The new XSR700

Photos: YAMAHA

The models of the Yamaha Sport Heritage range combine timeless design and colour combinations of yesteryear with state-of-the-art technology. They pay homage to some great models in Yamaha's history. With the introduction of the new models in 2021 and 2022, the XSR Sport Heritage range will become more technologically mature. The segment is growing up without losing its rebellious character.

All XSR models have their ideal terrain. The XSR900 needs an environment where it can show its power. The XSR125 feels most comfortable in the city. And the XSR700 combines both worlds - confidently in the hustle and bustle of the big city, with ambitions for winding country roads.

Every type of rider can find an ideal motorcycle in this segment that they can identify with and that suits them. Yamaha's Faster Sons philosophy is synonymous with the combination of iconic style and the latest achievements in engineering, frame construction and engine development. Each model from the Sport Heritage range has its own character and appeal. Not least because of this, the many riders from the Faster Sons community develop such an intimate relationship with their motorcycle.

The community appreciates the versatility of the XSR series and many bikes are converted into unmistakable unique pieces. In the Yard Built program, many individual bikes have been created so far and countless riders have privately converted their motorcycles. Yamaha is proud to have laid the foundation for the realization of these dreams. A platform where enthusiasts can put their heart and soul into the design of their dream bike. Whether complete conversion or cosmetic procedures: Yamaha is happy when motorcycle lovers realize their own personal taste.

The new XSR700 – built for the challenge

Created after customizer Shinya Kimura's 2015 concept bike, the XSR700 quickly became one of the most popular motorcycles for all those riders looking for a rebellious fun bike with serious modern aspects. Their outstanding look, inspired by Yamaha's traditional models, combined with the high-torque CP-2 engine, guarantee unforgettable riding experiences.

Yamaha cherishes the past. However, the focus is on the future. Therefore, it was decided to take the existing XSR700 platform to the next level of development with a few changes. At the same time, emphasis was placed on maintaining the versatile character of the motorcycle.

The new XSR700 still has the well-known, traditional design aspects, such as the retro bodywork, the stepped seat and the classic design of headlights and taillights. But with modern technology such as ABS, LED lighting and the most economical CP2 engine to date, it is fully up to date. She embodies the Faster Sons philosophy in the spirit of this increasingly popular segment.

Colour inspirations

When it came to colors for the 2022 model year, Yamaha sought one of the most outstanding motorcycles from the company's rich history. The RD350LC, a two-stroke model from the early eighties, provided the template for the modern interpretation with a fresh white-blue combination and an elegant color variant with black and gold.

New XSR-style LED headlight

The Sport Heritage range lighting upgrade follows the example of the all-new XSR125. A classic round LED spotlight with split projector and semicircular position light. The rear light is also classically round and ensures optimum visibility with LED technology. The LED turn signals are discreetly shaped, as minimalistic as possible, but easily recognizable.

Two fork-mounted brackets take up the new headlight and provide a more compact front.

Revised cockpit

The modern cockpit is also classically shaped, with bright displays on a dark background. For better clarity and visibility, it has been moved further forward. In combination with the headlight, a slimmer front view is created.

Timelessly casual

Not only the design, but also the driving qualities of the XSR700 convince. It is characterized above all by its versatility. From leisurely cruising to sporty driving on winding country roads, this motorcycle can do it all. The frame, tank and seat design remain largely unchanged. As a result, the XSR700 remains the optimal basis for customizing projects.

The improvements

To improve handling, the XSR700 gets new, improved front brake discs enlarged to 298 mm, a revised telescopic fork and Michelin Road 5 tires. The brake and clutch levers are now all black and the switches have been technically upgraded and made more user-friendly. This makes it easy to operate the functions of the LCD cockpit. In addition, the cooler received new side covers. As a result, everything looks tidier and the turn signals look better integrated.

