An original look
I was lucky enough to get my hands on this Yamaha XSR700 2024. It’s more of a beginner’s bike, but you’ll enjoy it for years to come. The seat is slightly high (235 mm), but its height gives better control of the bike. The wide handlebars make the bike easy to handle and control. The engine is the same as that of the very popular MT07, Yamaha’s twin-cylinder CP2. It’s a cross between a Scrambler and a Roadster. It’s in the Café Racer range. At Yamaha, we call it a Hyper Stripped Sportbike. It’s quite simple in appearance, with a round LED headlight at the front and a round LED tail light. Its look leaves no one indifferent. You either love it or hate it. I put myself in the shoes of a hypster for this test ride to soak up the charm of this ride with a very special character.
Introduction
Mechanically, as I said, the XSR 700 borrows its engine from the MT07. A rather sparkling twin-cylinder. A little rough, but it develops 50 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm. Not much to say about this rather spirited 689 cc engine, still in the vein of crossplane engines that give more power at low revs. The 6-speed transmission is well spaced. The sixth gear is overdriven for a smoother ride and better fuel economy. Highway fuel consumption is in excess of 5 litres/100 km, and even closer to 6 litres/100 km. But on country lanes, in more modest driving conditions, the XSR 700 is at its best, with consumption around 4.4 litres/100 km. As the bike is unprotected against wind and weather, it’s on these small country roads that the XSR excels, appreciating everything about this easy-to-handle, simplistic motorcycle.
With two front discs and a single rear disc, braking is well balanced. There’s little or no crushing of the front end under hard braking. The suspension does its job well, and the rear shock can be adjusted by turning the nut that compresses the spring. The fuel tank holds 14 liters, which is standard for this type of displacement, with a range of 250 kilometers. This bike is shod with Michelin Road 5 tires. I was a little surprised. Yamaha has not neglected tires. The Michelin tires provide a smooth ride and good grip. The balance is perfect with its meager 186 kg (410 lb) fully loaded. The dial is round for a harmonious Café Racer look. All the necessary information is there: odometer, tachometer, ambient temperature, engine temperature, trip A and B, clutch speed, fuel level and time.Although it’s all there, it’s not possible to display more than one choice at a time. Logical, given the small, round dial. The display is white on a black background. There are also all the lights around to indicate neutral position, ABS, headlight up, engine failure, turn signals and oil pressure. There’s no cruise control or heated grips. With a price tag of $11,199 CAD, or $1,200 more than the MT07, which offers the same mechanics and almost the same benefits, I find it hard to understand this discrepancy. In any case, it’s part of the answer to the MT07’s greater popularity than its cousin, the XSR 700.
On the road
The XSR 700 is a pleasure to ride. Its “sporty” character for a first motorcycle will appeal to many new enthusiasts, as well as to the more seasoned riders. The engine is spirited and just begs for a twist of the throttle.The riding position is relaxed and comfortable. The short wheelbase forgives any small mistakes you might make if you’re less focused on the curves. It’s easy to lean and, as mentioned above, the Michelin tires are very reassuring.The chassis is rigid and behaves well in all conditions, even when the asphalt is bad. The full-size seat provides acceptable comfort. Having covered a good 2,000 kilometers during my test ride, long distances are fearless.
A very positive overall assessment
To sum up, this is a beautiful motorcycle, with a look that leaves no one indifferent; some like it, others don’t. A Cafe Racer style that’s very much in keeping with the spirit of the brand.
It’s easy to ride right from the start, making it perfect for beginners. But even the most experienced riders will find it a lot of fun to ride. It offers acceptable performance and incredible handling thanks to its short wheelbase and wide handlebars. The suspension and brakes are predictable, giving it a reassuring character. The spirited engine adds to the riding pleasure.
We liked:
- Handling
- Powerful, torquey engine
- The fun factor
- Easy handling
What could be improved:
- The price gap with the MT07
- Mirrors where you can’t see just your elbows
The 4Riders Magazine team would like to thank Yamaha Motor Canada for making this test ride possible.
Gear worn during this test ride:
- Oxford Montréal 4.0 coat
- CKX Atlas helmet
- Falco Liberty 3 boots
- Cardo PackTalk Edge communication system
