2022 Yamaha XSR700 Review | Neo Retro Test Ride

I test ride the updated 2022 Yamaha XSR700 in this review, with a look at how the bike performs by today's standard, including as a more advanced beginner option, particularly here in Australia where it is a LAMS restricted bike.

Based around the CP2 parallel-twin that powers the R7, MT-07 and Tenere 700, the XSR700 is a neo-retro option that is relatively basic in many ways, but well capable of delivering plenty of thrills.

This is the Australian LAMS version, with power limited akin to what we see in the A2 versions, and is a beginner orientated bike, at the top of that entry level segment both in price and capabilities.

Offering the bigger bike feel, more refined styling, and less plastic the XSR700 stands out, for delivering a slightly more relaxed flavour of the MT-07 package, and one that is more than the sum of it's parts.

Even with the 2022 updates however the XSR700 is a fairly analogue bike in world of electrickery filled machinery, but that's probably a large part of the appeal.

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[wanghanshen]

I bought this bike brand new last year just for the looks as my first bike, and 8, 000kms later, I'm so happy I did!

[corvinhua]

I've had mine for about 5 months now. Absolutely love it. I put an akrapovic exhaust on it (love the sound, but it might be just a bit too loud). There's plenty of power for street riding, motorways and mountain roads in its restricted form.

I'm not fussed about fancy tech and rider aids, so it's really hard to justify getting anything more than this.

[f.i.l.d.e.p.s]

its a great machine for anyone starting on a road motorcycle. easy to maneuver. it rips through sydney traffic. torquey which i find too good in traffic stops and i like everything stock. mine is the 2020. i chose to get the old model simply because i like how it looks than the 2022

[wrkings]

Great review mate, I have a 2021 mt09 and really enjoying this machine, keep up the great work, I enjoy Ur reviews so much. Thx

[farooqkhan]

Great commentary - loved your video. I wish they put this CP2 engine also on their cruiser (Bolt); would perform better than the 950 v2 it currently uses.

[Amos]

Hi Kris, I purchased one in July UK full power and it’s a superb machine 👌. My long distance and without doubt a keeper is Honda’s VFR 1200x crosstourer which is too a superb machine. The XSR is now getting near to its first service, and even these near first 600 miles have been absolutely superb and i feel I made a great choice in purchasing this bike. I think whilst it in for its first service I’ll get the tyres changed to dual purpose, I’m changing the seat to Yamaha’s flat seat version, fitting SW Motech side bags and possibly a Leovince aftermarket pipe too. Truly is a great bike in the same colour you’ve just tested 👍🏻

[MikMech]

I don't own a Caravan, so 100+ hp is wasted on me.
I really do like the styling. The only mods would be shorter bars, a belly pan, and tail tidy.
Maybe a pipe mod?

[MisterG]

Hey Kris, great review as always! Please do a review of the ZX-6r if you can get your hands on one.

[neiljarvis]

Very good review! Your bike has the updated 298mm front discs not the 284mm items. Am I to understand that you cant de restrict a LAMs bike once tested and experienced in Oz?

[AdrianRConant]

Gonna get the 2024 XSR700 Black by end of this month. It's gonna be my first bike! :D

[NachoB]

Dude! i love your helmet, could you tell me the brand and model ?? Ty ! Awesome review by the way. I just bought one, last week!

[jimfree]

Hi Kris, thank you for the review. In Australia, is there only LAMS versions of the XSR700, or can you find them unrestricted here? Also - do you know if the Xtribute would be available in Australia at all?

[BadgerMcblasty]

The engine is legendary. I’d take this over a MT07.
But I’d take the T7 over both the XSR and the MT07.😊

[Dingle_films]

Hi Kris, I am torn between this and the Trident 660 . I am leaning to this as others have said the feel is fun . I am worried on the 660 that I may outgrow it being more refined . There in the same price bracket as well. I like the extra height as I am your height. If you had to pick one for your experience what would you do. PS I plan to test ride both.

[-tj]

My favourite bike in the 650/700 twin cylinder class. The CFMoto CL-X Heritage is another good one. I also like the Suzuki SV650. If I get another bike in Thailand, though, it will be an NC750X DCT.

[garyk]

I like the XSR700, I didn't know you could get the full power option in Oz.
But when you compare the price to SV650, or even dare I say CFMoto700, not sure it's justified.
Maybe I'll stick to my CB400SF for the time being.

[FrenchyRider]

Hi Chris ! Can you get it unrestricted in Australia ?

[pantch]

Great review, I am planning to buy one in November, does anyone know if there is a wait time to purchase one in Sydney, Australia?

[bdc]

Also note, price-wise - It's one of the few Made-in-Japan 600's you can still get ;)

[aircloud]

Lackierung fast wie meine LC von 83, super