XSR700 XTribute – Drive the Legend

With a special model, we pay tribute to one of the most popular motorcycles in our history: the XT500. Also in 2022 we present again the XSR 700 XTribute, inspired by this legendary bike. In addition to the obvious parallels in design, both models share a number of common characteristics. Both the XT500 and the XTribute are characterized by their puristic design, pleasant power delivery and all-round capabilities. They stand for uncomplicated, honest riding pleasure and the high quality standards of Yamaha.

This inimitable combination of timeless beauty and modern technology embodies the spirit of Faster Son's philosophy in its purest form. The unique technical features of the XSR700 XTribute give a new generation of drivers the opportunity to relive the past while enjoying state-of-the-art technology and superior handling.

"1981" retro coloring and graphics of the XT

One of the most recognizable features of the XT500 was its striking yet simple design. The XTribute picks up on this: brushed aluminium fuel filler covers with XT-inspired graphics are combined with white fenders and the famous gold-coloured rims.

Dirt bike meets Urban Scrambler

Based on the dirt bike style of the XT500, the XTribute also received a handlebar with a center brace. This handlebar not only provides the robust Urban Scrambler look, but also a comfortable, upright sitting position. The wider handlebar offers better leverage and thus improves maneuverability - especially at low speeds. The handles are presented in dirt bike style and the design of the footpegs fits perfectly with the Scrambler look.

Tyres with block profile

Pirelli MT-60RS block tread tyres have been mounted on the 10 spoke cast wheels of the XSR700 XTribute, which match the Urban Scrambler look. The tyres impress on asphalt and gravel with excellent grip and easy handling.

Special, flat seat and fork bellows

In keeping with the look of the XT500, the XTribute is equipped with a flat seat with an XTribute logo discreetly embossed on the back. With this look, it looks like a dirt bike from the 80s – but with the comfort of today. The seating position is matched to the reinforced handlebars and the off-road footpegs and grips.

When planning a Yamaha Sport Heritage, every little detail is taken care of - as with the XSR700 XTribute. The black bellows on the telescopic fork reinforce the Scrambler retro lock.

Lightweight, compact and agile

With a roadworthy weight of only 190 kilograms, the XSR700 XTribute is one of the lightest scrambler models. The steel rear frame and compact chassis make the XSR700 XTribute one of the most agile and easy-to-maneuver models in its class.

Heritage is the new Black

To emphasize the iconic color scheme of the XTribute, the designers colored details that were visually highlighted on the standard XSR700 black on the XTribute. The frame protection, radiator covers and instrument mounts are black in keeping with the frame and the dark CP2 engine. This makes the white fenders and the elegant aluminium tank covers even more effective.

Optionally with raised, black Akrapovič exhaust

The very first XT500 from 1976 had a flat manifold combined with a raised muffler. This classic look can be felt on the XSR700 XTribute with the optionally available Akrapovič exhaust. This high-quality 2-in-1 system is painted black, just like the XT500. The exhaust system looks uncompromising and produces a pithy sound. This fits perfectly with the Scrambler character and is another highlight in the premium equipment of this new Faster Sons model.

Features XSR700

• LED lighting in the style of the XSR family
• Revised cockpit with integrated headlight holders
• Enhanced design details
• High-torque, EU5 compliant CP2 engine with 689 cc displacement
• Lightweight and slim central tube frame
• Designed for optimal driving pleasure
• Confidence-inspiring driving experience
• Color scheme and graphics based on Yamaha tradition
• Exceptionally economical in consumption

Features XSR700 XTribute

• "1981" retro coloring and graphics of the XT
• Off-road look of handlebars, grips and footpegs
• Pirelli MT60RS block tread tyres for asphalt and off-road
• Flat XT-Style seat, bellows on the fork and integrated headlight holders

Availability and colours

Delivery of the new XSR700 and XSR700 XTribute to German Yamaha partners is expected to begin in March 2022. The recommended retail prices will be announced shortly.

The XSR 700 will be available in Heritage White and Heritage Black. The XSR 700 XTribute is available in Tech Black.