Yamaha XSR700 - All Modifications and Upgrades

[@PokerMuppet]

Hands down the best XSR I've seen. Nice one Matt.

[@ballamoto]

Thank you very much! 🙏👍

[@PaulsMotoZen]

You would think that some of those mods should have come stock. Then again, the price would be higher.

[@ballamoto]

Yeah, keeping the price low allows people to pick which mods they like. But your right, there's a few that should be standard for sure!

[@whatsup9260]

bought a Triumph Scrambler 1200XC in may and at 3600km of road riding to work it as been in the dealer for repair for a month now. should have stuck to Japanese made like my previous bike, specially now that i have seen this bike with the mods. nice job

[@ballamoto]

Haha! Ahh that sucks, hope it's fixed up soon 🤘

[@ryaandnice]

Oh man. The green and the brown. With the gaitors. Nice dude. Nice.

[@ballamoto]

Thanks a lot! Appreciate it 🙏👍

[@jimmyvaldez100]

I'm not being funny. But I LOVE the fact that you didn't clean it for your detailed shots! It really showed the character of the bike.

[@stephenherdman]

Hey man, love the video, ive a 2022 XSR ordered for april. Have already ordered so many parts based off your mods. Beautiful bike.

[@dasautogt]

Same, thanks Matt. Looking to get a 2022 XSR myself, this has given me ideas.

[@ians474]

Thanks for this mate. I kept watching these xsr mods videos of yours, especially the crash bars and ibex plate, as I really love your xsr build. Surely one of the best out there! I aim to do a rugged adventure build as well, especially i've dropped my bike thrice now, oops lol. I also fancy your riding get up. Perhaps you can also make a video about your riding gears :) Keep it up mate. You inspire a lot of us xsr lovers. Cheers!

[@ballamoto]

@@ians474 thanks a lot for the kind words! Been meaning to do one on my gear for years, but never got to it! Maybe I will one day! 😂 Thanks again 👍

[@RenzoKlasik]

Wow... Another XSR 700 owner... I really love this bike... New subs here from Philippines... RS brother....

[@Hopeless_and_Forlorn]

Thank you for the information. As a Yank, I must say that the British method of adding accessories has not changed since it was established by your pre-WWII aircraft designers: There Is More Room on the Outside of the Machine Than on the Inside of the Machine. I pick up my new XSR-700 from the dealer three days from now.

[@mikecrelevate]

Those scorpion rally tires are perfect! And I’m digging that green tank armadillo seat combo too! Nice work!

[@carolo2159-v9y]

This is the short of bike i would like to have, multifunctional, confortable, beautiful and unique!! Great job 👏👏👏

[@ballamoto]

Thanks a lot! 🙏👍

[@Bluestixx]

That green is one of Yamaha's best colors around. I have an XVS950 C-Spec in the same color and now I don't think I could stand to have a bike in any other color lmao

[@MJFUYT]

That is the best-looking XSR 700 (imo) that I've seen. Beautiful bike 💯

[@seekup241]

Hey there I know this is an older video but just want to say I love these and please keep making them :). Such an amazing bike, location and video quality. Cheers m8!

[@ballamoto]

Thanks a lot, really appreciate it! 🙏👍

[@rockintigger]

Hi, nice to hear an English guy with a comprehensive vid about what he’s done to his bike. Utube is full of septic upgrades an show ponies. Me “like yourself” rather ride it then clean It, have a tarmac version, (at my age I can’t afford to brake any more bones ☹ I think I’m about your age x3) but love your aggressive look. Will be getting the tool roll, love it an as you say, better the Yamaha’s version. I went for K-Tech front cartridge fork kit an rear shock (95kg rider) both fully adjustable, totally different bike. Will sub just to see what you get up to. 💪

[@ballamoto]

Thanks a lot for the comment, really appreciate it! Glad you like some of the mods here. That tool roll is great. I did modify it a bit to get it to roll, as opposed to fold up. I pulled out a couple of the rivets from the strap. Prefer the rolled up look to the purse look! 😂 Thanks again, hope you stick around for more 🤙

[@chuchutrainyo]

Beautiful bike, inspires me to get my hands on an XSR. Also, beeeeautiful backdrop - big ups to the foresight in picking the location.

