@@user-sw2lv3zp6o I'd say it's the best review for someone who's looking at the xsr as their first bikes. Alot of the complaints from other reviews usually come about because they're advanced riders and don't take novices into consideration when doing a review. It's the exact opposite with this review
owned a '78 XS750 loved the shaft drive on that bike.. it was also great as a tourer - you only mention the canyons, as far as opening up the bike as opposed to city-riding. It does seem the rider triangle / rider posture would lend well to intermediate weekends, and I've seen them equipped with soft saddle bags to keep the retro look and it looks fantastic. nice job Yamaha I may end up owning the bookend to my old XS
Thanks for this great video. I was actually thinking of getting this as my very first bike, but the size and weight of the MT07 was more manageable for me as a beginner.
Thanks! we're happy to help. I think you'll be quite happy with the MT-07. They're great, versatile machines, so you'll get a lot out of use out of your bike. Take care and stay safe!
Hey guys! I know I have been a bit late to say this but I have some concerns whether this bike or MT-07 would be the appropiate one for beginners. As far as I know many bike advisors says "start with 125-400 cc range motorcycles.". Wouldn't 700cc motorcycle be a 'bit' dangerous for beginners? Correct me please if I'm wrong. And if you already bought your bike what are your experiences? Are you satisfied with your bike or do you regret?
XSR700 is only 7 pounds heavier than the MT-07. It's also a slightly more roomy bike in various dimensions. MT-07 has a little bit lower seat height which might be your impression as being more accessible.
Sercan Bockun - Usually the best first bike is the smallest you can reasonably be comfortable on, but that being said if you have a good head on your shoulders and are careful you can start with an FZ07 or XSR700 .
Very good review. In performance, handling and ergonomics I would say Yamaha nailed it but in the looks dept they totally missed the mark. Where are the side covers to hide the rear brake reservoir hanging out in the breeze? The exhaust looks like someone cobbled it together in their garage with a Harbor Freight stick welder. The radiator looks like an after thought and those tear drop turn signals just look plain stupid. I could go on but you get the point.
Well, you need to replace the exhaust anyway to release the music from the Cp2 engine. Side covers you can buy for next to nothing and some nice led blinkers is an easy fix.
YouneZ, for 2018 in the USA the model name changes from FZ to MT. 2017 is the first iteration of styling, and first version of suspension. 2018 gets all the updates.
Hey Rich, This is a great question because each of those bikes have a unique personality, despite being in the same class. I think in terms of handling, you'll find both the '18 Yamaha XSR700 and '18 CB650F to be fairly evenly matched. Both machines are agile, easily maneuverable and confident machines; at low and higher speeds. In terms of braking components, you'll have a similar experience as well. Not a shocking amount of bite, but totally adequate for the size/class of motorcycle we're talking about. In terms of ergonomics, the CB650F might be slightly more sporty, but still offers a neutral, upright, riding position that will be great for commuting or having fun in the canyons on the weekend. The biggest differences I think you'll see between the two machines is the engines, which gives each bike its own personality, in direct comparison with one another. The XSR700 has a torquey 689cc parallel-twin powerplant that is incredibly tractable and offers useable power at just about any RPM. It has a great amount of torque way down low, so a little bit of wrist action will get a good response. That's one of the MT-07/XSR700 biggest strengths; the twin engine has loads of character and is incredibly fun to rip around on. In contrast, the Honda CB650F is at the opposite end of the spectrum. It's a 649cc inline four that you can truly wring out, which is a characteristic of the inline-four cylinder engine. A traditional inline-four powerplant likes to make its power towards the mid/upper end of the rpm range. Down low, the CB650F is relatively tame, which you might prefer, depending on your personality. It's engine spools up quickly, and delivers its power in a tractable fashion as well - but later in the rev-range than the CB650F. Quite a fun engine, but you have to get into it a bit more to see a solid return. Both engine platforms have their strengths and a good way to think about this is: do you want your torque made down low on the XSR700 or do you want something that builds power a bit later. I'd also mention that the CB650F's inline-four engine might feel a bit smoother, as it has two-extra cylinders to carry the load vs. a twin-engine like the XSR700. However, there is a trade off in where and how the power is made, as we've discussed. Suspension is also something to consider. The CB650F comes equipped with a Showa Dual Bending Fork, and although both machines are on the "softer" side of things, the Honda has good damping characteristics. The XSR700 has updated springs and damping characteristics, but might feel a little bit looser when the pace really picks up. Although, that depends on your skill level and what you're trying to do with the bike. On a relatively smooth canyon road, you're going to have a blast on either bike. It's a tough call because both bikes have great handling abilities, fun engines and remain stable when the pace gets going. They're also incredibly forgiving and wonderful around town. As always, we encourage that you head down to your nearest dealer and get some seat-time on each model, so that you can make a better decision. Whatever bike you mesh with is going to be the one for you. Something as simple as seating could be the defining characteristic for your purchase! Hope this helps!
