There's something very special about them to be honest, I mean I think an argument can be made that all bikes are special to the right rider, but these have something a little extra!
I've had mine for about 5 months now. Absolutely love it. I put an akrapovic exhaust on it (love the sound, but it might be just a bit too loud). There's plenty of power for street riding, motorways and mountain roads in its restricted form. I'm not fussed about fancy tech and rider aids, so it's really hard to justify getting anything more than this.
I think the same, these fall into that performance area where it's plenty if you're not wanting something really crazy. You running the Akro with the baffle out? I know on the MT-07 I tested a few years ago with the baffle in it wasn't that loud, but it was a hassle to remove it.
@@MotoJournoKris I didn't remove the baffle. I seem to have a louder model (Carbon). I heard the Titanium model is more quiet. It's not obnoxiously loud, but I live in a quiet neighbourhood and I'm trying to be a respectable neighbour 😂. Anyway, I find your videos quite insightful for our market. I'm now subscribed 👍
@@corvinhua4479 Fair enough! I was talking to a mate recently who put the Titanium exhaust on his R7 and he thought it was too quiet, but I'm not sure they have the carbon option.
@@HotLipsHooligan That's a good point, I really should have done a segment on that, but it totally slipped my mind to go out and test it properly! I only did a few rides after dark and didn't find it lacking, but obviously a bit more in depth feedback would have been better.
its a great machine for anyone starting on a road motorcycle. easy to maneuver. it rips through sydney traffic. torquey which i find too good in traffic stops and i like everything stock. mine is the 2020. i chose to get the old model simply because i like how it looks than the 2022
Grabbing a deal on the outgoing model makes a lot of sense to me. You can always do a headlight upgrade, which I felt was the biggest area of improvement.
@@MotoJournoKris lot of people do like swapping the headlights with led and slimmer profile, but i do like the bucket look. maybe im weird but its one of those looks that compeled me to get the older model.
Great commentary - loved your video. I wish they put this CP2 engine also on their cruiser (Bolt); would perform better than the 950 v2 it currently uses.
Hi Kris, I purchased one in July UK full power and it’s a superb machine 👌. My long distance and without doubt a keeper is Honda’s VFR 1200x crosstourer which is too a superb machine. The XSR is now getting near to its first service, and even these near first 600 miles have been absolutely superb and i feel I made a great choice in purchasing this bike. I think whilst it in for its first service I’ll get the tyres changed to dual purpose, I’m changing the seat to Yamaha’s flat seat version, fitting SW Motech side bags and possibly a Leovince aftermarket pipe too. Truly is a great bike in the same colour you’ve just tested 👍🏻
I don't own a Caravan, so 100+ hp is wasted on me. I really do like the styling. The only mods would be shorter bars, a belly pan, and tail tidy. Maybe a pipe mod?
Very good review! Your bike has the updated 298mm front discs not the 284mm items. Am I to understand that you cant de restrict a LAMs bike once tested and experienced in Oz?
There's just no official system in place for de-restricting bikes, which complicates things, and creates some legal issues around doing so, depending on the state.
@@MotoJournoKris Sorry to hear that, seems to be the way of the world at the moment... control. I don't want to be controlled.....we'll not be able to make any decisions for ourselves, the way things are going!
My favourite bike in the 650/700 twin cylinder class. The CFMoto CL-X Heritage is another good one. I also like the Suzuki SV650. If I get another bike in Thailand, though, it will be an NC750X DCT.
I like the XSR700, I didn't know you could get the full power option in Oz. But when you compare the price to SV650, or even dare I say CFMoto700, not sure it's justified. Maybe I'll stick to my CB400SF for the time being.
I've got to say those CFMoto 700s seem to be packing in the value pretty well. Hoping I get to test ride one and see how they compare and what the finish quality is like.
@@MotoJournoKris , we’re in Australia… we get only the 655cc XSR7, where we get both the 655cc & 690cc versions of the MT07 and R7… the sub-660cc versions are LAMS (learner) approved… do you know if the Hornet is LAMS?