[@ballamoto]

Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!

[@cianok2006]

One of the best XSRs. Great video

[@Organon1980]

Just tradet in my MT-07 for a XSR700. Picking it up today and can't wait to start modding it.

[@ballamoto]

Nice choice! Same beastly engine, more stylish design 👌

[@themarvelousone8951]

in my country we only have xsr155 and xsr900. but i want xsr700 the most. still waitng for it.. the best xsr i've ever seen.

[@MarbleHercules]

I liked how grubby it looked shows real use. Great bike.

[@ballamoto]

Thanks a lot!

[@bullockwerks9484]

Love it! I have a Fj09 that I want to change to a similar style, what size are your tires?

[@ballamoto]

I can't remember off the top of my head now, but they're the standard size for this bike. Something like 180 rear and 120 front 👍

[@wizurd77]

Great video. It's making me want a xsr 700 more and more! Returning to biking after 5 years away from it. Love that green tank on the bike and the mods really make it look even better. I think for me a rear suspension upgrade and the bash plate with bars are going to have to be my first upgrade. When I finally get a xsr that is 😀

[@ballamoto]

Thanks a lot! All the best with it, I'm sure it'll be an amazing feeling to get back at it after that long! 👌👍

[@nikbooster1]

I loved this, i didn't know you have a youtube channel, I like your Instagram photos very much.

[@ballamoto]

Thank you very much! 🙏 👍

[@rogervallve7375]

Very Nice video and mods! Cheers for making it for us

[@ballamoto]

Thanks a lot! No problem 😁 been long overdue!

[@sabinevanholten5843]

I enjoyed watching your video as I have the 2021 XSR and want to change suspension and add other components, great ideas and long shopping list!

[@tonipunkari1910]

Awesome bike! Have you modified the front suspension in any way? How do you feel driving bad gravel roads with this suspension? Did the Ohlins rear suspension improve riding in bad roads?

[@Alpoholic]

Beautiful bike and presentation 👍

[@ballamoto]

Thank you very much! 🙏👍

[@glenmack3640]

Very cool set up mate 👍🏼

[@icomefromcanadia2783]

Bike looks great! For the TripMachine wraps and tool roll do you have "tobacco tan" or "tobacco brown"? I think tan and maybe it's just aged a bit darker but it's hard to tell. I'm considering both wraps and roll and the colour you've got looks perfect. Thanks!

[@TomSoundsGood]

Great walk through Matt! Did you need an adapter to fit the rear turn signals on the tail tidy? Looks like the mounting slots are sized for the original turn signals? Thanks!

[@ballamoto]

Thanks a lot! Yes, you'll need to grab some adapters. Should be able to find them on ebay. Either search for Xsr700, or Mt07, turn signal adapters 👍

[@ballamoto]

(I got the flat type, not the bulgy ones. You'll need 2 per side, for inside and outside of the tail tidy)

[@TomSoundsGood]

@@ballamoto Found them on ebay and my local shop has them in stock! XSR 700 Turn Signal Adapters got me right too them. Thanks again man!

[@ballamoto]

@@TomSoundsGood that's awesome! No worries mate, ride safe 👊

[@jamescameron2048]

@@ballamoto Hi Matt. Could I please trouble you for a bit more detail? I can't find anything that resemble what I see on your bike (looking at 13:30), and the bulge type Oxford spacers I have definitely don't work well with the Evotech tail tidy. Any clues on how to make this work?

[@lukash.5079]

What company are the Brake/Clutch Levers? Is there a Link? One of the best looking XSR700 out there!

[@Lilleprinsen42]

I can't seem to find the upper fork protectors anywhere - where did you get them? By the way: your bike looks amazing :)

[@ballamoto]

Ah yes, I forgot those! 😂 They're off the MT07, I got them from Partzilla. I can't remember thr exact part numbers, but a quick search on the forums or Facebook page and you should find the info! ✌️ Thanks a lot! 👍

[@MotoSangria]

Absolutely lovely handlebars leather wrapping

[@ballamoto]

Thanks! One of my favourite bits!