I'm just going to add a comment here, which is about weight. The CB650F has a great low center of mass, which makes it feel relatively nimble and easy to control. But it is kind of a mask, because the bike actually weighs a lot more than the XSR700. The XSR700 comes in at 186kg wet (410 pounds), and the CB650F is at 208kg (458 pounds), which is a significant difference. This makes the XSR700 better suited for weight transfer and quick left-right-left maneuvers, as well as being slightly more affected by cross winds. In contrast, the CB650F is easy to turn in due to low center of mass, but swinging its weight left and right quickly is not quite as easy, and the weight might catch you off guard if you bend it over too much at low speeds, or when you have to push it around on foot where you feel the weight the most. Though the weight also makes it very stable at high speeds, and it is definitely better suited for prolonged highway travel - though the XSR700 is by no means bad at this job either. In this regard the 650F is just closer to being a naked sports tourer.
HI Momchil, That's a tough question to answer without having ridden them back to back. I have ridden both bikes, but pretty far apart from one another in time. I always recommend that you visit a dealer and see if you can throw a leg over each machine to see what bike is right for you. Looking at this from a comfort perspective, I would have to say that the XSR 700 or XSR 900 is going to be a little more comfortable due to the neutral riding position, thanks to the upright handlebars. The CB650R features clip-on style handlebars that are noticeably lower, which makes the bike a bit sportier feeling, but can add weight to the wrists and reduce overall comfort. It's always a good idea to sit and consider the type of riding you'll be doing. If you're only going to be using the bike for entertainment on the weekends in the canyons, then sacrificing a bit of comfort isn't so bad because you'll be out for liesurely rides. If you plan on using your bike for commuting, urban riding, and entertainment, something with a truly neutral riding position like the XSR 700 is a smarter choice. Hope this helps, - Nic
@@ultimatemotorcycling , I always prefer to test them in person, especially because I'm taller and heavier than most people. Plus, bikes are a bit like shoes - they may look great on the internet, but before you put them on... The actual problem is that Yamaha dealers in my city do not have the 700 as a test bike. I tested the Honda and it was sliiightly uncomfortable. But a test is 30 min here and I wonder what 'slightly' turns into after 1h 30 min... Anyway, thanks for the perspective. If the Yamaha is indeed a bit more relaxed I'll make an extra effort to find one and try it.
@@momchilyordanov8190 I think you're on the right track, here. I'd venture to say that if you're feeling uncomfortable after a 30 minute ride, you'd probably feel even more uncomfortable about an hour or more - which is probably what you'll be doing on an average Sunday ride. Take care! - Nic
Hey there,I'm a novice biker and as a matter of fact I just got my license a few months ago. I ordered this bike a few weeks earlier and I'm a little bit scarred if not intimidated by it,any tips ? also,I would love to know what brand the helmet and jacket are,they look amazing ! Ps: I know this might not get a reply ince you might be terribly occupied but I'm really happy that I stumbled on your channel,keep up the good work and thanks in advance
Hey Æsce Ððenkins, We're happy to help! The XSR700 is a great bike for a wide variety of riders and while it does pack more a good bit more punch than your average 300cc~ motorcycle, it's still something that someone can learn the basics on and be comfortable with for a long time. We strongly recommend reading up on as many riding techniques as possible and familiarize yourself with the mechanical functions of your new machine. There are plenty of riding schools out there, such as Jason Pridmore's STAR School, Yamaha Champions Riding School and so forth - we've done reviews on those and the techniques described in them, while done on track, are applicable. There are a few general tips that we can impart, first up - practice in an open space or parking lot to build your confidence. Just learn how to control your clutch, brakes, and throttle at lower speeds and work on those smaller movements. You've got your license, so you know the basics, but it's something that we all work out. Another important thing to remember is your vision. You always want to look "through" the corner, trying to see the furthest point and scanning back and forth continually. This will help you overcome a common mistake known as "target fixation," in where a rider looks at an object and rides direct towards it, mainly because they're scared and can't look away. In a general sense, the bike will go where you're looking, so if you look "through" the corner and always look to further points ahead of you, you'll help break that habit. Physically turning your