XSR700 vs Scrambler Mach 2.0 [Japan – Italy Neo Classic Comparison Test Ride Review]

Tried a representative of Japan and Italy, "Yamaha XSR 700" and "Ducati Scrambler Mach 2.0", which gather popularity as a "lightweight & easy-to-handle model" even among fashionable neo-classics.

YAMAHA XSR700：Competition of Old-fashion and Refinement

This is the second part of XSR 'Sports Heritage' which fuses retro and latest technology. In the base of the original MT-07, it gave a special exterior such as a tank making full use of the texture of aluminum and a round headlight.

Create personality in spite of being the reliable equipment

Ducati Scrambler Mach 2.0: New Frontier of Low-speed

It is an ambitious work that Ducati first entered Neo Classic, and it debuts in 2015. In addition to the basic specification icon, it features low uphand or thick seat, West Coast style paint by Roland Sands.

Pursue a nostalgic feeling luxuriously

Riding Position Comparison

Comparison Test Ride Impression : Both of them are easy to handle. More compliant of XSR.

These two, oddly the specification are similar. - Although Yamaha XSR700 is different from water-cooled parallel two-cylinder 688cc, Ducati Scrambler are different from air-cooled L-type two-cylinder 803 cc, the maximum output is 73ps and the motorcycle weight is 186kg exactly the same. The maximum torque is 6.9kg-m, XSR is 0.1 kg-m, but it is almost the same. I began to test interestingly to see the difference.

First of all, the appearance. Both of the two belong to the genre of "Neo Classical" which adds an old-fashioned image and adds a modern taste. Nonetheless, the XSR features a modern arrangement while incorporating the classical round eye headlight, meter and horizontal keynote design. Do not feature specific models, try positively try new shaping.

Scrambler, the model of the same name that appeared in 1962 was the original story. I was designed with the theme "Is it going to continue being produced from the debut back to the present age?" Many manufacturer customs exist, "Mach 2.0" is a motif of '60's Cafe-Mach 1. It's nice with a wide and somewhat forward-inclined handle and has an atmosphere of a flat track racer. Costs are applied to every detail in both units, and the texture is satisfactory. On that basis the design direction is different.

Running, unlike similar specification, it is quite good contrast. XSR is really contemporary, scramblers are emphasizing retro taste.

MT-07-based high-efficiency engine installed in XSR has a smooth start and response at low speed. The torque rises smoothly in a wide rotation range of 4000-8000 rpm. After 8000 rpm, it grew to gyeong, it is easy to handle but sporty character. Meanwhile, in the scene of zero departure and shedding in the city, the taste is neat and the feeling of soft beating is comfortable. Also, the uphandle and the thick seat are like the old motorcycle atmosphere.

The scrambler features a dense taste of air-cooled 2 valves. Rising is not flat, it shows acceleration with punch, accompanied by intense beating feeling and sound at 2000 rpm, accompanied by a strong beat feeling and sound. After that, the vibration is stopped and it turns smoothly, and the feeling increases from around 5000 rpm. Although there are scenes that are going to get out earlier or getting stuck in an extremely slow start, there is no instability like the old Duca, it has become a mature taste. It is basically easy to handle output characteristics, although it requires somewhat familiarity.

In the city ride, I could shake the XSR lightly more than the value of the motorcycle weight. Although the seating position is high, although the motorcycle rating is large, the steering wheel turning angle is large, and we are good at small turning. Combined with soft suspension settings and soft beating engine, you can enjoy gentle and smooth running.

The scrambler is attractive for feet when both feet are grounded. In addition to uneven output characteristics, we care about U turn slightly with a wide handle and a small steering angle. However, the center of gravity is low and the sense of stability is outstanding. It is the best stage in the streets to run while tasting the air cooled L twin.

XSR with a wide range of defense. Scrambler is old motorcycle like.

Then follow the highway. At 6th speed 100 km/h, XSR is 4000 rpm and scrambler is 4200 rpm. For the scrambler with a sense of beating, the XSR has less vibration and peace. Riding Position is easier to bend in knees in XSR, it has a better fit with the tank, so long distance is easy. On the other hand, the suspension setting is soft, slightly fluffy at feet when it is cut.

On the other hand, the scrambler is excellent in straight running stability and seat comfort. The low center of gravity and the front 18 inch dressing are reliable. While the legs are soft, the dampers are effective. Because the seat is soft and the seating surface is wide, the butt is comfortable even in the long.

