Employing the same “new retro” styling that made the XSR900 such a hit but using the superb MT-07 platform, the XSR700 made its North American debut two years after the bigger XSR, despite both bikes being released simultaneously in Europe. Based on a concept motorcycle that Yamaha and Los Angeles–based Japanese bike builder Shinya Kimura collaborated on, the XSR700 pays tribute to the classic ‘70s XS650 with its exposed aluminum details, retro-influenced bodywork, stepped seat, and old-school round lighting and instrumentation. With its more spacious and upright riding position than the MT-07, the XSR700 provides a perfect partner for the type of around-town blasting that the highly entertaining parallel-twin engine and agile chassis invites.
There haven’t been many updates since the XSR700′s 2018 debut, with the majority occurring with the 2022 model. The dual front brake disc size was increased from 282mm to 298mm, noticeably improving braking performance, aided by OEM tire fitment switching from Pirelli Phantoms to more modern Michelin Pilot Road 5 tires, which provide much better overall grip and ride characteristics. Headlight was upgraded to an LED unit, and the round instrument panel was repositioned and changed to a reverse LCD display (white on black background). And finally, handlebar switch gear was updated to newer, more intuitive units; the information on the instrument panel can now be scrolled through using a switch on the left handlebar.
The 2024 Yamaha XSR700 is available in Raven (black) for $8,899.
- Ducati Scrambler, starting from $9,995
- Honda CB650R, $9,399
- Royal Enfield INT 650, $6,149 (base model)
- Kawasaki W800, $10,399
- Kawasaki Z650RS ABS, $8,899
- Suzuki SV650 ABS, $7,949
- Triumph Trident 660, $8,595
