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2020 Yamaha XSR700 Preview

Yamaha offers classic XS character with today’s high tech.

By Tyler Greenblatt

November 5, 2019

Yamaha announced the return of its XSR700 in its Sport Heritage family of motorcycles for the 2020 model year. Sport Heritage models follow Yamaha’s “Faster Sons” design philosophy that blends classic styling with modern powertrain and chassis technology for a sport-standard bike with performance and character.

The 2020 Yamaha XSR700 recalls the character of the classic XS model Yamahas but packs all the tech today’s riders want.Yamaha

The XSR700 draws power from a 689cc inline-twin engine reminiscent of Yamaha's classic XS motorcycles. Retro bodywork, stepped two-up seat, and vintage-style lighting provide the character of yesterday's motorcycles with today's tech features like electronic fuel injection, ABS braking, modern suspension, and LCD instrumentation. The 2020 XSR700 is available in a new Radical White/Rapid Red paint scheme and lists at $8,499. Read our full ride review on the first US-spec XSR700 in 2018 here.

A 689cc inline-twin sits at the heart of the XSR700 as a stressed member of the frame.Yamaha

While its looks may be derived from the past, the XSR700 is all modern when it comes to technology. Its liquid-cooled twin was built with low- and midrange torque in mind and tuned for a linear throttle response. The cylinders are shifted slightly forward compared to the center of the crankshaft to reduce drag during each compression stroke thereby improving efficiency. Overall smoothness is also improved with a geared counterbalancer mounted on the front of the engine.

A 41mm conventional front end with 5.1 inches of travel and 3.5 inches of trail makes for a nimble wheelbase that’s over an inch shorter than the XSR900.Yamaha

Weight savings and confident handling were top priorities for engineers of the XSR700, with a diamond-type high-tensile-strength steel frame providing balance and rigidity while holding the engine as a stressed chassis member. The XSR700 sports an even 5.1 inches of travel in both its front conventional fork and rear monoshock, while the rear shock also provides preload adjustability. ABS braking comes standard to prevent locking up the ZR-rated Pirelli Phantom Sportcomp tires.

Pirelli Sportcomp tires provide plenty of traction while helping keep the vintage theme alive.Yamaha

The XSR700 features a new round LCD panel gauge with digital tachometer, speedometer, eco mode indicator, ambient and coolant temperature, fuel gauge, and trip computer functions. Instant and average fuel consumption and a fuel reserve meter add to the traditional tripmeter functions. Riders looking for the XSR700 will have to wait until February of 2020.

The XSR700 shares the same gold-colored lightweight aluminum 10-spoke wheels as the XSR900.Yamaha

Yamaha claims the XSR700 achieves 58 mpg, which means more time in the saddle and less time thinking about stopping.Yamaha

A pair of 282mm discs and four-piston calipers handle braking duties up front. ABS is standard on both XSR700 and XSR900 models.Yamaha

A retro stepped seat provides two-up capabilities to an already capable machine.Yamaha

The classic round Yamaha taillight is all LED. Tasteful XSR700 logos appear throughout the bike.Yamaha

The 3.7-gallon gas tank should make the XSR700 good for 214 miles between fill-ups.Yamaha

A monoshock rear with 5.1 inches of travel comes with preload adjustability on the XSR700. For rebound adjustability, buyers must step up to the XSR900.Yamaha

That Radical White/Rapid Red paint scheme is new for 2020 and graces both the XSR900 and XSR700 models.Yamaha

The all-digital LCD gauge has all the usual features including handy fuel consumption information.Yamaha

A classic headlight bucket with ears and mounted turn signals is reminiscent of nearly all vintage metric motorcycles.Yamaha