Yamaha XSR700 - FIRST LOOK

Yamaha, you may recall, teamed with Los Angeles-based Japanese bike builder Shinya Kimura to produce "Faster Son," a concept motorcycle that blended retro style with modern technology. And now we get to see the first production fruit related to that collaboration: the all-new Yamaha XSR700, a retro-styled streetbike that pays tribute to the classic-looking XS650.

Do you like what you see? We do. This Europe-only Yamaha, based on the highly entertaining MT-07 (our FZ-07), has a great look. From old-school headlight to equally basic taillight, the new XSR700 exudes cool, blending what Yamaha calls a "timeless style" with an emotional riding experience.

Neat details include an aluminum gas tank, a two-texture leather seat, and even a single-pod speedometer mounted right in the center of a pullback handlebar that helps create a comfortably upright seating position. Besides trick mesh side covers, the Yamaha XSR700 has lots of exposed aluminum, appearing on parts like the front fender stay and the prominent radiator cover. Even the tires, Pirelli Phantoms, play a role with their retro tread pattern, while a stubby muffler lets the 700cc parallel twin with the crossplane crank really howl.

We’re familiar with this powerplant from the FZ-07, and we can tell you this: It’s a perfect partner for the type of around-town blasting the XSR700 invites. Torque is good from bottom to top, and good snappy response means the front wheel is not stranger to leaving pavement. In short, we know the FZ-07 is a fun bike with a willing chassis, and we like how the XSR700 takes that bike to a whole other level of appeal with great styling, rich textures, and a custom feel but with the added benefit of OE reliability.

Yamaha says the XSR700 is from the company’s Sport Heritage range of motorcycles. We see it as an obvious competitor for the Ducati Scrambler. No surprise, this Yamaha has tons of personalization possibilities, plus a wide range of accessories. Also, several globally famous custom builders have been asked by Yamaha to build custom bolt-on “Yard Built” parts for the XSR700, which will be available later in 2015.

It’s a pity we don’t get this new Yamaha in the US.