RETRO RUMBLE: Yamaha XSR700 v Ducati Scrambler v Triumph Street Twin v Moto Guzzi V7

[@steveluth3139]

So the XSR does exactly what it is supposed to. Remember a lot of new bikers like a bit of the older looks but really do not want the old feeling. They will go for comfort, easy riding and good mileage.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

+Steve Luth The XSR is definitely a very good bike, and great value too.

[@steveluth3139]

+Bennetts Bike Great review though, you give your honest opinion, and while it maybe a reason for you not to buy the XSR700 those same reasons makes me want to buy one. Keep up the good work!

[@giancarlolorena2506]

@@steveluth3139 I couldnt have agreed more. Just bought my xsr700 a few months ago and I've also tested the other bikes in this list but went with the xsr. I dont want an old handling bike. I feel the xsr is the one for me.

[@antoniocordasco5386]

I have the XSR since 2 years. My first big bike. Super happy with it. It took me to Italy just a few days ago. 3500km over 16 days, no problems. And it takes me to work in central London every day. What do you want more?

[@67claudius]

Moto Guzzi V7 is the most beautiful!

[@chazlyle41]

Haha the "problem" with the Yami is that it's too perfect, rides the best, handles the best, doesn't vibrate or shake, is too easy to ride . . . But it doesn't "look" hipster enough for them. So what you're saying is it's the best bike in every way.

[@DukeMuffington]

Yeah I stopped watching this review once I heard them talking shit for something being TOO FUNCTIONAL. Done with this hipster garbage of a review.

[@mark.e.p]

@@DukeMuffington spot on mate. 'The Guzzi feels like a bike from the 80's but I've never ridden a classic bike' so many contradictions who are these muppits?

[@MK-hb3xc]

Geez, you missed the really good part where the one guy told the other how "cool" he looked riding the one bike. You won't see those guys in some diner with a sign outside that says "EAT" drinking a cup of black coffee.

[@akshatrockport]

You could say that in a way, but, they're mainly looking for a classic style of character. Retro style.

[@NowhereLand]

Dude, I was gonna say exactly the same. lmao

[@Ritrixone]

XSR All the way for me ;)

[@gilbertsuaverdez39]

xsr is awesome i bought one😉

[@simonpedersen6234]

@@gilbertsuaverdez39 7 or 900?

[@timothymcsparron1128]

I spent the first 5 years of my motorcycling career riding old classic bikes because that's all I could afford. Since then I realized I wanted a bike that had classic good looks with real modern performance. I have been a very happy Ducati Scrambler owner for the past year and hope its always in my garage. It's that much fun to ride. It's engaging, fun, visceral, nimble, quick, focused, cool as hell. It's brilliant. The others are nice bikes too, each has their own thing which I like, but for me it was a no brainer.

[@timothymcsparron1128]

+1990 I've had it 15 months and put 8,000+ miles on it. No issues at all. The engine is still super smooth and delivers tractable power. I'll be riding this bike for a very long time I think!

[@rickysingh2550]

This review was amazing, I've been looking for people to compare these bikes properly, especially as I'm torn between the Yamaha and Ducati. Thanks guys! 👍🏽

[@appymarley]

the yam is too good a bit too easy to ride..oh nobody is going to want that then!

[@marsmarsian4932]

Been waiting for a comparison like this, thanks! So the XSR it is for me then!

[@marsmarsian4932]

So how is the transmission? Some say it's sometimes tricky to shift down. Is it the same like in the mt07?

[@marsmarsian4932]

thanks!

[@marsmarsian4932]

just ordered myself an xsr ;)

[@Damcykelo]

+Mars Marsian I've ordered an XSR900 :3

[@marsmarsian4932]

Nice! Are they already for sale? I thought a 700 would be enough for me, since I ride her everyday in the city. But from what I heard, the mt09 really kicks ass!

[@AleksiJoensuu]

Interestingly enough, for me it would be either the Guzzi or the XSR 700. Either go the whole mile and get something that's authentically classic, or then just get something that's really good and gives you some of the flair. The middle grounds of the Duc and the Triumph just don't seem so nice.

[@toddmichaels42]

Kawi W800 would be on my list...

[@jacobsonofhera]

XSR looks the best by far!

[@adebryan9785]

Had a test ride on the new Triumph Street Twin Ordered mine right after my 2 hour ride get it March 1st 2017 cracking Bike!

[@johannesknaup5463]

Picking up my Ducati today. 12°C and blue sky.. I AM EXCITED!

