Yamaha XSR700 Legacy: A Detailed Review of a Modern Classic
The Yamaha XSR700 Legacy is a bike that embraces simplicity while delivering an enjoyable and engaging riding experience. In an era where motorcycles are increasingly packed with advanced technology and features, the XSR700 stands out by offering a minimalist approach that appeals to riders looking for pure, unadulterated fun on two wheels. In this detailed review, we’ll explore what makes the Yamaha XSR700 Legacy special, its standout features, and why it might just be the perfect bike for you.

A Throwback to Simplicity: Embracing the Minimalist Approach
The Yamaha XSR700 Legacy is a motorcycle that harkens back to a time when bikes were simpler and more straightforward. At first glance, it’s evident that this bike is light on features compared to many of its modern counterparts. However, this simplicity is precisely what makes the XSR700 Legacy so appealing to many riders.
Key Features of the Yamaha XSR700 Legacy
- Minimalistic Cockpit: The XSR700 Legacy features a basic inverted LCD display, providing only essential information. Unlike many modern bikes, you won’t find a full-color TFT display with numerous buttons and controls.
- Basic Switch Gear: The switchgear on this bike is limited to lights, indicators, the starter, and hazards. There are no riding modes, traction control, wheelie control, or other advanced electronic aids.
- Old School Throttle: The bike uses a traditional cable throttle, further emphasizing its straightforward design. The only modern safety feature is ABS, which is mandatory for new bikes.
The Riding Experience: Pure Joy on Two Wheels
Despite its minimalistic approach, the Yamaha XSR700 Legacy delivers a riding experience that is both fun and engaging. Over the past couple of weeks, I had the pleasure of riding this bike extensively, and it has left a lasting impression.

The Engine: Heart and Soul of the XSR700
At the heart of the XSR700 Legacy is the CP2 parallel-twin engine, a dependable and versatile workhorse for Yamaha. With 72 horsepower, it’s not the most powerful engine in the middleweight category, but its snappy and direct throttle response makes it feel more playful than the spec sheet might suggest.
The Sound and Look: Enhancing the Experience
One of the standout features of this particular press bike is the Akrapovič exhaust system. This accessory significantly enhances the bike’s auditory appeal, adding more bass and delivering plenty of crackles and pops on deceleration. While it costs nearly £2,000, it’s one of the few aftermarket exhausts that genuinely improves the bike’s sound rather than just its aesthetics.
Handling and Comfort: Perfectly Balanced Ride
The XSR700 Legacy weighs in at 190 kg fully fueled, making it a relatively light and nimble bike. This contributes to its excellent handling, especially at low speeds. The riding position is comfortable, with a tall seat height of 855 mm, wide handlebars, and off-road style grippy footpegs. These features combine to provide a commanding and enjoyable riding experience.
Calimoto App: Enhancing the Riding Experience
While the XSR700 Legacy is light on built-in tech, the Calimoto app adds a layer of modern convenience. This motorcycle-specific navigation app allows you to choose your destination and the level of twistiness of the route. It uses a dedicated algorithm to find the best biking roads, avoiding boring straight sections as much as possible.