[@Double_T333]

Awesome bike bro! I’m looking for exhaust for mine. I don’t want something obnoxiously loud but also not too quiet. Could you go more in depth with what you did to your Akrapovic exhaust

[@ballamoto]

I probably won't be doing a video on it as I try to not remove it anymore, it's difficult to do without damaging the baffles. But there are a few videos on the drilling holes method. Just follow that, but cut the pipes in half instead! All the best! ✌️

[@bencluroe4183]

Great vids mate, I’m looking for an xsr 700, that’s what brought me to your channel and you’ve proved it can literally do everything on 2 wheels. Do you still have it? I’m hunting for one now but I only have 4k so struggling a little. I can’t believe how underrated they are. 185kg 70hp and with the right upgrades can trail. Amazing

[@ballamoto]

Hey! Thanks for watching. I definitely still have it, don't think I'll ever part with it now! 😂 Head over to the "Yamaha XSR700 Enthusiasts" or "Yamaha XSR700 Owners" Facebook groups and you'll find loads of helpful people and info. And maybe even some bikes for sale!

[@bencluroe4183]

@@ballamoto great tip thanks, any plans to return to socials? The contents great mate.

[@ballamoto]

@bencluroe4183 I do, but I've been saying that for a while now! A few too many things going on for now, but I'd like to get back behind the camera sometime.

[@The1977andi]

Great bike , love the mods you've done and how you use it, I was going to get an xsr but then the trident came out and just caught my eye more.

[@ballamoto]

Thanks! Yeah that's a great looking bike 👌

[@julienbastin9244]

Hi Matt! I love your mods ! I also got the evotech tail tidy but I can’t find adapters to fit my small led turn signals. Got a pair but they don’t fit correctly. Where did you get yours ? Thanks 🙌

[@ballamoto]

Glad you found them in the end 👍

[@LickyDischarge]

Just discovered your channel. Great content and a lovely bike! Subscribed 👍🏻👍🏻

[@ballamoto]

Thanks a lot! 🙏👍

[@midlife-crysis]

Really good job on the mods on this bike. Look,s great

[@theoiorga]

Awesome setup. Does anyone know if the engine guard fits the 2022 model? Thanks

[@ballamoto]

Should do!

[@EricMotoAdventures]

Hi Matt. Love the bike. Great video. You mentioned that the seat was the original and was reupholstered. I assume they shaved down the back of the seat to get rid of the hump, or was the seat the flat seat. Thanks.

[@ballamoto]

Hi, thanks very much! I believe he did a bit of reshaping, yes. There is still a bit of a bump towards the back but it's a lot more gradual. He also added a thin layer of foam to get the bumps between the stitching, so this probably also helps to smooth out the curve ✌️

[@EricMotoAdventures]

@@ballamoto thanks Matt

[@leewhite3350]

Hi Matt, Beautiful job! Just had the gaiters delivered and haven't started the job yet. Once you have the forks off how do you remove the original plastic fork protectors?

[@ballamoto]

I think you just have to use a bit of force, but I'm not too sure. I bought my bike with gaiters already on it (not these ones, but the Yamaha ones), so I never had to take those plastic covers off

[@jonathaneley4275]

Hi there...I'm slowly but surely, as money will allow, turning my XSR to look like yours. I have the STR tyres now ready to be fitted, but showing my ignorance: do they need inner tubes or will the factory-fitted ones work perfectly?

[@zbyszekl5864]

Hi there - any chance to get the contact to Glen about the seat?

[@Dziaduification]

Hey mate! Lovely XSR!

[@ballamoto]

@@Dziaduification hey, thanks mate! It is a pretty small bike I think, or so I've heard from others... As I'm pretty short, 5'8" and I can flat foot both sides! For me it doesn't feel small though 😅 I have heard some taller riders complain that it's a bit too small, but I've seen others say it makes it feel more flickable in the corners, and love it despite them being on the taller side! So in summary, I think you'd have to try one. Maybe hop on the forums and ask if there's anyone local to you who owns one, you might get lucky and be able to go check it out!

[@hoangnguyenvan1065]

nice XSR 700, nice guy, I so sad when XSR 700 not sell in Vietnam

[@Indieauguste]

Excellent review of the bike in pure English.

