Yamaha introduces ‘modern classic’ XSR 700

Modern classics are back and have become extremely popular over the past few years.

Encouraged by the phenomenal success of Triumph’s Bonneville series and more recently the Ducati Scrambler, now it seems every motorcycle manufacturer wants to have at least one retro-cool product.

And now, Yamaha has jumped in with this neat looking product, the Yamaha XSR700.

The XSR700 however, is not an all-new bike, at least technically speaking. The Yamaha XSR700 is the mass produced version of the concept MT-07 restyled by legendary Japanese custom builder Shinya Kimura.

And the production version Yamaha XSR700 is a fine specimen of Yamaha’s Sport Heritage bike building philosophy, respecting the iconic syles and designs of Yamaha motorcycles of the past, as well as intending to push the boundaries of motorcycle technology. Yamaha calls this new philosophy ‘Faster Sons’, name that tips its hat in respect to the bikes that came before.

And as tangible proof of this philosophy, Yamaha chose to work with bike builder Shinya Kimura. Building on the success of this collaboration, Yamaha is now launching the first production motorcycle that lives and breathes the Faster Sons philosophy.

The XSR700 is the true ‘Faster Son’ embodying the belief in blending retro style and modern technology. And its design is a tribute to the iconic Yamaha XS650 of the 1970s, a pure masterpiece of Yamaha’s simplistic design that still inspires today.

The XSR700 is a feast for the senses; its style is enhanced with a number of high quality parts to complete its look. Riders can enjoy an authentic retro feeling with the two-texture leather seat unit sitting on an easily customizable bolt on rear sub-frame.

An old school style headlight and fastening stay sets it off at the front, and an aluminium tank unit reminds the rider they’re sitting on a Faster Sons machine. With a wet weight of just 186kg the XSR700 is the first of its kind, a modern day entry-level icon to style up the riding life of both new and experienced riders.

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A period style speedometer sits between the wide tapered back handlebars, which offer a casual & upright riding position for its rider and a trick mesh cover on the side keeps all the high tech electronics under wraps. Use of quality metal materials such as aluminium on several components, including the front fender stay and radiator cover also work to complement the overall retro feel.

A short stubby rear muffler provides the right soundtrack and Pirelli Phantom tyres front and rear not only look the part with an authentic pattern, but also do the job to keep the rider connected to the road.

As mentioned earlier, the basis for the XSR700 is the Yamaha MT-07 roadster and technically there aren’t many differences. Engine, chassis, suspension and brakes are identical to the MT-07.

The 689 cc in-line twin cylinder engine with the crossplane 270-degree crank pushes out over 75PS and 68 Nm of torque, and the XSR700 is said to excel in the handling department as well with a compact, lightweight chassis. 

The Yamaha XSR700 will be unveiled at the EICMA in Milan and will be available for sale from November 2015 in Europe and USA.

It is a nice looking motorcycle. And it certainly seems to take some inspiration from the Ducati Scrambler as well, whether Yamaha likes to admit it or not. And it seems to make business sense too. Ducati has reported a 22 per cent global sales rise in the first half of 2015 with almost a third of it attributed to the Scrambler.

Triumph is expected to upgrade the Bonneville series with a new 1100cc liquid-cooled engine and according to reports, at least three models are expected to use this engine: a classic roadster, a scrambler and a bobber.

So, it’s game on from Yamaha then. And like the Ducati Scrambler, which retails at Rs 7.68 lakh (on-road Delhi), we sure hope the XSR700 finds its way to Yamaha India’s showrooms too. After all, we feel the fastest growing superbike market in the world just has to have this neo-retro cool thing on two wheels. What will be crucial though, is pricing.