Let's go retro - from £2500! Head old-school with one of Yamaha's big-value used naked beauties

When it comes to spirited retro motorcycles, Yamaha have nailed the brief.

OK there have been a few bumps along the way (did someone say SCR950?) but in general they seem to be able to hit the balance between looking old-school and riding like a modern bike.

Related: Best retro riding kit

From the air-cooled XJR1300 to the new water-cooled, and far more contemporary-styled, XSR range, there is plenty of choice out there.

And just because they are old-school in their styling, don’t imagine they are dated in their performance and handling.

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2016 – 2021 Yamaha XSR900 – £5,000 – £8,500

A retro triple treat with stacks of character

Spec:

• Power 113.3bhp
• Engine capacity 847cc
• Seat height 830mm
• Kerb weight 195kg

The XSR900 arrived on the scene three years after the 2013 MT-09 as part of the firm’s ‘Sports Heritage’ range. Effectively the naked bike given a retro makeover through round head and tail lights, blacked out details, a new seat and some aluminium details, the XSR hit the mark – especially in the cool yellow ‘Kenny’ rep’ colours. A great bike to ride that isn’t as weird-looking as the MT, it’s a sporty retro whose triple is brimming with spirit and you get both ABS and TC as standard.

XSR900 used buying advice

● The XSR has Yamaha’s 24,000- mile valve clearance intervals, so be aware of this on any high mileage bikes as it’s about £600.
● Yamaha sold an official plug-and play quick shifter which cost £267. The MT’s gearbox isn’t the best and quick shifters can increase wear, so check it doesn’t hop out of gear during a test ride.
● In 2017 Yamaha launched the limited-edition XSR900 Abarth. It looks cool but isn’t great to ride due to swallow-tail clip-on bars. Annoyingly, you can’t buy the cool carbon pillion seat cover as an accessory to fit to a stock XSR.

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2015 – 2021 Yamaha XSR700 – £4,000 – £6,500

Twin-cylinder retro fun from this MT-07 spin-off

Spec:

• Power 74bhp
• Engine capacity 689cc
• Seat height 815mm
• Kerb weight 186kg

A stylish counterpart to the XSR900, the XSR700 is basically a re-styled MT-07 – which is no bad thing. Costing slightly more than the modern bike, the XSR version adds redesigned petrol tank covers, higher bars, a taller seat, round speedo, new lights and a removable rear section to the subframe. It is tremendous fun to ride and can be made A2-legal for new riders.

XSR700 used buying advice

● The finish on the MT-07 platform is pretty poor, so inspect the bike well for corrosion.
● The XSR has the same squishy suspension as the MT-07 and fork seals and the shock aren’t very robust. After a test ride, wipe the fork seal area to see if there are any signs of oil leaking and bounce the rear of the bike to check the shock’s damping is still performing.
● The exhaust is a single-piece unit, so check it well for any leaks or cracks in the weld.

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2015 Yamaha XJR1300 Racer – £5,500 – £6,500

Get the osteopath on speed dial if you plan on riding it…

Spec:

• Power 96bhp
• Engine capacity 1251cc
• Seat height 829mm
• Kerb weight 240kg

The XJR1300 Racer was launched alongside the updated XJR1300 in 2015 and was a flop for Yamaha. Costing £1000 more than the base bike when new, the Racer added clip-ons, a carbon mudguard, pillion seat cover and nose cowl and a leather strap over the tank. Hideously uncomfortable at slow speed, the Racer may look good but it is really only for the dedicated few.

XJR1300 Racer used buying advice

● Check where any fasteners run through the carbon panels as overtightening them can easily crack the carbon.
● Inspect the exhaust end-can for scrapes, the black finish is quite thin and marks easily. Owners often touch them up themselves after the odd scrape, which is easy to miss on a casual inspection.
● A few dealers still have new models knocking around for about £9000 but deals can be had. So hunt around get ready to haggle.

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1999 – 2014 Yamaha XJR1300 – £2,500 – £6,000

An old-school air-cooled muscle bike to spike your nostalgia

Spec:

• Power 98bhp
• Engine capacity 1251cc
• Seat height 820mm
• Kerb weight 245kg

The XJR1300 is a brilliant retro, powered by a sublime and wonderfully gutsy air-cooled inline four. A huge part of the XJR’s charm is its ability to carry a pillion in total comfort. It’s a heavy bike and a bit soft on its suspension, but as a sunny Sunday cruiser it is fantastic, has a huge tank range and it looks great. With prices starting from under £3000 it is worth a punt.

XJR1300 used buying advice

● The XJR rans carbs until 2007, which is when it became fuel injected and gained an EXUP valve. If buying a carbed bike ensure it ticks over smoothly as the jets get blocked by modern fuel if left standing. On an injected bike, watch out for sticking EXUP valves.
● The air-cooled engine needs its valve-clearances checking every 12,000 miles, not the usual 24,000, so see when this was last done. They can close up and that could damage the motor.

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2015 – 2017 Yamaha XJR1300 – £5,500 – £8,000

Close, but no cigar for the re-worked XJR’s last hurrah

Spec:

• Power 96bhp
• Engine capacity 1251cc
• Seat height 829mm
• Kerb weight 240kg

In 2015 Yamaha reinvented the XJR. Although essentially the same platform as before, the 2015-2017 model gets a black anti-friction coating on its forks – and a new tank and seat unit. Losing 6.5 litres from its fuel capacity and making the seat 10cm shorter and narrower ruined the bike’s famed pillion carrying ability. And it only does 150 miles between fill-ups!

XJR1300 used buying advice

● Always inspect the discs for wear as the XJR is quite chunky and tends to wear out pads/discs.
● Check the EXUP valve (located just before the end-can) is moving freely. If in doubt, remove the metal cover and watch it turn when you rev the motor.
● Inspect the rear brake caliper, it is underslung and catches loads of road crud, leading to it seizing up if not used regularly.
● If you do big miles or carry a passenger, it’s not the one for you.