[@ballamoto]

Thanks a lot!

[@LaheemTheLadiesDream]

Wow, this bike is gorgeous. Exact bike I want. Does anyone have a preference in year for the XSR 700? What year is this XSR and is it easy to get any color (the green looks good though)?

[@jonnybennett3904]

Great video Matt 👍🏻

[@TheBalauru27]

Hey Matt! What jeans are those you're wearing in the video? Thanks

[@ballamoto]

Those are the Bull-It Bobber jeans. The new ones are fully single skin and AA rated. Another great pair is the Oxford AAA single skin jeans. Basically normal looking jeans but AAA rated! And only about £150, win!

[@PhantomDuck_7]

Nice one bro! Keep it up 👌

[@leedsmorris]

Really appreciate the detail on the mods! I did Lanespliter bar end mirrors on mine. Have you found screw plugs for the old mirror mounts? The left side was easy to sort but the right side seems to be a different size - not found one that fits yet. Any problems with the headlight and the MOT? I heard they were changing the rules on aftermarket LED. Thanks for the vid. Keep it up!

[@ballamoto]

No problem, thanks for the comment! Both sides are identical on mine, and these mirrors have 2 selectable collars, so I just used the narrower collar on both sides. No problems on the MOT, but I have a "friendly" MOT guy! 😂 So that might have made a difference. Aftermarket LEDs used to be illegal, but since last October there are laws for them. But this is a cheap shitty amazon LED so I highly doubt its truly legal 😅

[@meteaydin784]

Very nice mods, colour theme looks excellent, nice one. For your grip wraps and tool roll, have you gone for the vintage tan or tobacco brown in this case?

[@ballamoto]

Thanks a lot 👍 I went for the tobacco brown for both ✌️

[@vanguardsr368]

how did you wire in the TC button? did you make it a a sensor cut off?

[@panrrak96]

beautiful bike brother

[@ballamoto]

Thanks a lot! 🙏👍

[@reubent936]

Howdy! Wondering how you went about installing that ABS button 👀

[@ballamoto]

I've got a bit of information over on my Instagram stories. But as for the full demo, I've not got around to that. Basically I made a little harness to splice into the front abs plugs (right hand side of the headlight) and add a simple on/off switch to break the abs circuit 👍

[@reubent936]

@@ballamoto Ahhhhhh rightio. Sounds easy enough to do too. Much appreciated man 😊😊

[@ballamoto]

@@reubent936 it's surprisingly easy! Even if you want to make it fully reversable. No cutting cables, no nothing! If you can find the same plugs as the existing ones, it'll be plug and play 👍 Good luck!

[@hit_it_if_you_care5211]

Hi, can you do a video where you demonstrate the crash bars impact zone here or your insta (you can do it in grass or with towel in the pavement), i know is can of silly but request, , i wanted to use that crash bars but i see them to close to bike and not outwards also to low and not high, and i wonder will the bike tilt up and hit tank or handlebar or there will be a gap so there is space and that would it happen. PS and not says to throw it to the ground just gently placed or hover it close to the floor plane.

[@ballamoto]

I've actually crash tested it at 30mph once.. 😂 They are a bit low and it can rotate towards the tank a bit, the bars still obviously hit the ground too, but it still offers some great protection, and when I crashed it only marked the bars and nothing else. I don't think I'll be laying it down in a demo any time soon, but we'll see!

[@brianfarrell6607]

Class 👍 I love to know the total spend on your modifications 🤔

[@ballamoto]

Thanks! 👍

[@IlCapoFLA]

Beautiful details mate! Love it 🔥

[@ballamoto]

Thanks a lot! 👍

[@robertkavanagh774]

Man im interested in one didnt know u could take them off road .how much off road can u do with that type of bike.i ride a dual purpose. Woukd love doing something like that

[@ballamoto]

It's definitely a road focused bike, and probably shouldn't really go off road much, but I've definitely put it through its fair share! 😂 It's the ground clearance that limits it really. Only a few inches. So if you'll be doing a lot of off road, it's probably not great. But it handles the odd bit and gravel tracks really well!

[@pbneeks]

Great video! Love the mods! Question about the fork covers. How come you have to get part #22? Shouldn’t part 20 be enough?

