Spence takes the Yamaha XSR700 for a spin up the famous Arthurs Seat, gets smoked by a rogue BMW R NineT and talks adolescent street racing.
Yamaha XSR700 2020
The new Yamaha XSR700 colour scheme takes inspiration from the 1960s racing era. Specifically, Bill Ivy’s 125cc world championship winning two-stroke.
No other changes have been made for 2020, with the MT-07LA-based retro retaining its 655cc parallel-twin, delivering 38kW and 57Nm.
Distinguishing the XSR700 from the MT-07LA is a number of heritage-inspired features, like an aluminium fuel tank, front and rear aluminium fenders, a two-texture leather seat, vintage-style headlight and taillight, circular instrument clock and brushed aluminium around the front fender, radiator and headlight.
So. It’s friendly, nicely styled and quick enough, but will it bring in a strong audience of cool learners at $12,899 rideaway?
Catch our close look at the XSR700 here, and our full review of the XSR900 here.
