Yamaha XSR 700 [2021-2022]: A Neo-Retro Icon That Delivers Thrills Without Compromise

Introduction

The Yamaha XSR 700 is a motorcycle that refuses to be pigeonholed. Bridging the gap between retro charm and modern performance, this parallel-twin machine has carved out a cult following since its debut. For the 2021-2022 generation, Yamaha doubled down on refining its formula: a lightweight chassis, a charismatic engine, and styling that nods to the past without feeling like a costume party. After spending a week carving backroads and navigating city streets, it’s clear why this bike resonates with riders who crave authenticity—and a little mischief.

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Design & Aesthetics: Vintage Soul, Modern Polish

The XSR 700’s design is a masterclass in balancing nostalgia with contemporary flair. The 2021-2022 models feature hand-finished aluminum side covers, a stepped two-level seat with exposed stitching, and a minimalist LED tail light that looks like it was plucked from a 1970s café racer. But it’s the 2022 update that sharpens the package: a new heritage-inspired LED headlight sits snug between fork shrouds, giving the front end a “snub-nose” profile that’s both aggressive and elegant. The Raven black colorway (2021’s Radical White/Rapid Red is equally striking) accentuates the bike’s muscular tank and diamond steel frame.

Yamaha’s attention to detail shines in smaller touches: the teardrop mirrors offer surprising visibility, the aluminum radiator guards add a rugged touch, and the Michelin Road 5 tires (phased in by 2022) provide a subtle contrast to the classic 10-spoke wheels. At 835 mm (32.9 inches), the seat height is accessible, and the narrow profile lets shorter riders plant both feet firmly—a rarity in this segment.

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Performance: Where Torque Meets Playfulness

The Heartbeat: CP2 Engine

The 689cc parallel-twin is the star here. With its 270-degree crankshaft and “Crossplane Concept,” this engine delivers torque like a friendly shove to the back. Peak numbers—73.8 HP at 9,000 RPM and 68 Nm (50.2 lb-ft) at 6,500 RPM—don’t tell the full story. What matters is how it feels: from 3,000 RPM onward, the throttle response is immediate, linear, and endlessly entertaining. The uneven firing order creates a throaty growl that’s more soulful than Japanese inline-fours but less brash than a V-twin.

Fuel injection is seamless, whether you’re trickling through traffic or snapping open the throttle on an empty stretch. The six-speed transmission shifts with a satisfying click, and the clutch pull is light enough for hour-long commutes. At highway speeds, the overdrive sixth gear keeps vibrations in check, though the engine’s sweet spot remains between 5,000–7,000 RPM, where it surges forward with a playful urgency.

Handling: Lightweight Flickability

Weighing just 186 kg (410 lbs) wet, the XSR 700 feels like a bicycle when you’re threading through traffic. The diamond steel frame and 55.3-inch wheelbase strike a perfect balance between stability and agility. Toss it into a corner, and the 41mm telescopic forks (130mm travel) and Monocross rear shock (preload-adjustable) keep things composed, even over rough pavement. The Michelin Road 5 tires inspire confidence, offering grip whether you’re leaned over or braking hard in the rain.

The upright riding position—wide handlebars, mid-set pegs—is ideal for all-day rides. At higher speeds, wind buffeting becomes noticeable (a flyscreen from MOTOPARTS.store would help), but this isn’t a bike meant for touring. It’s a backroad bruiser that’s equally at home dodging potholes in the city.

Braking: Confidence Under Pressure

For 2022, Yamaha upgraded the front brakes to 298mm discs paired with four-piston calipers, a significant improvement over the previous 282mm setup. The bite is strong yet progressive, and ABS intervenes unobtrusively. The rear 245mm disc does its job without drama. Combined with the lightweight chassis, stopping distances are impressively short—a boon for urban riders.

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Competition: How the XSR 700 Stacks Up

Triumph Street Twin (900cc)

The Street Twin leans harder into retro aesthetics, with a higher price tag to match. Its 900cc parallel-twin is smoother and more refined, but it lacks the XSR’s raw, punchy character. At 216 kg (476 lbs), it’s also heavier—noticeable in tight corners.

Honda CB650R

Honda’s Neo Sports Café entry packs a 94 HP inline-four that screams at high RPMs. It’s faster in a straight line but lacks low-end grunt, making it less engaging for city riding. The XSR’s torque advantage and lighter weight (186 kg vs. 203 kg) give it the edge for real-world usability.

Suzuki SV650

The SV650 is the XSR’s closest rival, sharing a similar weight and V-twin torque. However, its budget-focused suspension and dated design can’t match the Yamaha’s premium feel or customization potential.

Verdict: The XSR 700 isn’t the fastest or the most luxurious, but it’s the best all-rounder—a bike that rewards skill without punishing inexperience.

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Maintenance: Keeping the XSR 700 in Its Prime

Key Considerations:

1. Oil Changes: Yamaha recommends SAE 10W-40 every 6,000 km (3,700 miles). The spin-on filter and accessible drain plug make DIY changes straightforward.
2. Chain Care: The O-ring chain needs regular cleaning and lubrication. MOTOPARTS.store offers high-quality chain kits to minimize stretch and wear.
3. Valve Adjustments: Every 42,000 km (26,000 miles)—a testament to the engine’s durability.
4. Brake Fluid: Flush DOT 4 fluid every two years. The 2022’s larger front discs benefit from upgraded sintered pads for aggressive riders.
5. Coolant: Replace every 40,000 km (24,800 miles). The liquid-cooled system rarely overheats, even in traffic.

Customization Potential:

The XSR 700 thrives on personalization. Consider swapping the exhaust for an Akrapović slip-on (legal in most regions) or adding adjustable levers for a tailored fit. MOTOPARTS.store’s catalog includes café racer seats, bar-end mirrors, and LED turn signals to amplify its retro-modern vibe.

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Conclusion: A Motorcycle That Makes Every Ride an Event

The Yamaha XSR 700 isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a rebellion against the mundane. It’s the kind of bike that makes you take the long way home, just to feel that surge of torque one more time. While rivals focus on horsepower wars or vintage cosplay, the XSR 700 delivers something rarer: joy. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a newcomer, this machine will make you fall in love with motorcycling all over again. And when you’re ready to make it truly yours, MOTOPARTS.store has everything you need to keep it running—and looking—like a legend.

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Specifications sheet

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