head in the direction you want to go is a helpful reminder in this sense, instead of just moving your eyes. So if you're leaning to the right, literally turn your whole head to the right. You'll also hear riders say "keep your eyes up," which is a big part of vision as well. When we get lazy, we tend to look directly in front of us and that doesn't allow us to plan or react with adequate time while riding. When you "keep your eyes up," you're more likely to be able to assess the situation and react to it. The biggest tip we can give is "ride your own ride," which means that you need to ride at your own pace and do what feels comfortable for you. Motorcycling is often done with friends and we can all get caught up in the moment when riding together, but you need to be acutely aware of your own abilities and only do what you're comfortable with. If a rider wants to speed off ahead of you, that's okay, don't chase them. Don't feel pressured to follow because at the end of the day, everyone wants to get home safely. Take it slow and focus on your own ride. The last thing is practice! Every time you get out on your bike, think about one or two things you'd like to work on. It might be smoother braking or getting your rev-matching better - it could be literally anything. When you keep chipping away at things, your confidence will grow and you'll become more comfortable out on the road. The helmet I used in this review is the Nexx X.G100 and the jacket is the Oscar by Alpinestars - Brass jacket. Hope this helps! - Nic
Hey Æsce Ððenkins, No problem! Stay safe out there and always wear your gear! 🙋 Just get out there and practice as much as you can, at your own pace. Take care! - Nic
Hey Todd, That's always a subjective question as we don't know your immediate skill level when it comes to motorcycling. While I think this bike would be great for someone with a bit of time under their belt , I feel that it has a decent amount of performance, which a novice rider might not be able to cope with. Once you have a bit of time in the saddle, I think it'd make a great bike that you could keep for a long while. As far as pure beginner bikes go in the Yamaha family, the YZF-R3 is perfect for someone trying to get their feet wet. Hope this helps, - Nic
Hey there i live in the nederlands and i want to buy this bike but i am afraid that the roads aren't good enough for a 689cc motorcycle. Is it better on a highway or on the dutch road?
Arda Smit why wouldn't it be good enough? I have been driving a 600cc in the Netherlands for the past 8 years and so far its a great experience. If you're wonder it's also more than enough to drive through the mountains in places like Austria
Did I understand you correctly that the bike doesn't have steel break lines but they annoying once that have a slight delay in applying force on your breaks?
Hi Lex, The XSR700 doesn't come equipped with steel braided brake likes, which means that the stock, rubber brake lines can expand under hard braking, which reduces braking power/feel. In some cases, rubber lines can be the culprit for "soft" or "vague" feeling brakes. Typically, steel braided brake lines offer a more consistent feel at the lever, once your brake fluid has reached operating temperature when riding. There isn't a delay in braking response, but the braking system that the stock XSR700 could benefit from a the cheap upgrade of steel braided lines. Hope this helps! - Nic
Ultimate Motorcycling yes it did help. My current bike used to have the rubber once wich got quickly replaced by steel once. Never want rubber break lines again
Ultimate Motorcycling I will do my best, I always say it's better to take it easy and come home in one piece instead of taking the risk and never drive again.
I’m curious, how heavy and how tall is the rider in this video? I’m 6’2 And about 210 lbs. My wife is 130 lbs. Could I potentially 2up with her on this bike? Thanks for the great video!!
Hey Braden, I'm 5'10'' and probably in the 200+ range at the time of this video. Riding two up can be done on any bike regardless of the power. Of course, if you were to bump up to the XSR900, it's 847cc engine wouldn't have any issues and you'd have plenty of punch to spare. If you do plan on doing a lot of two up riding, I might suggest checking out some of the Sport Touring options that are available. We just reviewed the 2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT and it's perfect for that situation. If you're just going to go out for the occasional ride with your partner and the XSR700 will be fine for the occasional two up ride. Take care! - Nic
Nice review. Would you actually recommend this for a first motorcycle? I took the safety course on a 250cc Nighthawk and got my license a couple years ago. That was the only time I've ridden a shifting motorcycle. Before that, a Yamaha TMAX which felt a bit too big. Don't want to over reach in terms of power, but also want something I won't outgrow anytime soon. I'm an older rider with no intention of being a speed demon or popping wheelies. Thanks!