@@bdc2314 Definite no on the Hornet being LAMS, it's a 755 cc and Honda confirmed they won't be making an Australian special for us, as that did come up the other day.
Hi Kris , I am torn between this and the Trident 660 . I am leaning to this as others have said the feel is fun . I am worried on the 660 that I may outgrow it being more refined . There in the same price bracket as well. I like the extra height as I am your height. If you had to pick one for your experience what would you do. PS I plan to test ride both.
I don't think you can really go wrong with the XSR700, it's an exceptional machine. The Trident has some nice little extras (USD forks, electronics) so it is probably a little more 'modern' in that respect. The refinement could work against the Trident, but I do reckon it really needs an aftermarket exhaust system to open it up a little bit for more character.
@@jasonwillems9959 Wicked, congrats! That's what it is all about at the end of the day. No point just looking at spec sheets, it's about which bike gives you that feeling of excitement every time you look at it in the garage or ride it.
Hi Kris, thank you for the review. In Australia, is there only LAMS versions of the XSR700, or can you find them unrestricted here? Also - do you know if the Xtribute would be available in Australia at all?
Just the LAMS, which is the 655 cc version for Australia. No Xtribute at this time, I believe it's a smaller production run specifically for Europe from what I've seen and read. You should be able to squeeze a bit more performance out of the bike, but it's not the 689 cc full power version.
Just the LAMS version at this point in time, I don't think we've had a full power version (HO) ever sold in Australia as far as I know, unlike with the MT-07 and even R7.
@@MotoJournoKris I think I'm gonna go with the XSR 900 then haha. I love it in blue and gold and I don't mind the extra power. Are you planning on test riding it ?
I feel like it's an ideal option there, enough performance for heaps of fun, but not instant loss of license from a moment of misadventure (wide open throttle).
I agree, I wish we would follow the UK system with the A2 licence, they're sold full power and electronically restricted while in the learners period. The dealership just flashes the ECU.
Just lift some weights if you're worried. It will make it easier to balance especially on one foot at a stop. Squats, lunges, pullups, dips. Being fit makes everything easier, especially managing a large motorcycle.
I bought this bike brand new last year just for the looks as my first bike, and 8,000kms later, I'm so happy I did!
There's something very special about them to be honest, I mean I think an argument can be made that all bikes are special to the right rider, but these have something a little extra!
I've had mine for about 5 months now. Absolutely love it. I put an akrapovic exhaust on it (love the sound, but it might be just a bit too loud). There's plenty of power for street riding, motorways and mountain roads in its restricted form.
I'm not fussed about fancy tech and rider aids, so it's really hard to justify getting anything more than this.
I think the same, these fall into that performance area where it's plenty if you're not wanting something really crazy. You running the Akro with the baffle out? I know on the MT-07 I tested a few years ago with the baffle in it wasn't that loud, but it was a hassle to remove it.
@@MotoJournoKris I didn't remove the baffle. I seem to have a louder model (Carbon). I heard the Titanium model is more quiet. It's not obnoxiously loud, but I live in a quiet neighbourhood and I'm trying to be a respectable neighbour 😂. Anyway, I find your videos quite insightful for our market. I'm now subscribed 👍
@@corvinhua4479 Fair enough! I was talking to a mate recently who put the Titanium exhaust on his R7 and he thought it was too quiet, but I'm not sure they have the carbon option.
What is the new LED headlight like can’t seem to find any reviewer mentioning it but it’s pretty important for night riding 😂
@@HotLipsHooligan That's a good point, I really should have done a segment on that, but it totally slipped my mind to go out and test it properly! I only did a few rides after dark and didn't find it lacking, but obviously a bit more in depth feedback would have been better.
its a great machine for anyone starting on a road motorcycle. easy to maneuver. it rips through sydney traffic. torquey which i find too good in traffic stops and i like everything stock. mine is the 2020. i chose to get the old model simply because i like how it looks than the 2022
Grabbing a deal on the outgoing model makes a lot of sense to me. You can always do a headlight upgrade, which I felt was the biggest area of improvement.
@@MotoJournoKris lot of people do like swapping the headlights with led and slimmer profile, but i do like the bucket look. maybe im weird but its one of those looks that compeled me to get the older model.
