Watch: Yamaha XSR 700 XTribute Review

With nearly every big manufacturer hopping on the retro bandwagon, Yamaha has now firmly entered the lucrative retro-naked market.

To call the XSR 700 XTribute a true scrambler might be a step too far, but with wide off-road bars it certainly looks the part.

The design inspiration for the XTribute comes from the 1981 cult classic Yamaha XT500, with homage being paid through the introduction of a classic silver fuel tank. Like the old Scrambler, the X Tribute is bundles of fun and a bit of a wheelie machine with the 75bhp MT-07 derived motor giving plenty of manageable crossplane goodness.

The fun punchy motor is matched with a relaxed and comfortable riding position, ideal for short trendy rides to the local Cafe for an oat milk coffee. Pushing the bike harder on more bumpy roads did highlight a little chink in the XSR’s armour, as Chris found out on the launch. But for just £7,799 slightly mediocre suspension isn’t a deal breaker.

To sum up, the XSR 700 XTribute a good looking, fun, and surprisingly nippy machine. With a nice competitive price point.

Specs

Engine type: 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valves

Displacement: 689 cm³

Bore x stroke: 80.0 mm x 68.6 mm

Compression ratio: 11.5 : 1

Maximum power: 55.0kW (74.8PS) @ 9,000 rpm

Limited power version: 35.0kW

Maximum torque: 68.0Nm (6.9kg-m) @ 6,500 rpm

Lubrication system: Wet sump

Clutch type: Wet, Multiple Disc

Ignition system: TCI

Starter system: Electric

Transmission system: Constant Mesh, 6-speed

Final transmission: Chain

Fuel consumption: 4.3l/100km

CO2 emission: 100g/km

Chassis

Frame: Diamond

Front travel: 130 mm

Caster angle: 24º50

Trail: 90mm

Front suspension system: Telescopic forks

Rear suspension system: Swingarm, (Link type suspension)

Rear travel: 130 mm

Front brake: Hydraulic dual disc, Ø282 mm

Rear brake: Hydraulic single disc, Ø245 mm

Front tyre: 120/70 ZR 17M/C(58V) (Tubeless)

Rear tyre: 180/55 ZR 17M/C(73V) (Tubeless)

Remark: EU4 compliant

Dimensions

Overall length: 2,075 mm

Overall width: 865 mm

Overall height: 1,120 mm

Seat height: 845 mm

Wheel base: 1,405 mm

Minimum ground clearance: 140 mm

Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank): 188 kg ABS

Fuel tank capacity: 14L

Oil tank capacity: 2.7L