Extended test: Yamaha XSR700

Sam would rather drive an older car than a modern retro cafe racer. I don't really like big modern motorcycles that want to give a retro feel. Firstly, because many home blacksmiths bring the conditional ruins of driving, and secondly, because I came across a virus called an old-timer, sometimes even a classic one, in my dewy years.

But since in recent years, when modern cafe racers have become fashionable, I

I managed to come to terms with the fact that the road to the finish line can be interesting even without stopping and maintenance under a pine tree. So I have nothing against what comes from the factory, I admit that I really enjoy riding with them, but for most trips from the garage, I would still prefer to pull some other motorcycle or scooter.

This Yamaha made me think. I don’t remember the engines of the retro cafe racers were so smooth, so light and controllable, and that there was nothing to complain about when cycling. Moreover, these must be live motorcycles. This Yamaha is definitely there. When you hold the throttle in second and third gears, it slides off the rear end, quite drastically. On smooth city asphalt, it gets fun, especially since you know the brakes stop the Yamaha quickly and efficiently. The Akrapovic exhaust system is to blame for choosing low gear most of the time, but it is difficult to help with itself. The case just growls very nicely.

I have no serious comments, this bike offers more than you would expect from it initially. I am not a designer and I may be wrong, but if the Japanese wanted to make a motorcycle that was friendly and suitable for everyone, then we could stretch it a little. And introduced several innovative innovations. Especially when it comes to luggage, because a backpack on such a motorcycle does not look cool. If every real old cafe racer has some kind of "cassette" for tools somewhere under the seat, then a reliable modern cafe racer might have at least a box for his phone and other knickknacks. Considering that, for example, no one will go to the ends of the world with it, you can, for example, donate part of the tank and install a drawer door at its edge. My whims? I'm just spoiled.

When you open the can in front of the garage in the evening and look at this Yamaha, you find that it is, after all, a very creative motorcycle. You would play with the suspension, but you don't need to wobble a bit, I don't race. Looking at the mirrors and some other details, you will realize that design did not take precedence over safety and practicality, but this gives it an extra charm. Modify it yourself. An excellent base, which is also passable and will be attractive in 20 years. I played with the details, leaving the other one alone. I don't mind anymore.

text: Matthias Tomazic, photo: Matthias Tomazic