@@f.i.l.d.e.p.s Gotta pick the one you like the look of!
Cannot wait to grab one! 💪🏼🚀
Lovely review mate, I love my XSR :)
Great commentary - loved your video. I wish they put this CP2 engine also on their cruiser (Bolt); would perform better than the 950 v2 it currently uses.
Yea that would be quite interesting. Maybe with parallel twins becoming more popular the next V-Star 650 will be running one!
Hi Kris, I purchased one in July UK full power and it’s a superb machine 👌. My long distance and without doubt a keeper is Honda’s VFR 1200x crosstourer which is too a superb machine. The XSR is now getting near to its first service, and even these near first 600 miles have been absolutely superb and i feel I made a great choice in purchasing this bike. I think whilst it in for its first service I’ll get the tyres changed to dual purpose, I’m changing the seat to Yamaha’s flat seat version, fitting SW Motech side bags and possibly a Leovince aftermarket pipe too. Truly is a great bike in the same colour you’ve just tested 👍🏻
Nice! I was thinking it'd be interesting to check out how the dual-sport tyres would go on this one. That sounds like it'll end up looking very cool.
Great review mate, I have a 2021 mt09 and really enjoying this machine, keep up the great work, I enjoy Ur reviews so much. Thx
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
I don't own a Caravan, so 100+ hp is wasted on me.
I really do like the styling. The only mods would be shorter bars, a belly pan, and tail tidy.
Maybe a pipe mod?
That'd be the way to go. I'd do the same, I reckon it would look super clean like that.
Gonna get the 2024 XSR700 Black by end of this month. It's gonna be my first bike! :D
Wicked! Is that the black with gold wheels? That looks particularly amazing.
@@MotoJournoKrisYes! I live in the USA, that's the only model there is available here.
Hey Kris, great review as always! Please do a review of the ZX-6r if you can get your hands on one.
Will definitely see what I can do!
Very good review! Your bike has the updated 298mm front discs not the 284mm items. Am I to understand that you cant de restrict a LAMs bike once tested and experienced in Oz?
There's just no official system in place for de-restricting bikes, which complicates things, and creates some legal issues around doing so, depending on the state.
@@MotoJournoKris Sorry to hear that, seems to be the way of the world at the moment... control. I don't want to be controlled.....we'll not be able to make any decisions for ourselves, the way things are going!
Nothing ever seems to be easy if there can be some bureaucracy involved, and it's only getting worse/more restrictive! @@neiljarvis8911
My favourite bike in the 650/700 twin cylinder class. The CFMoto CL-X Heritage is another good one. I also like the Suzuki SV650. If I get another bike in Thailand, though, it will be an NC750X DCT.
I haven't had a chance to test out the CFMoto yet, but I'm interested how it compares. It's a great class of bike though.
commie supporter
@@kalnwi2023 Commie. Just the opposite, mate. Lol
I like the XSR700, I didn't know you could get the full power option in Oz.
But when you compare the price to SV650, or even dare I say CFMoto700, not sure it's justified.
Maybe I'll stick to my CB400SF for the time being.
I've got to say those CFMoto 700s seem to be packing in the value pretty well. Hoping I get to test ride one and see how they compare and what the finish quality is like.
@@MotoJournoKris Yeah, if you can review one that would be great!
Also note, price-wise - It's one of the few Made-in-Japan 600's you can still get ;)
Very good point, that's becoming rarer. I was interested to see the new Honda Hornet is also made in Japan in fact!
@@MotoJournoKris , we’re in Australia… we get only the 655cc XSR7, where we get both the 655cc & 690cc versions of the MT07 and R7… the sub-660cc versions are LAMS (learner) approved… do you know if the Hornet is LAMS?
@@bdc2314 Definite no on the Hornet being LAMS, it's a 755 cc and Honda confirmed they won't be making an Australian special for us, as that did come up the other day.
lames@@bdc2314
Hi Kris , I am torn between this and the Trident 660 . I am leaning to this as others have said the feel is fun . I am worried on the 660 that I may outgrow it being more refined . There in the same price bracket as well. I like the extra height as I am your height. If you had to pick one for your experience what would you do. PS I plan to test ride both.