[@johannesknaup5463]

+CJ Isaac I got the Full Throttle. 1800 km by now and I am loving it.

[@Dave-sw2dm]

I'll take the Guzzi mainly because of the shaft drive. My first bike was a shaft drive Yamaha XS750. I am getting weary of dealing with chain maintenance and chain noise when I am riding.

[@DentalPark76]

V7 II GUZZI. Wow. Love the sound

[@darthvisor9289]

I tested all 4 of them and my favourite is the Triumph, followed by Ducati, XSR and Moto Guzzi (which is probably the best looking, but too slow for me, the acceleration of a tramway is more exciting)

[@guzziguy2011]

My ‘93 1000S is a TRUE retro, with 80 hp. That V7 is nice but needs 30 more ponies.

[@servicarrider]

Personally, I would be proud to own any one of these bikes. Give me a motorcycle that delivers reliability and that will keep me on the road. As long as I'm on the road I'm making memories...what more can you ask from a bike?

[@Renouex2011]

purchased the triumph street twin this week, i also looked at affordability and maintenance , dcati is expensive to own in the long run ( nice bike) moto guzzi is hard to get parts for 9 at least here in the states( motto guzzi is a small company.And the yamaha to me is not that cool ( but probably the more bank for your buck )

[@fahadm8260]

Great video, well produced. Thank you

[@adamb8690]

Great vid guys! I am from Bury St Edmunds myself and a big fan of Crazy Horse (need to get a proper mic for the coffee table stuff though)

[@mark.e.p]

Retro - been there back in the day XS 650, Guzzi T3, so I'll take the Yammy please!

[@paulcollins9308]

Sorry guys but personally I've ridden them all and I'd say the street twin kicks butt !! awesome mid range power and to me felt lighter than all the others and to look at just awesome ! No Ducati looks too plastic and I thought it didn't have the mid range power the other two were probably on par !

[@wojciechkarbowski466]

Im a very happy owner of Urban Enduro model of Ducati Scrambler, I put very raw Zard slip on exhaust on it and added some brushed aluminium pieces from Rizoma, it looks stunning, it sounds like devil but moreover it makes me smile every time I ride it, performance very cool, brakes awesome, it handles like a dream. Mind you it weighs only 180 kg and this makes it very handy, corners on B roads and you can take it on the dirt road if you fancy a bit of the off road action. Sorry Guzzi, Yamaha and Triumph, you know nothing. J

[@williamdent3462]

Great review guys ..... helps me with my decision ...

[@bennettsbikesocial]

+William Dent Glad to be of service! Let us know what you choose.

[@kaveiros75]

Nice review... and comparing really relavant bikes (I still can 't decide between MotoGuzzi v7ii and Ducati Scrambler.... with jusy a thought for the -much cheaper- MT-07). But I would really love some more info about how those bikes handle in terms of suspensions, chassis, acceleration, economy etc. I was just hoping for a real comparison on those matters here, not just how they look and "feel".

[@potskimedia]

+kaveiros75 Here's the full review we did. www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bike-reviews/group-tests/modern-retros-group-test/

[@kaveiros75]

Link is dead, but I found the full review anyway, so thank you. It is indeed much more analytical and helpful!

[@MotorcycleExtremist]

Good stuff, and basically validated my impressions of these bikes.

[@axellness]

Good review. Keep up the good work guys.

[@MK-hb3xc]

Nice review to find what works to soothe the ego and make you think you're cool retro. I got the XSR because it was a bare bones bike without a bunch of plastic covers, as close to a street tracker as anything made at this point. Retro my ass, it's one tough ride. Power from 3000 rpm to red line, decent handling, as they said, the perfect bike. If I want retro I'd ride my SR500, or better yet, pull out my 68 Bultaco. When I want a good performing bare knuckles street bike I'll ride the XSR. It isn't about retro or cool for me, it's the way it works. I'm not profiling the boulevard or play racing to the local Starbucks, I'm out on the secondary highways cruising along a tad higher than legal limits and holding it on for the corners. I never saw the "retro" in the XSR, I saw the motorcycle. The same engine as used in the flat trackers and the same general chassis as the bike that won the Moto America Twins championship. As for the others, I guess let the profilers have at it. Then at the end of the ride they can tell each other how cool they looked as they were puttering along with their retro gear and bikes. We'll sit down with a couple beers and cigars and talk about the roads we were on and how fun it was.

