Yamaha reveal retro-inspired XSR700
Yamaha’s Sport Heritage family has spawned another member in the shape of this retrosexual new street roadster. Visually, the new XSR700 – the name pays homage to the XS650 – delivers a rather pleasing blend of modern and retro, while being underpinned by the engine from the wildly popular MT-07 – MCN's Bike of the Year 2014.
A two-texture leather seat unit sits atop an easily customizable bolt-on rear sub-frame. The old-school style headlight replaces the angular MT units, and the aluminium tank unit is a real highlight of authenticity. Yamaha called this new style philosophy ‘Faster Sons’, and this year’s Wheels & Waves event saw them unveil a special build under that name, conceived and created by Los Angeles based Japanese bike builder Shinya Kimura (see both bikes in action).
XSR700 Highlights
Two-texture leather seat
Aluminium retro fuel tank
Aluminium fender
Aluminium headlight bracket
Wide tapered back handlebars
Mesh side panels
Stubby rear muffler
Embroidered seat logo
Wide range of customization accessories
A period style speedometer – which closely mirrors the one used on the firm's XV950, along with the lights – sits between the wide tapered back handlebars. A short stubby rear muffler provides the right soundtrack and Pirelli Phantom tyres front and rear not only look the part with their authentic pattern, but also do the job to keep the rider connected to the road.
At its heart is the 700cc parallel-twin from the MT-07, delivering perky performance, and plenty of character from its 270-degree crank. The wheels are lightweight 10-spoke aluminium items, with stopping power courtesy of 282mm wavy discs and 4-pot calipers at the front and ABS as standard.
There’ll be a wide range of accessories for riders to use a customization pool, and there will also be a complete range of rider apparel, too.
The XSR700 will be available from November 2015, with prices set to be announced at this year’s Motorcycle Live in November 28 –December 6.
Chassis highlights
Compact, lightweight chassis
Short 530mm swing-arm
Easily customizable, bolt-on rear sub-frame
Rear Monocross horizontal shock system
Standard with ABS
Engine highlights
700cc inline 2-cylinder engine
Crossplane engine design philosophy
Deep linear torque
270-degree crank for strong acceleration and traction
Smooth, exciting power delivery to high rpm
Colours
Forest Green
Garage Metal
Source: MCN
