It was always going to happen. I love this bike with it's big, stupid sticky-out engine for it's character and performance. Unfortunately it hates me back by giving me wrist, shoulder and back ache after a couple of hours riding. Also, the seat is very hard and the suspension harsh over bumps. Considered lots of options for a replacement fun bike and rejected many including the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC - more money than I wanted to spend (even second hand) and I would probably have always considered it a bit of an expensive whim. Strong contender in the Street Triple and about the right money for a decent second hand one but I'm just not totally comfortable on them. The seat seems to want to tip you forward into the tank and I'd probably have to consider bar risers. I just can't risk another slightly uncomfortable bike. So I've gone well off-piste and I'm now turning Japanese, as the vapours once sang (and yes I do know what they were really singing about). This bike fits me perfectly, it's lighter and more nimble than the BMW (not hard) but still a bit quirky and lots of fun. So yesterday was new bike day and here it is - a Yamaha XSR 700 XTribute (to give it it's full, silly name). The XT being a reference to the XT500 of the mid 70's (which it no way resembles) The XTribute list price was £8400.00 and this one had £2056.00 of extras on it (mainly £1545.00 for the full Akrapovic system). Bought it for £7999.00 with £6800.00 trade in for the beemer. I wanted £7000.00 trade in but they agreed to fit a £250.00 tracker for free so I got there really. Did about 70 miles on the way home yesterday but the weather is shite today so won't be going out on it. Limited to 5000 rpm for the first 6000 miles and it reaches this very quickly so not really able to judge performance properly yet. Had it at 70 mph in 6th and overtook a car easily without dropping down a cog so it doesn't look like it will struggle. The pipe sounds wonderful - not stupidly loud or obnoxious but like a bike should and it encourages blips of the throttle on the downshift and whilst sat at traffic lights (even though I should know better at my age.) Only slight negative so far is that some of the switch gear, especially the indicator switch, feels a bit cheap and cheerful next to Triumph and BMW quality but then it's a more budget bike. I do like the offset instrument pod - it even has a fuel gauge! I kept the BMW as I had it with the sports-bars and risers installed and the fairing removed and was happy to hand this over to the dealer with the bike, thinking it would clear some garage space. Didn't realise that I would inherit two large boxes with the new bike including the stock exhaust system, the stock seat and the rear footrests with hangers.
Well that flumaxed me! I thought you’d have gone with another ’boxer’ engined bike as you we’re smitten by the torque. I thought you might have chosen a R1200R water cooled or gone for another top end humble ‘Retro’ maybe Motoguzzi V7/9, Honda CB1100 naked, Z900 or even a Thruxton to fill the ‘olde world lust’ gap?
Nice one Steve. I guess you've got the same engine as i've got in my 700 Tracer. They're not too shabby really and I think Yamaha put a good bike together, you should have some good fun on that.
Well an interesting addition to your garage @steve lovatt (Steve). Looking forward to your full ride review post your running in period.
Sorry Steve. It looks to me like someone cobbled it together like a bitsa with the wrong tank and exhaust. Oops I guess I'm on my own here
I do like the idea of a Moto Guzzi, that may be one for the future. (Will probably go BMW again at some point). Not sure about the Honda or Z900 neither really excited me and the Thruxton was a bit too close to the Rninet to make it a viable contender.
Wow, Steve, what a switcheroo! Congrats on the new bike! It sounds like you are enjoying it already. Great photos and initial thoughts in your post. I'd never even heard of this particular model before now so, along with @Wessa, I'm looking forward to another of your stellar full ride reviews. Along with more photos, of course.
Think its safe to say you have nailed the "fun" aspect. Especially if you pick your roads wisely, twistier the better. That engine sounds marvellous and the front wheel apparently likes to paw the air. Happy headbangin'!
Ah yes, that colour and writing on the tank had me fooled!! Looking forward to seeing it in the flesh. Get some knobblys on it
Thanks Sandi, it poured with rain here the next day and was also very windy. I did get out on Sunday for a short ride, which confirmed what fun this bike is. It feels so nimble and lively after the BMW, despite the power difference. I will have to do a proper right up with pictures soon.
Yes, it's definitely not a motorway slogger! I will stick to my favourite B roads where it belongs. Yes it does! I watched a YouTube video of a bunch of journos test riding them at the launch - easily pulled wheelie in 3rd gear. I probably won't be though!
