintaining with the quickest bikes in Yamaha historical past on a racetrack, but it surely’s nonetheless loads fast.
The XSR700’s vital stats and options
To get wherever north of 100 mph, the XSR700 wants some fairly ample energy. Beneath the XSR700’s retro pores and skin, it shares an engine and different elements with a few of Yamaha’s bare and full-fairing sport bikes, the R7 and MT-07. The XSR700 makes use of a 689cc inline twin-cylinder engine often called the CP2 and homeowners are large followers of the powertrain. The CP2 engine, in keeping with Yamaha’s European specs, places out 72 horsepower and 49.4 lb-ft of torque (73.4 PS and 67 Nm). That makes it probably the most highly effective café bikes you should purchase immediately.
It is also comparatively light-weight, with a curb weight for the American XSR700 is simply 410 kilos, and it is impressively environment friendly with a gas economic system estimate of 58 mpg. Yamaha does not launch official acceleration stats, however some riders have been in a position to get the XSR700 to speed up from zero-to-60 mph in below 4 seconds. So, it is highly effective, light-weight, environment friendly, and fast off the road. Sadly, it does not have a lot in the best way of creature comforts.
A standard proprietor criticism is the shortage of options on the XSR700, with some consumers calling it naked bones. It is true that the XSR700 does lack some {hardware} options like highly-adjustable suspension (solely the rear spring has preload adjustment), however most different bikes within the phase have equally fundamental gear ranges. Upgrading to bigger and extra highly effective bikes just like the XSR900 will get you some additional options, but it surely’ll price you a bit additional cash.
Café competitors is throughout us
With constructive evaluations from homeowners, spectacular stats, and confirmed real-world efficiency, the XSR700 certain looks like a superb bike, however you may must attempt one out for your self to see if it suits your wants. It is also vital to contemplate a few of its prime rivals and the way they’re priced compared to the Yamaha. New from the manufacturing unit, the 2025 XSR700 has an MSRP of $9,199 (together with $600 vacation spot price). Honda’s latest addition to the US market, the CB750 Hornet, has the same dimension engine with aggressive energy for a little bit bit much less cash – it has an MSRP of $8,599. It has extra angular bare road bike styling, although, so it won’t attraction to café consumers.
The brand new Suzuki GSX-8T affords a mix between fashionable and basic styling, but it surely’s considerably dearer than the XSR. The Suzuki checks in at $11,349. It does provide considerably extra options, although, like a fast shifter and a 5-inch rider show display screen. Kawasaki’s retro-styled Z650RS is a robust rival to the XSR, providing a aggressive beginning worth of $9,584 and comparable energy numbers (67 hp and 48.5 lb-ft). The Ducati Scrambler is fashionable and enjoyable to journey; it is also a robust alternative within the class, however its increased trims are a bit expensive. Fortunately, the bottom mannequin begins at $10,990.
Methodology
To seek out person evaluations and get opinions on the XSR700, we searched boards and message boards. We weren’t in a position to confirm whether or not the posts and feedback have been truly from XSR700 homeowners, however we took their phrase for it. They gave their opinions on the XSR700 and its strengths, in addition to its flaws. Opinions said by a number of homeowners have been prioritized.
As an example, it is probably that if a number of homeowners are commenting on the standard of the exhaust be aware or the spectacular acceleration traits, these issues will probably fulfill most riders, so that is what we included right here. Total, homeowners appeared glad with the bike and its using traits. Do not take proprietor feedback as gospel, although — head to the dealership your self, begin one up and take a take a look at journey if they’re going to allow you to. Stats and specs on the bike have been sourced immediately from Yamaha, each right here in the US and in Europe.
