“What can I say about my XSR700... I’ve owned the bike 9 months riding it pretty well every day through all weather and I still grin every time I get on and start it up!
This bike has a unique charm about it, I opted for the garage metal and it’s just beautiful to look at, certainly looks more expensive than it is, and it’s made to be tinkered with. I added a tail tidy, billet frame caps and switched the stock underslung exhaust for the side mounted twin pipe Akropovic which looks (and sounds) fantastic. Yes they could have made the radiator a little less obtrusive, yes the front suspension can feel a little on the soft side and yes, it’s not technically a “classic” ride – it’s a modern bike with retro styling, but… as soon as you get on this thing and twist the torquey throttle you can’t help but smile. The front wheel begs to be lifted but stays perfectly planted unless you want it to. The bike is nimble, it copes with being chucked into corners and the upright setting position makes cutting through the traffic a breeze. And for a 700 it’s quick, when you want it to perform, it does, and keeps bringing the grins all the way up through the gears to its top speed of 120mph (ish). The ABS ensures everything stops confidently without any wobbles, and the chunky Pirelli Phantom tyres give a great feel whilst maintaining the very cool retro look of the bike.
For me the XSR was the perfect choice, it works for the stylish commuter or weekend rider, it’s happy munching the miles on longer trips but only if you don’t mind the wind on your face, the bike is after all entirely naked and would benefit from some form of screen for touring. I have a daily commute of 50 miles mixing motorways A and B roads and it serves up plenty of fun and an acceptable level of comfort, it will cruise all day long but equally begs to be worked through the twisty roads. I think the XSR would even provide a bit of fun on the racetrack but I’m yet to take it there, and i expect it would benefit from stiffened up suspension on the front to really shine. Importantly though, this bike is unique - you just don’t see many of them, it’s competition comes from the £1000 more expensive Ducati Scrambler, or perhaps the Triumph Street Twin but to me, this bike feels more grown up, and certainly more substantial.
So overall I give this bike five stars, the fun and good looks and the way this bike makes you feel far outweighs the niggles, and it’s price makes this one of the best value offerings on the market. I love this bike and yes you should definitely buy one.”
