Yamaha XSR700 2025 — Specifications

The 2024 model allows the XSR to maintain its presence on the market (pending an engine update? or more?). Previously, the XSR 700 had managed to stay in shape—it didn's need a major overhaul, but rather a refresh. Primarily on the engine side to prolong its career. Yamaha has therefore reworked the displacement of the CP2 twin to be up to date. A not very complicated job considering the base is that of the MT-07. This explains the more prominent catalytic converter and its lateral cover. It loses a bit of power, but almost nothing.

In a short time, all the MTs have changed their looks. With success? The XSR could have been swept away by the wave, but ultimately, it is only touched by the scalpel. It's not easy to distinguish the old from the new with only a new LED headlight, repositioned turn signals, and a pair of new tires (Michelin Road 5). What is much more striking is the migration of the dashboard. It is now suspended above the headlight, like a figurehead.

Let's not forget new settings for the forks, larger brake discs, the ability to control the instrumentation from the handlebars, and the status quo for the rest of the machine. Caution is advised for the one who initiated the "Faster Sons" movement. An idea, a concept, neo-retro Yamaha style: to offer a machine with character, to enjoy riding a motorcycle drawing inspiration from the values and style of Yamaha motorcycles of yesteryear, combining today's technology with the flavor of creations from the past. This is how the "Faster Sons" philosophy could be described.

But originally, where does this machine come from? The firm with the tuning forks presented it as a tribute to the XS 650, a model renowned for covering the dawn of the 1970s. Interesting to see how much the evolution in displacement has overturned benchmarks. The XS 650 was Yamaha's largest displacement; today, the MT-07 is an entry-level motorcycle despite its 45 cc more. A machine that tops the sales charts in France and deserves it. Playful, with a lively engine and super enjoyable, agile as a ballerina, everyone enjoys riding it. The XSR 700 being equipped with the same chassis and the same engine, the same performance and as much pleasure in riding this motorcycle will be found. The riding position is more relaxed with the handlebar pulled back further.

It is therefore the look that will make us lean one way or another. The XSR affirms its "Sport Heritage" identity with its worked-style tank, a double-texture leather seat, perforated footpegs covering the injection system and electronics. The round headlight at the rear is nice, old school style; but all in plastic, it's mediocre. A metal part would suit it much better. Let's stop complaining for a moment, and appreciate the possibility of riding a neo-retro machine at a placed price. The XSR 700 is about 1000 euros above the price of the MT-07, which allows it to be much more accessible than a Nine-T or a Bonneville T120. But the competition has made progress. It now needs to counter the Z 650 RS and the Trident 660. We appreciate the small goodies, such as the XSR700 inlay at the rear of the seat, the XSR logo affixed to the tank, the topstitching on the seat, the minimalist dashboard, etc... and a small, very chauvinistic bonus, this motorcycle is assembled at the MBK factory in St-Quentin.

To add strings to its bow, the XSR will readily lend itself to customization. The bolted rear frame has been designed with this in mind. And the owner can thus reinforce the spirit of the XS 650. Because apart from a little engine architecture (parallel twin 4-stroke), the seat silhouette and the handlebar bend, the resemblance between the two motorcycles is more of imagination than anything else. Everyone can accentuate the temporal bridge with spoked wheels, two exhausts running on the sides, chrome fenders, etc.

M.B - Photos constructeur