[@ballamoto]

I can't remember what part 22 is. Can you remind me? 😅

[@pbneeks]

@@ballamoto #20 = cover, #22 = tube outer (L,H) #23 = inner tube comp 1 and #24 = piston, front fork. It seems like a lot just to put the cover around the front fork.

[@ballamoto]

@@pbneeks 20 and 22 are the right and left fork covers, 23 are the rivets, and 24 are the O-rings.

[@pelayorios]

Amazing bike! Congrats for your modifications. What leather jacket do you use? Does it have the protections included? Thanks!

[@ballamoto]

Thanks, appreciate it 👍 that's the Merlin Stockton. It comes with all except a back protector, but has a pocket for one.

[@dustination69]

Very beautyful bike bro, What’s handle bar did u fit for the scrambler feel, looks so nice

[@ballamoto]

Thanks mate. It's stock! Just rotated up a bit for a better standing position

[@drewbag]

Hi Matt- Do you know what type of adapter is needed for the USB? I see that the USB you linked is an SAE plug so would it be SAE to female Auxiliary?

[@ballamoto]

If you want to plug it into the switched DC plug on the left side of the bike under the side cover. Then you'll need a Yamaha DC adapter. You can find them on ebay. Alternatively, the bike should have a dummy plug already plugged into the dc socket, so you can just buy the crimp connectors for it and use that. There is some more info on the Facebook forums etc.

[@jamiehill9619]

Hi just got the brogue headlight, struggling with the short brackets, any tips? Also did you have to alter the headlight in any way for use on uk roads? Thanks

[@ballamoto]

Hey. I had to manipulate the bracket below the headlight for it to fit and angle properly. I bashed I back and down a bit. Once I Hadd done that, it fits great. Might take a few tries to get perfect though. Patience may be needed! 😂

[@michaeldever2213]

Did you need relays for the oxford indicators?

[@TheAdam344]

That jacket is awesome, do you mind telling me what brand it is?

[@ballamoto]

Thanks! Sure, it's the Merlin Stockton jacket 🤘

[@TheAdam344]

@@ballamoto sweet thanks!

[@J10k]

Could you do a motorcycle gear video?

[@ballamoto]

I was thinking of doing a gear series. What in particular are you interested in?

[@J10k]

@@ballamoto Gloves, boots, helmets, and really anything you might recommend a new rider.

[@ballamoto]

@@J10k I will see what I can do! 😂

[@hit_it_if_you_care5211]

Also how do you do the oil and filter change with the engine guard and crash bar, do you have to remove it all?. Also i'm planning to add the center stand, would that be possible with the engine guard, because they are both hold in the lower pegs area where the engine guard is screw.

[@Bykersam]

L21 👍, nice share, love this bike, offering support to a fellow motovlogger, stay connected, blessed and safe on two wheels, your biker brother Traveller MIA 🇬🇧

[@loekloekloek]

The bike looks like it will scrape the road on cornering. Had issues with that?

[@danishiqbal2047]

Grabbed a cup of coffee for 16 minutes video...........

[@1990-t1j]

This bike looks the business. Really informative video. How many miles has the bike done? I have subscribed.

[@ballamoto]

Thanks! Appreciate it. Not too many to be honest! I'm a fair weather rider 😂 about 15k

[@stevekirk6399]

did you change the front springs? well put together video.

[@ballamoto]

Thanks mate! No, I didn't change the front yet, I'm so light that the front springs don't affect me as badly as some others. I am considering stepping up the weight of the fork oil at the next service though 👍

[@stevekirk6399]

@@ballamoto I changed to the Progressive Springs and fork top pre-load/ride height adjusters from tec bike parts. under £100, I would say the first change I would make if I did another one. did you get it remapped when you put on the new exhaust? I did a walk round of mine on my youtube only thing I have added since is the continental 80's tyres

[@projectretro20]

Dream bike! What is your helmet tho?