Features of the Calimoto App
- Route Customization: Choose how twisty you want your route to be, and the app will plan accordingly.
- Compass Heading: For a more adventurous ride, you can set a general compass heading, the length of the ride, and the desired twistiness, and the app will create a bespoke loop.
- Touring and Local Rides: Whether you’re on a tour in unfamiliar territory or looking to mix up your local routes, Calimoto helps you find the best roads.
- Free Trial and Discounts: The video description includes codes for a free trial of the premium membership and a 10% discount if you decide to sign up.
The Appeal of Minimalism: Focusing on the Essentials
In 2024, finding a bike as simple and straightforward as the XSR700 Legacy is becoming increasingly rare. Many modern motorcycles come loaded with advanced technology, which, while convenient, can sometimes detract from the pure joy of riding. The XSR700 Legacy strips away these distractions, allowing you to focus on the essentials: the ride, the sound, and the connection between you and the bike.
Comparing with Modern Bikes: A Refreshing Contrast
- Advanced Features on Other Bikes: Many middleweight bikes today feature full-color TFT displays, multiple riding modes, traction control, quick shifters, and connectivity options. In contrast, the XSR700 Legacy keeps things simple with its basic LCD display and minimal electronic aids.
- Riding Experience: The lack of advanced features doesn’t make the XSR700 Legacy any less enjoyable. In fact, it enhances the riding experience by allowing you to fully engage with the bike.
Aesthetic Appeal: Blending Modern and Retro Design
The Yamaha XSR700 Legacy is not just about functionality; it also looks great. This bike blends modern and retro elements to create a visually appealing package. The gold wheels, rugged accessories, speed blocks on the tank, and brushed aluminum add to its charm.
Legacy Edition Styling: A Visual Treat
- Gold Wheels: The gold wheels are a standout feature, giving the bike a touch of class.
- Rugged Accessories: The bike comes with rugged accessories that enhance its semi-retro style.
- Speed Blocks and Brushed Aluminum: These design elements add to the bike’s visual appeal, making it a head-turner.
Potential Upgrades and Alternatives: Enhancing the Experience
While the Yamaha XSR700 Legacy is a fantastic bike, there are a few areas where it shows its budget nature. Some riders might consider upgrading certain components or looking at alternative bikes in the same price range.
Suspension: Room for Improvement
- Current Setup: The suspension setup is adequate but not exceptional. The front fork is not very supple, and the rear is a bit soft and bouncy.
- Upgrades: Yamaha offers a selection of Öhlins upgrades for the XSR700 Legacy, but these can be expensive, with the full upgrade costing around £1,000.
Tires and Grips: Simple Fixes for a Better Ride
- Current Tires: The Pirelli MT60 RS tires look good but might not be the best choice for road riding.
- Upgrades: Switching to more road-biased tires can enhance the riding experience.
- Grips: The off-road style grips are not very comfortable, and swapping them out for something more road-friendly is recommended.
Exhaust System: Adding More Character
- Akrapovič Exhaust: The Akrapovič exhaust system enhances the bike’s sound and is a worthy upgrade despite its high cost.
- Alternative Exhausts: While there are cheaper aftermarket exhausts available, few offer the same level of improvement in sound quality.
Price Comparison with Alternatives: Considering Your Options
- Base Price: The Yamaha XSR700 Legacy starts at £8,916, which is about £700 more than the standard XSR700 and £1,400 more than the MT-07.
- Competitors: For a slightly higher price, you could consider alternatives like the Husqvarna Svartpilen 801, which offers more power, advanced features, and fully adjustable WP Apex suspension.
Final Thoughts: A Unique Motorcycle for a Unique Rider
The Yamaha XSR700 Legacy is a unique bike that offers a refreshing break from the tech-heavy motorcycles dominating the market today. Its simplicity, combined with a fun and engaging riding experience, makes it a joy to ride. The CP2 engine, comfortable riding position, and appealing aesthetics further add to its charm.
Why Choose the Yamaha XSR700 Legacy?
- Pure Riding Experience: The lack of advanced tech allows you to fully engage with the bike and enjoy the ride.
- Dependable Engine: The CP2 parallel-twin engine is both reliable and fun, offering a snappy throttle response and a pleasant sound.
- Comfort and Handling: The bike’s lightweight and comfortable riding position make it easy to handle, especially at low speeds.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The combination of modern and retro design elements makes the XSR700 Legacy a visually appealing bike.
- Navigation Support: The Calimoto app adds a modern touch with motorcycle-specific navigation, enhancing the riding experience without adding complexity to the bike itself.
Potential Drawbacks: Considering the Cons
- Basic Suspension: The suspension setup could be improved for a smoother ride.
- Limited Features: Riders looking for advanced tech and electronic aids might find the XSR700 Legacy lacking.
- High Cost of Upgrades: While there are excellent upgrade options available, they can be expensive and might push the bike into a higher price bracket.
In conclusion, the Yamaha XSR700 Legacy is a bike that stands out in today’s market for its simplicity and pure riding experience. It may be light on features, but it more than makes up for it with its engaging ride, dependable engine, and appealing aesthetics. Whether you’re a seasoned rider looking for a no-nonsense bike or a newcomer who wants to focus on the basics, the XSR700 Legacy is a compelling choice. If you appreciate a minimalist approach and the joy of riding without distractions, this bike is well worth considering.
As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the Yamaha XSR700 Legacy. Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below. If you’re interested in more motorcycle reviews, be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest updates. Thank you for reading, and happy riding!
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