Yamaha XSR900 vs XSR700: Which to Accessorise and How
Two Retro Yamahas, Different Characters
Yamaha's XSR range combines modern performance with classic styling in a way that's proved genuinely popular in the UK. The XSR900 and XSR700 share the same design language but have meaningfully different characters — and that affects both which accessories make sense and how much you'll need to spend.
The Fundamental Difference
The XSR900 uses Yamaha's celebrated CP3 three-cylinder engine — the same unit that powers the MT-09 and Tracer 9. It produces 119bhp, has a characterful, slightly ragged power delivery, and sounds excellent. The XSR700 uses the MT-07's parallel-twin, producing 75bhp with a smoother, more linear character.
In terms of accessories, the XSR900 has a larger community of owners who've pushed customisation further — there are more aftermarket options, more established exhaust choices, and a broader range of seat and styling parts. The XSR700 has a strong following but a slightly smaller aftermarket.
Exhaust Upgrades: XSR900
The XSR900's three-cylinder engine produces a naturally good exhaust note, and aftermarket exhausts make the most of this. Slip-on cans are the most popular choice, replacing the stock muffler while retaining the mid-section. The best options use materials that complement the XSR's retro aesthetic — brushed stainless or black-coated finishes rather than heavily styled modern designs.
Full systems for the XSR900 are available from several manufacturers and offer more dramatic sound and weight savings. The under-seat exhaust routing on the XSR900 is distinctive and worth preserving — systems that change this routing to a side exit can look wrong on the retro-styled bike.
Exhaust Upgrades: XSR700
The XSR700's parallel-twin responds well to exhaust work, though the improvement is less dramatic than on the three-cylinder 900. A quality slip-on adds genuine character to what is otherwise a relatively quiet exhaust note. The twin-exit configuration options suit the bike's clean lines particularly well.
Browse Yamaha exhaust systems for both XSR models.
Seat Upgrades
Both XSR models have seats that prioritise the visual aesthetic of the bike over long-distance comfort. The flat, relatively firm seats look correct for the neo-retro style but become uncomfortable on rides over 150 miles. This is a conscious design choice — the XSR is primarily a city and weekend bike rather than a tourer.
For owners who want to use their XSR for longer rides, a seat upgrade is worthwhile. The style-first nature of the bike means that any seat work should maintain the period aesthetic — replacement seats in brown or tan leather-effect finishes, for example, look excellent and can be significantly more comfortable than the standard item.
Solo seat options with a rear cowl are popular on both models and give a cleaner, more café racer appearance. Find options in the Yamaha seat covers collection.
Styling and Finishing Touches
The XSR range is exceptionally well-suited to café racer-style accessories: bar-end mirrors, clip-on handlebars (the XSR900 in particular responds well to bar changes), number plate relocators, and frame sliders. The bikes' clean lines make each addition more visible — which means quality matters more here than on more visually complex machines.
Which to Accessorise?
If you want the broadest range of aftermarket options and the most dramatic results from exhaust work, the XSR900 is the stronger platform. The three-cylinder engine's character rewards performance upgrades and the larger owner community means better-developed solutions.
The XSR700 is excellent if you want a lighter, simpler bike that's easier to live with daily. Its accessory range is more limited but the fundamentals — exhaust, seat, styling — are all well covered.
Shop Yamaha XSR Accessories
Find exhaust systems and seat upgrades for your XSR: Yamaha exhaust systems and Yamaha seat covers.