[@willystix2150]

I c the motorcycle as well. New rider. I'm 37 and don't know s about em. Scrolling threw bikes and bam xsr was awsome. And I knew it was the one. I c the motorcycle. Apon reviews turns out everyone has high praise. And I herd in all the reviews it's retro. Seen it on Yamaha's site too. Is or isn't. I c the motorcycle.

[@clairebannister4749]

Aren't we lucky at the moment! There's pretty much something for everyone. Here's a question tho' which of these would you take on a 200 mile trip?

[@kentoxymoron6857]

Triumph made in Thailand, Ducati in Brazil, Moto Guzzi Italy & Yamaha in Japan.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

+kentoxymoron Yamaha is built in France, actually!

[@kentoxymoron6857]

Pardon Monsieur! I stand corrected

[@kens97sto171]

+kentoxymoron The Engine is made in Thailand, shipped to England and assembled and painted there. Thats what Ive been told anyway. Also .. There are plenty of of other high quality bikes being built in Thailand. would not scare me away if it was built there. I think Honda is building bikes there.

[@kentoxymoron6857]

I have a Triumph totally made in England (it is an old bike mind)

[@kentoxymoron6857]

+kens97sto171 May I ask, who told you that?

[@kingy2063]

Enjoyed the review guys, all helps to arrive at that all important decision. Just got back from NEC bike show which was a good opportunity to do a visual, sitting on bike comparison. Came away feeling the ducati and the yamaha edged it for me. Test rides are of course the real acid test,but not always possible, hence the value of your reviews. On another note; Marc, what make was your helmet? cheers fellas.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Glad to be of service. Potski's wearing a Bell helmet, BTW.

[@ShivJG13]

Out of all of these I love the Moto Guzzi the most. I've seen used ones at good prices too. So my question is, how easy is it to make it go faster?! It's just not as powerful as I'd like. I mean the bike I learned on was more powerful, so I don't really want to go backwards in that respect. Even the new V9 11 is lacking power. Any thoughts or ideas folks?

[@kaveiros75]

+Siobhan Garvey I have ridden a v7ii Classic (just like the one reviewed), for half an hour. You will be surprised at how strong those 48 hp can be. This thing accelerates like a demon - honestly! Having said that, I am still a bit concerned too about wether this horsepower will be adequate when actually owning the bike. And there is little you can do to improve this bike in terms of performance. I am more worried about the suspensions though. The bike didn 't give me so much confidence when leaning over during fast turns. But it could be the (almost destroyed) tyres of that demo bike 's fault. Don 't know. (I was hoping to find some answers here.) The Ducati Scrambler is on a whole different level on this subject though. Really feels like you can command the bike to do everything you want it to.

[@VPB1970]

I own a moto guzzi V7 mk3 (I also have a Supertenere 1200) and I can assure you that you won’t feel any lack of power. I would never guess it has 52 hp if I didn’t know it. I don’t know if it the torque or what but it’s powerful enough (more then) for a naked classic. Love it!

[@josemhs1213]

Sad thing is the xsr isnt available in the states :(

[@herihao797]

+JodogXMC How about XSR900? It's not sold in USA?

[@josemhs1213]

+HERI HAO oh yeah the xsr900 is sold in the US just not the 700

[@herihao797]

JodogXMC XSR700 is not sold in Japan. I can't understand why.

[@seaninness334]

I'm sure you are aware by now but thought I would mention that the xsr700 is available in the US for 2018.

[@gwwayner]

It all depends on what the rider wants. The Yamaha and Ducati are more performance oriented but the other bikes like the Triumph are modern-retro and way cool looking. Btw motorcycles that have 50-60 hp are still plenty quick for public roads and can top out at 110-120 mph. If people want more power and speed in retro Triumph makes the T120 and Thruxton R.

[@septonovic]

good comparison and review.

[@TheReverb1]

...hello, what s the band or the song at 4:33? I heard in other videos but never put the credits... Thanks

[@beachmediavideos]

+TheReverb1 Hi. I'm reading your comment while away from my computer so can't check, but I used music from the KZbin music library. I've just gone back through but can't find the track I used. Some quality music available to video-makers there though. I'll let you know if I remember back at my computer.

[@TheReverb1]

...ok; thanks for your time and if you find the name of the song or band, please let me know.

[@beachmediavideos]

+TheReverb1 Hey Dude. The track is called 'Tidal Wave' by Silent Partner

[@TheReverb1]

...thank you very much for your time.

