Yamaha XSR700 Updated, Looks As Delightfully Retro As Ever!

The just unveiled 2022 XR700 also comes in a special XTribute complete with old school graphics and off-road-friendly feature updates

• The updated Yamaha XSR700 makes 1.4PS, 1Nm less than its predecessor
• But it gets larger discs and revised front suspension for better handling.
• The kerb weight has also gone up by 2kg.

Yamaha has unveiled the 2022 iteration of its popular neo-retro, the Yamaha XSR700. The updated variant comes with a few aesthetic enhancements as well as mechanical improvements. Yamaha says the 2022 XSR700 will start arriving at global dealerships in April 2022. 

The 2022 iteration gets a new LED headlight with LED indicators and retains the same circular LED tail lamp. The motorcycle also comes in two brand new colours: Historic White and Historic Black, replacing the Sunset Red and Power Black in its predecessor. We must say, the Historic White looks rather dull compared to the tasteful white and red combo in its predecessor.

That aside, Yamaha has also made quite a few changes to the features. The bike gets a revised layout for the inverted LCD instrument cluster to ensure better visibility. The switchgear has also been upgraded, and the radiator gets new side covers as well.

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While the 2022 model retains the Euro5/BS6-compliant 689cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine, its peak power and torque have gone down by 1.4PS and 1Nm, respectively (the bike now makes 73.4PS and 67Nm). That said, the claimed mileage remains the same as before -- 23.2kmpl. There are no electronic aids other than a standard dual-channel ABS.

The bike also comes with a revised telescopic front fork. This, coupled with the larger 298mm twin front discs with axial calipers and new Michelin Road 5 tyres, should help in improving the handling. The rear comes with the same linked monoshock and 245mm disc as before. At 188kg, the kerb weight has also gone up by 2kg. Its seat is also fairly tall at 835mm, so it may not be that short-rider friendly. 

The more exclusive Yamaha XSR700 XTribute variant comes with an uber-cool Retro XT-inspired ‘1981’ colour scheme, a wider, braced handlebar with dirt bike-style handlebar grips and footrests, gold-finished 10-spoke cast wheels with Pirelli MT-60RS block pattern rubber, a special bench seat, and fork gaiters. This variant tips the scales at 190kg wet, and it is available in the Tech Black colour only.   

All in all, while the feature updates are a welcome change in the 2022 XSR700, engine detune comes as a disappointment considering the motorcycle was already Euro5-compliant anyway. And if you’re wondering whether Yamaha will bring this motorcycle to India, we have bad news. Yamaha is currently focussing on its 125cc-250cc lineup and will enter the big bike segment only when the market is more mature.