I don't think you can really go wrong with the XSR700, it's an exceptional machine. The Trident has some nice little extras (USD forks, electronics) so it is probably a little more 'modern' in that respect. The refinement could work against the Trident, but I do reckon it really needs an aftermarket exhaust system to open it up a little bit for more character.
@@MotoJournoKris Thanks .. after riding both I have the XSR sitting in my garage. Can't explain it , but I felt more excited on it.
@@jasonwillems9959 Wicked, congrats! That's what it is all about at the end of the day. No point just looking at spec sheets, it's about which bike gives you that feeling of excitement every time you look at it in the garage or ride it.
Hi Kris, thank you for the review. In Australia, is there only LAMS versions of the XSR700, or can you find them unrestricted here? Also - do you know if the Xtribute would be available in Australia at all?
Just the LAMS, which is the 655 cc version for Australia. No Xtribute at this time, I believe it's a smaller production run specifically for Europe from what I've seen and read. You should be able to squeeze a bit more performance out of the bike, but it's not the 689 cc full power version.
The engine is legendary. I’d take this over a MT07.
But I’d take the T7 over both the XSR and the MT07.😊
The T7 is hard to beat if you're an ADV fan!
Nice jacket what is it?
That's my Merlin Sandon jacket, really rate it. It's been going strong for six years.
great review thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
Dude! i love your helmet, could you tell me the brand and model ?? Ty ! Awesome review by the way. I just bought one, last week!
Congrats! That's my Shoei Hornet ADV (X2) with the peak removed. I use it as a road helmet without the peak, but put it back on for adventure riding.
@@MotoJournoKris awesome! Thankss
Hi Chris ! Can you get it unrestricted in Australia ?
Just the LAMS version at this point in time, I don't think we've had a full power version (HO) ever sold in Australia as far as I know, unlike with the MT-07 and even R7.
@@MotoJournoKris ok thanks! Such a shame as I love the retro look of the XSR much better than the MT07.
@@FrenchyRider574 The XSR does look wicked, doesn't it!
@@MotoJournoKris I think I'm gonna go with the XSR 900 then haha. I love it in blue and gold and I don't mind the extra power. Are you planning on test riding it ?
@@FrenchyRider574 If I can get my hands on one, I didn't have any luck last year!
Great review, I am planning to buy one in November, does anyone know if there is a wait time to purchase one in Sydney, Australia?
It looks like Trooper Lu's have one listed at the moment. Definitely worth checking around and getting a deposit down if there's a wait though.
Somewhat experienced rider here getting this bike because im not trying to get my license taken.
I feel like it's an ideal option there, enough performance for heaps of fun, but not instant loss of license from a moment of misadventure (wide open throttle).
Beautiful roads!
Had some good riding for this test, I was really lucky. Still trying to get the most out of the GoPro though.
Lackierung fast wie meine LC von 83,super
Very cool they looked back to the LC for the theme!
Man the LAMS thing is so shit. Just sell us the bike as intended with 74hp
I agree, I wish we would follow the UK system with the A2 licence, they're sold full power and electronically restricted while in the learners period. The dealership just flashes the ECU.
everything i mean everything is watered down in australia
Thank god there’s no electronics
Getting rarer to find bikes without them these days!
It comes with 3 traction control modes now.
@@kalnwi2023 I think thats only on the 900 version, not the xsr 700.
I'm so attracted to this new generation XSR700 and would love to get one. But the gods only blessed me with a puny 164cm frame. 🥲
That does make things a bit more challenging, but not impossible if you really want the bike!
I'm 165 and can't flat foot the bike, but I have no problems with the xsr700. It is quite nimble as compared with other bikes.
@@ryanviquiera1406 that's very good to hear brother! I will definitely consider this bike now!
@@ryanviquiera1406 They are relatively light and very well balanced!
Just lift some weights if you're worried. It will make it easier to balance especially on one foot at a stop. Squats, lunges, pullups, dips. Being fit makes everything easier, especially managing a large motorcycle.