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2021 Yamaha XSR900 and XSR700 First Look Preview

Introducing new colors for Yamaha’s retro-styled naked bikes.

November 23, 2020

Yamaha’s neo-classic versions of the MT-07 and MT-09 are getting style upgrades for the 2021 model year. The XSR700 and the XSR900 pack all the wallop of their modern-looking counterparts, but their paint and bodywork hearken back to the heady days of the RZ350 and its smoky ilk.

Yamaha adds sharp neo-classic Radical White/Rapid Red colorway to 2021 XSR700 and 2021 XSR900.Yamaha

For 2021, both bikes will be available in an oh-so-retro combination of Radical White and Rapid Red, set off with a killer set of gold wheels and subtle black stripes. This colorway definitely calls those radical ’80s rockets to mind.

The 2021 Yamaha XSR700 keeps its familiar MT-07 underpinnings and retro style, set off with a new Radical White/Rapid Red paint scheme for the new year.Yamaha

Mechanically, the bikes are much the same as they were in 2020. The XSR900 soldiers on with the 847cc version of the crossplane triple, which is being replaced in the MT-09 for 2021 with an 890cc mill. The XSR700 is still rocking the 689cc parallel twin from its MT-07 stablemate.

Both the 2021 XSR700 and 2021 XSR900 will be available at dealers in December, at an MSRP of $8,499 for the XSR700 and $9,499 for the XSR900.Yamaha

Neither bike is just a pretty face, as they each come with a raft of electronic gadgetry to keep hooliganism from turning bleak. The XSR700 carries ABS brakes bolted to lightweight aluminum rims and model-specific details like the single-piece saddle and teardrop mirrors.

The 2021 Yamaha XSR700 rides on a 41mm conventional fork and preload-adjustable rear shock.Yamaha

Those who opt for the 2021 Yamaha XSR900 will get adjustable suspension, ABS brakes, and an assist-and-slipper clutch. It also rocks a single-piece seat bearing the XSR900 logo, teardrop mirrors, and a retro front fender.

Both models will be in dealerships in December. MSRP for the XSR900 is $9,499, while the XSR700 will set you back $8,499.

2021 Yamaha XSR700 Technical Specifications and Price

PRICE	$8,499
ENGINE	689cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin; 8-valve
BORE x STROKE	80.0mm x 68.6mm
COMPRESSION RATIO	11.5:1
FUEL DELIVERY	Fuel injection
CLUTCH	Wet, multiplate; cable actuation
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE	6-speed/chain
CLAIMED HORSEPOWER	73.8 hp @ 9,000 rpm
CLAIMED TORQUE	50.2 lb.-ft. @ 6,500 rpm
FRAME	Aluminum twin-spar
FRONT SUSPENSION	41mm fork; 5.1-in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION	Single shock, adjustable preload; 5.1-in. travel
FRONT BRAKE	Dual 282mm hydraulic discs w/ ABS
REAR BRAKE	245mm hydraulic disc w/ ABS
WHEELS, FRONT/REAR	Die-cast aluminum; 17 x 3.0-in. / 17 x 4.0-in.
TIRES, FRONT/REAR	Pirelli Phantom Sportcomp; 120/70-ZR17 / 180/55ZR-17
RAKE/TRAIL	25.0°/3.5 in.
WHEELBASE	55.3 in.
SEAT HEIGHT	32.9 in.
FUEL CAPACITY	3.7 gal.
CLAIMED WET WEIGHT	410 lb.
WARRANTY	1 year, limited
AVAILABLE	December
CONTACT	yamahamotorsports.com

2021 Yamaha XSR900 Technical Specifications and Price

PRICE	$9,499
ENGINE	847cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled inline 3-cylinder 4-stroke; 12 valves
BORE x STROKE	78.0 x 59.1mm
COMPRESSION RATIO	11.5:1
FUEL DELIVERY	Yamaha Fuel Injection w/ YCC-T
CLUTCH	Wet, multiplate assist and slipper; cable actuation
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE	6-speed/chain
CLAIMED HORSEPOWER	115 hp @ 10,000 rpm
CLAIMED TORQUE	65 lb.-ft. @ 8,500 rpm
FRAME	Aluminum twin-spar
FRONT SUSPENSION	41mm inverted fork, adjustable for preload and rebound damping; 5.4-in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION	Single shock, adjustable for preload and rebound damping; 5.1-in. travel
FRONT BRAKE	Dual 298mm hydraulic discs w/ ABS
REAR BRAKE	245mm hydraulic disc w/ ABS
WHEELS, FRONT/REAR	Cast aluminum; 17 in. / 17 in.
TIRES, FRONT/REAR	120/70ZR-17 / 180/55ZR-17
RAKE/TRAIL	25.0°/4.1 in.
WHEELBASE	56.7 in.
SEAT HEIGHT	32.7 in.
FUEL CAPACITY	3.7 gal.
CLAIMED WET WEIGHT	430 lb.
WARRANTY	1 year, limited
AVAILABLE	December
CONTACT	yamahamotorsports.com

The 2021 Yamaha XSR900 wears an inverted fork adjustable for preload and rebound damping. Out back, the shock gets the same adjustments.Yamaha

The XSR700’s parallel twin punches out 73.8 ponies and 50 torques, which gives it punchy, eager street manners.Yamaha

The simple, pared-down lines of the XSR900 hearken back to the smoky, two-stroke hooligan bikes of the 1980s and conjure names like Kenny Roberts.Yamaha

Gold wheels on both the XSR700 and XSR900 hammer home the retro theme.Yamaha

A single digital instrument pod keeps the cockpit of both bikes clean and simple.Yamaha

The XSR900 eschews the retro cool of Pirelli’s Phantom Sportcomp tires for a set of Bridgestone rubber.Yamaha

Both bikes get a one-piece seat, sculpted tank, and teardrop mirrors.Yamaha

Although the style is decidedly urban and retro, neither bike has left its sporting intentions behind.Yamaha