Cycle News Staff | September 21, 2017
2018 Yamaha XSR700 First Look – The new XSR700 features a compact 689cc inline twin cylinder engine with a “Crossplane Concept” 270 degree crankshaft, a sporty chassis for nimble handling along with powerful ABS brakes, the XSR700 blends modern function and performance with styling inspiration from Yamaha’s rich heritage.
2018 Yamaha XSR700 First Look
Yamaha Release:
The “Faster Sons” Philosophy
Descended from the heritage of motorcycling’s past, today’s “Faster Sons” represent both the motorcycles and the riders who respect iconic Yamaha designs while continuing to push performance forward. The spirit of the “Faster Sons” philosophy is embodied by Yamaha’s Sport Heritage motorcycles, where styles of the past combine with the technology of today to create real character that does not compromise on riding ability.
2018 Yamaha XSR700 First Look
2018 XSR700 Motorcycle
The new XSR700 is the latest model to take its place in the Sport Heritage lineup as a casual, retro-styled street bike. Paying tribute to the iconic Yamaha XS650, a pure masterpiece of Yamaha simplistic design that still inspires today, the XSR700 delivers the perfect mix of timeless style, modern technology and emotional riding experience.
The authentic feeling of the XSR700 is derived from several key features, including a stitched two-level seat and an old-school style round headlight and fastening stay. Exposed and painted aluminum components, retro-influenced bodywork and simple front and rear fenders also remain true to vintage character. Customization potential abounds as well, thanks in part to removable aluminum tank panels and a removable rear sub-frame.
Drawing from the “Faster Sons” design philosophy, the XSR700 delivers modern performance courtesy of the compact 2-cylinder engine with a “Crossplane Concept” 270 degree crankshaft that provides unique power characteristics with outstanding torque and a direct throttle-to-rear-wheel connection feeling. Add to that a six-speed transmission, modern suspension components tuned to provide a balance of comfort and control ideal for the street, lightweight aluminum wheels and powerful ABS brakes, and the XSR’s contemporary abilities become evident.
Both new and experienced riders will appreciate the modern LCD instrumentation, comfortably upright seating position, low 410-pound wet weight and up to 58mpg fuel economy when dicing through urban traffic or hustling down a twisty road.
The 2018 XSR700 will be available in both Matte Gray/Aluminum and Raspberry Metallic, and will arrive at Yamaha dealerships beginning in October with a MSRP of $8,499.
2018 Yamaha XSR700 First Look
SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine Type 689cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline twin cylinder; 8 valves
Bore x Stroke 80.0mm x 68.6mm
Compression Ratio 11.5:1
Fuel Delivery Fuel injection
Ignition TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
Transmission Constant mesh 6-speed; multiplate wet clutch
Final Drive Chain
Suspension / Front 41mm telescopic fork; 5.1-in travel
Suspension / Rear Single shock, adjustable preload; 5.1-in travel
Brakes / Front Dual hydraulic disc, 282mm; ABS
Brakes / Rear Hydraulic disc, 245mm; ABS
Tires / Front 120/70ZR17 Pirelli Phantom Sportcomp
Tires / Rear 180/55ZR17 Pirelli Phantom Sportcomp
Seat Height 32.1 in
Wheelbase 55.3 in
Rake (Caster Angle) 25.0°
Trail 3.5 in
Ground Clearance 5.5 in
Fuel Capacity 3.7 gal
Fuel Economy 58 mpg
Wet Weight 410 lb
Warranty 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)
Color Matte Gray/Aluminum; Raspberry Metallic