[@TimKollat]

the Ducati would look much better without that yellow banana looking seat and 1980 New York taxi cab graphics, The Triumph looks the best in my opinion then the XSR. I dont care about "proper retro" look and I think the Yamaha did a great job, although the new 2022 xsr model is starting to lose that great look, IDK what it is but I dont like the 2022 model. I would bet out of the 4 that the XSR and Ducati are the most fun to ride

[@yipman214]

Apart from the fact that the ducati's scramber is capable of some off roading and that it only scores off there, the Yamaha is a clear winner in every department.

[@pr0gi]

which would be a better option for a taller rider ?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

We would suggest that the Triumph is a little bit on the low side but the other three fit a wide variety of riders.

[@VTECheart]

Y'all sure talk a load of rubbish. How can a bike be "too perfect". I've had a classic bike, and they're exciting in a "Will I make it home?" kinda way, or "Will the bike stall at the next stop?" kinda way. I much prefer the look of the Guzzi, but the Yamaha is a comprehensively superior bike. To me, this wasn't really a review, it was a purely subjective discussion without any useful takeaways.

[@imfree195]

but they said exactly what youve said..so kind of ironic

[@SuperEagle421]

VTECheart I agree. The main focus of the discussion was which bike evoked the most retro feel. Are buyers gonna put that characteristic above all other factors like cost, ride quality, performance, fuel consumption, etc?? C'mon!

[@richardhansen3950]

The Ducati reminds me of my old Norton p11a scrambler (I'm old). Now if I could just get it with a right-hand shifter ...

[@parolainkilap6952]

Which one has more offroad capability?

[@frazerasokan2912]

which is more ride able in cities and traffic?

[@vistazo9]

No doubt the heritage and panache of the European bikes is great, enjoyable, even artsy. The big 4 japanese yammie ,suzuki, Kawa and Honda are very reliable and even withstand some neglect.... lately Japan has launched beautiful naked, Cafe racers etc affordable parts, easy to service. It's your choice !

[@CikaStory]

💪💪

[@johnroe3915]

The xsr7 is coming to the US!

[@ripmax333]

The yamaha might be the best value for money but there attempt to built a classic bike lookalike is horrible, its like an unfinished bike IMO. Japanese bikes are great but in term of design are a bit rubbish, or they built everything to look like a manga robot or something horrible in attempt to make it look retro. If the kawasaki was still be able to make the W800 than that would be a good contender to compete with these bikes.

[@giancarlolorena2506]

I want a retro looking but not really a "retro" bike. I love my yamaha xsr 700.. It rides great and looks great, Its cheaper and easier to maintain. TO ME thats enough.

[@ThePalinex]

Hey, who can tell me what's the title of the intro music? :)

[@richardjones8684]

The Xsr is head and shoulders above the rest . I rode the scrambler along with 3 mates and all agreed it was nowhere near the bike the game was

[@CornishMotorcycleDiaries]

Well it looks like a couple of disgruntled Yam owners are trying to push that bike. Sadly it doesn't do anything for me. Having ridden both the Duke AND the Triumph, my verdict would go to the former in that it has bags of character, is cool as f**k And is friendly to ride. The Triumph just felt too modern to me. And yes I am old enough to recall 'Classic' bikes and their ways...

[@jismonta8067]

cool...my fav street twin

[@rockintigger]

I can't help thinkin, you worry to much about what other people think what you're riding, or how cool you look. Ok, so I'm an ole bastard who was riding before you were born (74) I was interested in the xsr700 until, less than two years old bikes were rusting and kill switch issues. Trouble is I can't afford a new bike every time the warranty runs out.

[@richdubbya]

when they said they've never ridden a vintage bike their review on retro bikes became invalid.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

+Richard Wentz Hi Richard, our youngest reviewer has never ridden a classic, but he was just one of four. I think you will find our team more than qualified to pass judgment, and we felt that it was very important to have a broad range of experiences to assess these bikes, as many will be purchased by inexperienced riders.

[@MartynMoore]

+Richard Wentz Why?

[@MartynMoore]

As in, why does their view become invalid, Richard?

[@richdubbya]

+Martyn Moore How can one do a review about the best "retro bike" or which bike rides most like an old bike when one of the reviewers has never ridden an old bike before? Granted the 3 others may have but with one lacking it kills it. Haven't ridden a new Street Twin or XSR700 (too new and the other not imported) but I have ridden the Scrambler and V7and have had 2 Thruxtons and a t-100. All these bikes merely mimic and old bike (which is kind of a good thing). The v7 is close but still too refined compared to even an 80s bike. The Scrambler is like the XSR. Even has a crappy rear shock like the mt-07. Nothing like an old bike. Name an old bike with a shock placement like the Scrambler. All these bikes in this review have the retro look but they are not truly retro or vintage like.