[@ballamoto]

Thanks! That's the Bell Moto 3 👍

[@shuttze]

Is that coffe termos stays hot from the engine ? becouse if it did that would be a 200 IQ mod :P

[@ballamoto]

Haha it does indeed! 😂 Not that I need the engine anyway because this thermos keep coffee at nuclear temperatures for about 12 hours! 😂

[@rickyrolls6460]

are those bar ends street legal? especially if the mirrors are installed upside down in our country thats illegal

[@ballamoto]

Not a legal requirement to even have mirrors in the UK 😂👍

[@MrMITH412]

Hey! Just wondering if you have bar raisers? If so what brand and where from?

[@ballamoto]

No risers, just rotated the bars a little to give a more comfortable angle for standing 👍

[@JohnFCandy-ll3eh]

what kind of bike pants do you wear? love your helmet. nice video!

[@ballamoto]

Thanks very much! These are Bull-It Bobber jeans 👍

[@Kilzx47]

bro i love your bike

[@ballamoto]

Thanks a lot!

[@bradsaville7790]

shes a beauty mate !!!

[@_alxb9413]

hello, Is the IBEX Bash Plate compatible with the Akrapovic Carbon exhaust line?

[@ballamoto]

It is with the euro 4 or 5 version. Not so sure about the euro 6 version

[@ballamoto]

Actually, I should say you will need to modify the bracket slightly, like I have in my other video about the bash plate 👍

[@_alxb9413]

@@ballamoto thanks 😉

[@paul528i]

Are the knobby tires not too rough for street riding?

[@ballamoto]

Nah, these are the STR version, so made for the street too. In fact more street than off road (70/30). They have a surprisingly smooth profile 👍

[@anujhe]

amazing bike man u r lucky to ride it

[@uwegerold4647]

schöne XSR !! viel Spaß damit !! aber etwas Kettenpflege und Reinigung würde ihr bestimmt auch gefallen 🤪😇🤣

[@ballamoto]

Haha you are definitely not wrong!! 😂 She needs a bit of love and maintenance 😅

[@uuri37]

Many thanks for this video !🙏🙌

[@ballamoto]

And thank you for watching! 🙌

[@123jack7]

Can a 1m63 person support their feet with the yamaha XSR700, thank you

[@christianjames7688]

Not fully I’m guessing you will be on half the end of your feet but I’m 180 and my feet are very comfortable on the floor

[@K-Connor]

Hello, what jeans do you have?

[@motoroadster9722]

Amazing bike with crazy mods!! Love the colors going on with green and brown!! Really dope mate!!🦾🦾 keep up the great work! How have the scorpion rally str‘s been holding up on tarmac? Any kind of vibrations? Grip level compared to sport touring tires?

[@ballamoto]

Thanks mate 🤙 so far they've been really good! No vibration or whining at all on the tarmac, and really confidence inspiring. No slips yet! The reviews seem to be holding up 👍

[@mylifeinthailand8751]

Moving up to the bar as in handlebar not handlebars

[@XXXXXX-zn1sm]

What abt the tank cover

[@ballamoto]

What do you mean? Which tank cover?

[@pedrosantos3712]

-Tell me you're a hipster without telling me you're a hipster. -I have a coffee holder on my bike. no hate haha

[@ballamoto]

Hahaha!! 😂 Best comment. Can't deny this. My only defence is I have no beard!

[@yahtzeejimbob]

Any hard cases?

[@ballamoto]

I use the Givi MT501 cases on road trips 👌

[@MP-ez8ch]

What size are the tyres?

[@ballamoto]

17s front and back. 180 at the rear, and 120 at the front 👍

[@chewie8]

I’m 5’11 would this bike fit well?

[@ballamoto]

Yeah I should think so! It is a pretty "small" bike, size wise, but I know taller people who ride it. I'd suggest going and checking one out at a dealer!

[@newbobotime]

Great video, can you describe your outfit too? I like it!

[@VnuSGamer]

Nice vid

[@ballamoto]

Thanks!

[@ahmadomara]

Great job 👏 👍🏽 👌

[@ballamoto]

Thanks a lot ✌️👍

[@user-zb8tq5pr4x]

How did you pronounce akrapovič?

[@ballamoto]

Probably incorrectly! 😂

[@antikarlo1212]

this is 2018. year bike?

[@ballamoto]

It is a 16/17 model, just not bought and registered until 2018 👍