However, the speed range of the engine is good at about 80 km / h. XSR is a character that covers a broad range of higher. If I were you, I would like to run the highway freely, XSR, if I run a long distance at the lower way I will choose a scrambler.

Regarding pass, too, the high pace XSR, the scrambler that flows and enjoy is the same. XSR has a high center of gravity, a powerful engine with high revolution is really sporty. By handling soft suspension carefully, you can draw turning power. Also, even with the same gear, flexible output characteristics are not as good as the road can handle various large and small corners.

The scrambler has a lightness and stability feeling of falling down by F18 inches. Even if the motorcycle sleep, the steering does not enter big enough, the turning power is as it is, but the sense of security is outstanding. There is no fear of treating it roughly, this is also like an old motorcycle. The torque is waving down from XSR and it will not stretch even if pulled at 6000 rpm or more, so I want to pull out the power of the shoulder and let it flow.

XSR is a versatile player who can choose any rider or stage, scrumbler can enjoy like Duca even though there is a little habit. Its character is appearing on the appearance of XSR of free design while retro and appearance of old-fashioned style scrambler. Even though two of them are similar specification, they are totally different in charm.

What is the impression according to the situation?

Town Riding

•Maruyama "XSR is more lightweight antial than number"
It is a stage that can show the ease of riding and ease of handling of XSR. You can run around more crisply with the same weight as the scrambler. Although the scrambler have a little down tick at low speed, movement itself is fun because you can feel the feeling of the heartbeat to your satisfaction.

•Numoeo "Duca's heartbeat can fully enjoy it"
Due to light body and obedient power XSR is excellent as a foot in the city. The seating position is high and the field of view is wide. As soon as Duca gets on, it's fun to feel the pulsation that seems to be "Duca." For me of 177cm tall, both feet is dissatisfied.

High-Speed Running

•Maruyama "XSR is easy, if it is self-composed Duca"
XSR which can correspond to high speed range both engine and motorcycle body is recommended for people riding well at high speed. Duca is able to travel while enjoying the taste. Of course speed is OK, but those who enjoy traveling more sel-composed than flying are going well.

● Numawe "I want to choose XSR if long runs"
XSR wants to settle a little more, but there is not snow at high speed. The Scrambler has a sense of stability and comfortable seat comfort, and it can run relaxed. I was concerned about the occurrence of microvibration on the limbs only at the 6th speed 100 km/h.

Winding

•Maruyama "XSR that can draw turning power depending on arm"
XSR is able to draw high turning power by suppressing soft suspension. The scrambler is old-fashioned handling that turns from the rear. The brake is a touch that the XSR was crisp and Duca is calm. In general, it is XSR that is sporty.

•Numoeo "Duca has a low center of gravity and a sense of security"
XSR with light body can spank and bank, but to stabilize it requires teck. Leaning out makes me feel comfortable. Although Duca had some scenes when the rotation speed fell, there is a sense of stability in the motorcycle body, so you can enjoy the sense of punch with confidence.

Tandem: Both seats on the rear are comfortable

XSR is slightly behind the tandem seat, but there is a sense of stability on a soft seating surface. It is a matter of concern that the suspension will drop down without possession. The scrambler is equipped with a grab bar and the rear seats are spacious. There is sense of unity with the rider. However, it is easy to be jerky in the low speed range, and care is taken to open and close the accelerator.

Lay-out: Duca is easy to reach

Push and pull are easy, because both are light as much as 400cc. In particular, the steering position was low and I felt it was easy for the scrambler to reach easily.

Conclusion: I wonder if the motorcycle will fit my bike.

I think that the XSR700 is not captured by the genre "Neo classic" but a bike pursuing newess. It does not flatter in the old motorcycle of the past year, it is creating a new design, and running is also sporty. You can get the taste of the rider himself.

Scrambler is fun to have a real vintage feeling both in appearance and ride. However, its use is limited to some extent. If you want to use multi for a single unit, scrambler would recommend XSR, those who want to get drunk with the atmosphere of old motorcycle with modern technology.

XSR is free to wear when riding. The scrambler is deciding what fashion you suit. It is XSR that the bike will fit the rider and the scrambler is that the rider will match the bike.

As for the texture, both of these two are preeminent, but this price is respectable. In particular, the cost performance is overwhelming, although XSR has also taken time and effort such as turning an aluminum tank cover into a hairline finish.

Comparison of main specification

•Conclusion: Hiroaki Numawo •Photo: Satoshi Mayumi
•Coverage Cooperation：Yamaha Motor Sales
※It is reconfigured based on the article published in the January 2019 Young Machine.