Choosing the right first bike is important and it's a highly subjective question. Every rider is different and learns at a different rate, so it's tough to gauge what would be an appropriate machine for anyone. The XSR700 is a nimble, approachable machine, equipped with a spunky parallel-twin power plant. It creates modest power, if we're comparing it to the rest of motorcycle market but more importantly, it's delivered in a tractable manner, so a novice rider can become acclimated to the performance of the bike with greater ease. If you haven't had much time on motorcycles with standard transmissions, it might be a good idea to go back for a refresher course - we're big supporters of riding schools, whether that be basic or advanced courses. While there, you'll be able to get a better understanding of where you are in terms of comfort. If you remember being quite happy with the 250cc Nighthawk's power and felt that you had a good command of it, it might be a good idea to look into something a little bit more powerful. The XSR700 will certainly have more pep than a Yamaha TMAX which has a 530cc engine - if that felt too big in terms of power, the XSR700 will most likely be a bit too much for you right now. If you meant too big in physical size, I'd say that the riding position of a motorcycle vs. a scooter could change your perception of size, as the XSR700 will have a more athletic stance, thus allowing you to drive weight through your legs. To be sure, we always suggest that our readers/viewers head out to a dealer and check out the bike in person. If you can get a test ride, then that will give you a much better idea as well. If the XSR700 seems like it has too much power right now and you'd like to stay within the Yamaha family, take a look at the Yamaha R3. Hope this helps, take care!
Thanks very much for the reply. Yes, the TMAX felt heavy and a bit wobbly at slow turning because of the weight and feet flat position. The Nighthawk, although old and tricky to find neutral, felt nicely balanced with my legs wrapped around it. I like your suggestion of going back for a refresher course or lessons. That should also allow me to be confident enough to request demo rides before deciding. Seems like a lot of dealers here in CA don't even have demo bikes to test ride and expect you to 'buy before you ride'. I'm not all that comfortable with that. I'm also currently considering a Rebel 300/500 or Vulcan S.
Glad to help! That's interesting that you felt that way about the Yamaha TMAX. Generally speaking, scooters tend to be stable at low speeds due to their lower center of gravity, so I am surprised to hear that you felt it to be a cumbersome ride. Perhaps the tire pressures were off and that aspect, combined with the riding position, soured the experience a bit. Regardless, you seem to have taken to a traditional motorcycle riding position, which is totally fine. All of the bikes you're looking at would be perfectly good for a novice level rider or someone that is trying to get their feet wet with motorcycling as a whole. Demo rides can be tough to come by as dealers have their own specific policies regarding them - some offer demo rides, while others will not due to liability reasons. Yamaha does offer their "Demo Days" program and if you register for one of those events, you'll be able to try out any bike that you'd like - given that you have a valid motorcycle license and appropriate insurances. If you'd like more information about that, visit Yamaha North America's website, which has a list of upcoming events. I also believe that you can request a dealer to reach out regarding a demo ride, so that might be something to explore as well. Let us know how you feel about the XSR700 if you're able to get a chance to throw a leg over it! Take care!
This was my first bike one year ago, at age 37. Learnt to ride in a week and after the BMW GS 700 I learnt on this felt great. Really friendly to ride and the engine's a peach, really grunty and accessible power.
Hey Niko, Most likely, but it also depends on your inseam length. If you're 5'8'' and interested in this machine, I'd venture to say that you'll be able to flat-foot or at least be able to feel steady on your feet. Hope this helps! - Nic
Because the word "cheap" has a different connotation than the word "inexpensive." Nothing about the machine is built cheaply within the budget Yamaha had intended. It's very well executed.
After seeing what Kawasaki did with Z900RS this looks like a amateur job.Too many holes and overall shapes are disjointed example headlight weird shape and turn signals 20yrs parts bin item that Yamaha used just about every bike.To me its no buy I just can't look at it.Just plain ugly.
Ruben Sahakian The Z900RS is a great bike. Look-wise, the XSR is indeed less attractive but still looking pretty nice. The price difference also says a lot though.
The XSR900 is worse styling than the XSR700, in terms of an overall lack of fluidity of shapes and parts. Yet after personally riding the XSR900 I don't care what it looks like because it is so amazing to ride, especially that triple engine. Solid, stable, planted, ultra-responsive (in A-mode), neutral steering. I've ridden a lot of different engines and machines, this Yamaha lineup is special.
