2023 Yamaha XSR900 year-in-review

Summary

In this video, the reviewer shares their personal experience with the Yamaha XSR700 after a year of ownership, focusing on its design, ergonomics, and performance. They highlight the bike’s retro-inspired aesthetic, modern tech features, and adjustable components for improved comfort and performance. The reviewer also touches on engine characteristics, praising the torquey and smooth ride, though noting some quirks like a clunky first-to-second gear shift. With solid handling, solid brakes, and a quick-shifter, the bike is great for commuting and twisty weekend rides. The video emphasizes its value for money, competitive pricing, and overall fun factor.

Takeaways

• 😀 The reviewer loves the bike and uses it primarily for commuting and weekend rides on twisty roads.
• 😀 The review is based on personal experience, not technical specs, with a focus on ergonomics, looks, and ride experience.
• 😀 The bike's ergonomics are suitable for the reviewer, who is 5'1" and weighs around 170 lbs. It offers a comfortable flat-foot stance and adjustable foot pegs and handlebars.
• 😀 The seat design is controversial, but the reviewer likes it despite the thin padding, which can be uncomfortable on long rides over two hours.
• 😀 The bike's retro aesthetic is praised for its contemporary take on classic design, with attention to small details like stitching and accents.
• 😀 Compared to competitors like the Kawasaki Z900 RS and Triumph Speed Twin, this bike offers the best bang for the buck with modern features like traction control, ABS, and cruise control at a lower price.
• 😀 The bike's three-cylinder engine is praised for being torquey, refined, and smooth in the 4,000 to 7,000 RPM range, making it ideal for city riding.
• 😀 Handling at low speeds isn't great due to the bike's long wheelbase and fork angle, making it less suited for cramped or highly congested cities.
• 😀 The quick shifter performs well for upshifts and downshifts, though it is slightly clunky when shifting from first to second at lower speeds.
• 😀 The bike has multiple ride modes, though the reviewer has always kept it in the sportiest mode (Mode 1) with traction control set to level 1.
• 😀 Suspension is adequate for the reviewer's riding needs, though it's slightly harsh and not fully adjustable in the rear.
• 😀 The bike's TFT screen is considered simple and functional, and the reviewer prefers its no-nonsense design over more feature-heavy displays.
• 😀 The brakes are solid with Brembo components, and the reviewer recommends adjusting lever positions for better ergonomics.
• 😀 The tires are Bridgestone S22, praised for their grip but not designed for long-term durability due to being high-performance tires.

Q & A

What is the reviewer's primary use for the Yamaha XSR700?

The reviewer uses the Yamaha XSR700 primarily for commuting and occasionally for riding twisty roads on weekends.

How does the reviewer describe the ergonomics of the Yamaha XSR700 for their size?

The reviewer, who is 5'1'' and weighs around 170 lbs, finds the ergonomics of the Yamaha XSR700 comfortable. They can flat foot the bike with a slight bend in the knee, and the handlebars are positioned in a way that requires a slight forward lean, providing a slightly aggressive yet comfortable riding posture.

What are the adjustable features of the Yamaha XSR700?

The Yamaha XSR700 offers adjustability in the footpeg position, which can be raised 14mm and moved back 4mm. The handlebars also have adjustable risers that can be flipped to modify the reach and height slightly.

How does the reviewer feel about the seat of the Yamaha XSR700?

The reviewer likes the look and feel of the seat, despite it being thinly padded, which can become uncomfortable after an hour of riding. However, they don’t typically ride for more than two hours, so it’s not an issue for them. They also mention that aftermarket seat options can improve comfort.

What does the reviewer think about the design and aesthetics of the Yamaha XSR700?

The reviewer appreciates the retro aesthetic of the Yamaha XSR700, noting that it has a contemporary look compared to classic models like the Triumph Speed Twin or Kawasaki Z900 RS. They highlight the clean silhouette, the subtle bodywork, and the premium details like yellow accent stitching and hardware.

How does the Yamaha XSR700 compare in terms of value for money?

The reviewer finds the Yamaha XSR700 to offer excellent value for money, especially at a price of around $10,000. They point out that it combines modern tech like a six-axis IMU, traction control, ABS, and cruise control, all while maintaining a retro look.

What are the engine characteristics of the Yamaha XSR700 as described in the review?

The reviewer describes the engine as a refined, torquey three-cylinder engine. The power is most notable between 4,000 to 7,000 RPM, delivering strong performance for city riding and highway cruising. While the engine is generally smooth, they mention some vibrations typical of a three-cylinder engine.

What is the reviewer’s opinion on the quick shifter in the Yamaha XSR700?

The reviewer finds the quick shifter to be smooth and effective for upshifts and downshifts, but they mention that the shift from first to second gear can be a bit clunky, especially when not riding aggressively.

What does the reviewer think about the ride modes and TFT screen of the Yamaha XSR700?

The reviewer prefers to keep the bike in Mode 1, the sportiest mode, with traction control set to 1. They are not particularly interested in the variety of ride modes and find the TFT screen to be adequate, criticizing its excessive complexity and preferring simpler analog designs.

How does the reviewer feel about the handling and suspension of the Yamaha XSR700?

The reviewer finds the handling of the Yamaha XSR700 to be excellent, especially on canyon roads. They mention that the suspension is adjustable in the front for rebound dampening but is generally adequate for their needs, despite some people complaining about the lack of adjustability in the rear suspension.