For Canadian retro motorcycle enthusiasts, the wait is over. After selling more than 11,000 units in Europe since 2015, the Yamaha XSR700 is coming to Canada.
The newest addition to Yamaha’s Sport Heritage range, the XSR700 combines classic retro styling with contemporary technology to create a riding experience that’s both stress-free and exciting. With a proven inline twin-cylinder engine and light, agile chassis, the XSR700 is designed for the enthusiast who appreciates heritage and loves to ride.
Based on the popular FZ-07, the XSR700 uses a foundation of sporty performance, nimble handling, riding comfort and ease of use to reconnect today’s riders with the essential joys of motorcycling. A healthy dose of classic styling adds character to complement the performance of this middleweight naked sport bike; the ‘throwback’ treatment includes a sculpted, aluminum-shrouded tank with classic striping, a vintage-inspired round headlight, two-texture vintage-style leather seat and perforated side covers. An all-LCD instrument gauge provides a handsome modern contrast to the overall retro vibe.
The XSR700 is powered by the liquid-cooled, 689 cc inline twin engine from the FZ-07. Utilizing a 270-degree “crossplane concept” crank for improved rider/machine communication, the XSR produces a meaty 50 ft-lb of torque at 6,500 rpm. A wet weight of just 186 kg (410 lb) makes the bike both easy to manoeuvre at low speeds and flickable on twisty roads. Smooth, controllable power delivery and an 835 mm (32.9 in) seat height are sure to entice graduating riders looking to move up to a retro-styled, midsize street bike.
The diamond-type steel backbone frame uses the engine as a stressed member and is mated to a gull-wing-style swingarm via an adjustable-link Monocross rear suspension unit. A 41 mm front fork takes care of handling duties up front. Dual 282 mm front discs and a single 245 mm rear disc provide stopping power (ABS is standard), while 10-spoke cast aluminum wheels are shod with Pirelli Phantom tires that carry an authentic tread pattern.
