Yamaha Xsr700 Review

Used Buyer Review

The XSR700 is essentially an MT-07 wearing a café racer costume, and that's not a criticism — it's exactly why you should consider one. The CP2 parallel-twin is genuinely brilliant: punchy from 4,000rpm, smooth enough for commuting, mental enough above 8,000rpm to keep you grinning. Yamaha built something honest here. No gimmicks, no rider modes, just a well-sorted chassis that communicates clearly and forgives mistakes without feeling dull. Used examples stack up well. The engine is famously bulletproof if serviced correctly — check the service history religiously and listen for any top-end rattles on cold start. Rear shock is the weak link on older bikes; budget £200-300 for an aftermarket unit if it hasn't been replaced. Ergonomics suit medium-height riders perfectly but taller guys will want bar risers eventually. Avoid anything that's been dropped hard — check the subframe carefully around the pillion pegs.