[@MartynMoore]

+Richard Wentz I get where you're coming from, Richard. For me, though, experience of an old bike is irrelevant. Any new bike that rides like an old one is just a bad bike. If you want the proper old bike experience, buy an old bike.

[@victormanuelmorales320]

my xsr700 is one and only

[@stevieburrows3953]

wait a few months the ducati will be half price.Please turn up the heating one guy was even wearing a woolly hat

[@bigwheelsturning]

I think they are speaking English, but I'm not really sure. ;)

[@lomate1963]

Me too none of them 😁

[@SavioureG]

Triumph all the way!

[@johnm2369]

My 14 bolt beats them all. No stupid r spec add on . 126mph.. low and mean ass bobber

[@TR5T]

As usual Brit pretensiosos "journalists"want "soul". Look guys we grew through the 50s, 60s with all that "soul" you want vibos get a Sporster better yet a real Commando. 07 best bike to live with, looks Ducati/V7, nice bike ST. Remember when the Bonneville came out?? "needs power" "handles like truck" etc. I used to love reviews then I learned you have to live with a bike before there can be any impression whatsoever because that's what we do.

[@bryankc9644]

I never met a Ducatti snob but I would imagine theyre insufferable.

[@ryant5652]

XSR all day

[@hawkrider88]

I love the FZ07 and I'm sure I would love the XSR as well. It is clearly the "best" bike in the test. But I can't get beyond the Robo looks. Hate the taillight and speedo and all the drilled-out motor plates to make it look "cool". I want a bike that will make me look back at it as I walk away. The Triumph will do that and certainly the Guzzi would do that...but not the XSR700, it's just trying too hard in the looks department. And it will look dated the quickest.

[@MK-hb3xc]

It is purely individual tastes. I can't get beyond the transformer angular look of so many current naked bikes. Oddly enough my XSR makes me look back and smile. I know it is part MT07, winner of the Moto America Twins series and the engine is the same as run in the AFT flat track Yamahas. Can't say that about any of the other three. I will agree with some of the unnecessary gimmicks in the XSR looks department, but those can be overlooked for the performance. I had to smile the day I took off a bit strong from a traffic light and the front tire chirped when it hit the pavement just across the intersection. I owned an 850 Guzzi, fun motors, but they don't have anything on the XSR, nor really do either of the other two.

[@PlatinumRatio]

Only the Guzzi and the Bonnie are credible classics. The Bonnie has the real genuine appeal. It's the same as the old one and they've kept at it. Triumph owns this genre.

[@PeterDad60]

No classic Triumph owner ( My 1976 T140V was purchased new, and I still own her) is ever going to say "Oh, are they still making these?". We love motorcycles, we love Triumphs and we keep up with world events. I'm young at 66 years old but you can trust me, we older men won't say anything as ignorant as "Oh are they still making these?". I'm addressing that gay reviewer wearing the grew knit hat inside.

[@aceandears]

What was the bike refereed to looking "sooo cool"? kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4WynoKAhKekjq8&t=388

[@bennettsbikesocial]

+Anders Gerenmark They are all cool, but at that particular moment we were referring to the Guzzi. Thanks for watching!

[@dougiequick1]

Way to much blabber not near enough close ups

[@oyleyhands1332]

How could one take the opinion seriously from someone who wears a huge full head covering wool hat indoors ? 😁😁

[@BubbaSatori]

Bung ho!

[@PhilipKerry]

80's ?? Classic Bike ?? That kid needs to go home his mummy has a new nappy ready for him .....

[@beer3029]

Goot Z

[@JimmySlacksack]

XSR is ugly imo .. street twin all the way.

[@Renouex2011]

Bang*

[@grumpyoldfart7302]

Speak English....I can't understand a word you're saying.

[@SuperEagle421]

I always felt that it was easier for Brits to understand American English, than for an American to understand what Brits say when they speak.

[@userer4579]

Don't waste your time. This video should be entitled: "Four Muppets Ride Motorbikes".

[@PeterDad60]

The homosexual reviewer wearing the hat just bothered me.

[@potskimedia]

+PeterDad60 The 'homosexual reviewer' wearing the hat is me. Last time I checked I was straight, with two children from an actual woman.

[@PeterDad60]

+Marc Potter Facking it?

[@PeterDad60]

+David García Keep out of this.

[@PeterDad60]

+PeterDad60 Never mind, I've been wrong before.