Yamaha reveal retro-inspired XSR700

Yamaha’s Sport Heritage family has spawned another member in the shape of this retrosexual new street roadster.

Related: 2015 Yamaha XSR700 review on MCN

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 retro 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 black 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 custom accessories, 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, 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