From Rebel to Retro - XSR700

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Colour me pleasantly surprised! My local dealer is on Tier 4 lockdown so the showroom is shut However, click-and-collect is still operating so I got my bike after all

https://i.imgur.com/UqOxspt.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/jxZNtJr.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/gt46EpL.jpg?1

The good news: almost the same mileage as the outgoing Rebel. The bad news: a few years older...

https://i.imgur.com/z6eyREJ.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/K9XZaGG.jpg?1

I've seen swing arms in a much worse state after just a couple of years and the shock looks worse than it is, surface rust really, shouldn't grumble. Elsewhere there's just hints of corrosion, bolts with a hint of white powder and so on. Break out the ACF50

As for hanging up my arseless chaps I still rate the Rebel as a fun little urban hooligan but even with my diminutive size it felt like a teeny-weeny toy bike. No, time for something "proper"

Bearing in mind I'd not actually ridden the similar MT-07 since my test over a year ago I was surprised I settled in on the XSR700 quite so well. If anything it's a bit more comfortable than its brother.

Riding back on the XSR I masochistically went via the Hammersmith gyratory and down through Fulham & Putney. Never missed a gear, never stalled the bike. That being said I was puttering through a big chain of traffic lights and only glancing at the shift indicator did I realise I'd being going stop-start in 2nd gear for ages - torques for dayz, bro

All in all I'm chuffed with the bike. I could have got the blacked-out version but that had too much of a Mafia Hitman vibe, the silver is much more elegant...

Hang on, I've bought another tart bike haven't I
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Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[doggone]

Exactly like mine
If you are short it isn't the lowest.
A lot off fun and really nice handling especially if not on supplied pirelli tyres.
They are OK until half worn.

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[wr6133]

Looks good, googled the black one to compare and I think you chose right.

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

i like these - might prefer the 07 looks-wise though. Mate of mine has the xsr900 in black red and gold mars bar colours. I can't actually find the bike on google - only some with a cockpit faring and his doesn't have that. The 07 would look just as good, of course.
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"Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."

Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125

[A100man]

Aaargh it's a proper motorbike..

..well done!
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Now: A100, GT250A, XJ598, FZ750

Then: Fizz, RS200, KL250, XJ550, Laverda Alpina, XJ600, FZS600

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[wr6133]

Planned mods?

I reckon bar end mirrors would suit.

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[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

rear hugger and fenda extenda?
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"Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."

Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125

[Easy-X]

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

that spring's already rotted away
____________________
"Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."

Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125

[Easy-X]

[Alex1759]

Nice! I’m hoping to pick one of those up next spring. Post back when you have some saddle time!

[Easy-X]