Yamaha XSR700 (2016+) Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals

This post was originally published on October 19, 2020, but has been significantly updated with a simplified maintenance schedule format, chain maintenance tips, tire specs, and more.

This is the maintenance schedule and associated service intervals for the 2016+ Yamaha XSR700, including the anniversary edition, and all years onward. The maintenance schedule is similar to the maintenance for the MT-07.

The Yamaha XSR700 is a retro-styled but thoroughly modern standard middleweight bike. It shares the same CP2 engine that’s seen in a number of other bikes. It’s a 689cc liquid-cooled 8-valve parallel twin with a 270-degree crank, giving it a pleasant burble and roar that’s reminiscent of a liquid-cooled V-twin sport bike.

Here are all the motorcycles that share the same CP2 engine:

This maintenance schedule applies equally to restricted forms of the XSR700 like the LAMS model with a 655cc engine in Australia and the A2 model in the UK.

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Yamaha XSR700 Service Intervals

Overall, minor service intervals between oil changes for the Yamaha XSR700 are

  • US: Every 4000 miles / 6000 km or 6 months
  • Europe / Australia / Asia Pacific: Every 10000 km / 6000 miles or 12 months

Yamaha typically has these different service intervals for different regions. You can see more about this phemenon here.

At every service, change the oil, and either check or replace the spark plugs, and do a host of checks (see below for the regular service checklist).

The major service (valve clearance inspection) is every 26600 miles (US) or 40000 km (Europe / rest of world). The first of these is most significant.

Make sure you also keep the brake fluid and the coolant fresh — see the schedule below.

What you need to service the Yamaha XSR700 — Consumables and Special Tools

If you’re servicing the XSR700, you at least need

For the XSR700, the manual recommends the following specific consumables.

PartYamaha XSR700 spec
OilYamalube 10W-40 or Yamalube 10W-50. The manual suggests Yamalube and it’s affordable on Amazon with a solid 5-star rating. Don’t over-torque the bolt (spec is 43 Nm/32 lb-ft for the oil drain bolt per the manual) — use a torque wrench if you don’t have experience with how much torque is enough.
Oil filterNeeds to be changed every time you change the oil. Either get a stock one (part 5GH-13440-50-00, used for many Yamaha products) or the Hiflofiltro HF204RC. Torque for the oil filter is 17 Nm/13 lb-ft.
Chain maintenanceUse either Motul chain paste (very well-liked), or a complete Motul chain care kit which includes a brush etc.
Engine coolantYamaha recommends Yamacool, but use any coolant that’s a 50/50 ethylene glycol pre-mix. You can either use pre-mix or concentrate (for which you’d need demineralised water).
Cable lubricantsKeep your cables lubed! Protect all cable life is a good generic lubricant.
Spark PlugsNGK LMAR9E-J. This is what the manual and mechanics suggest. Make sure it’s gapped correctly to 0.6-0.7mm (get a gapping tool) and torqued to 18 Nm/13 lb-ft (new) or 13Nm/10 lb-ft (after checking).
Air filterYamaha part number for the OEM air filter is 1WS-14450-00-00. You can also get the K&N equivalent, YA-6814.
Brake padsPeople regularly replace OEM units with EBC double hardened brake pads for extra life and better brake feel (and less fade). You need two sets for the front (FA252HH) and rear (FA174HH).
GreaseUse a good lithium soap-based grease and silicone grease for external pivot points.
Oil, filters, coolant, plugs, and brake pads for the FZ-07/MT-07/XSR700

Yamaha XSR700 Maintenance Schedule

Below is the maintenance schedule for the 2016+ Yamaha XSR700. You’ll find a lot in common with the maintenance of other modern water-cooled Yamaha motorcycles, including the Yamaha MT-07 of course.

The content of the schedule below is the same as in the manuals, though presented in an easier-to-read way. For example, items like “change the engine oil” are moved to the top rather than buried down below, and maintenance related to emissions is combined with general maintenance.

General notes on the maintenance schedule for the XSR700:

  • After the final service on the chart, keep going, following the pattern shown.
  • Yamaha recommends that for everything other than lubing the chain, changing the oil, and greasing external parts, you should have a Yamaha mechanic perform the service.
  • There are two different maintenance schedules — US and Europe. They have different service intervals (4K miles vs 10K kilometers) and some different details due to emissions regulations, though they are the same in major content. See here for more details on the US/Europe maintenance differences for Yamaha motorcycles.
  • Some items (e.g. valve clearance check) have a distance interval only.
  • [D] items need specialist Yamaha dealer tools.
  • Air filter: Don’t clean this with compressed air, as you might damage it (and then damage the engine with bits of filter).

Yamaha XSR700 Maintenance Schedule (US, miles)

Below is the maintenance schedule from the US manual for the Yamaha XSR700, with minor service intervals of 4000 miles.

‘000 miles (US)0.648121620
Months1612182430Every
Perform full inspection checklist (see below)
Change engine oil (Yamalube 10W-40) while engine is warm.
Replace oil filter (HF204RC)
Check spark plug condition. Adjust gap and clean.
Replace spark plugs (NGK LMAR9E-J)
Check and adjust valve clearance while engine is cold26.6K mi
Clean air filter check hose
Replace air filter (K&N YA-6814)24K mi, or more often if riding in dusty conditions
* Check drive chain slack, alignment and condition.
* Adjust and lubricate chain thoroughly (Motul chain paste)
500 mi (800 km) + after washing the motorcycle or riding in the wet.
Change brake fluid (Castrol DOT 4) and rubber parts of brake master cylinders and calipers.2 years
Replace brake hoses4 years
Change coolant (ethylene glycol pre-mix)
Repack swingarm pivot bearing with lithium soap-based grease32000 mi
Moderately repack steering bearings with lithium soap-based grease12000 mi
Lubricate rear suspension link pivots with lithium soap-based grease lightly12000 mi
Check evap control system for damage. Replace if necessary
Maintenance schedule for Yamaha XSR700 (US, miles)

Yamaha XSR700 Maintenance Schedule (Europe, Australia, NZ, Asia — Kilometers)

The maintenance schedule in manuals for the Yamaha XSR700 sold in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Australia is a little different, and not just because of the metric system.

The items listed have different maintenance intervals (10000 km vs 4000 mi in the US manual, which would be around 6000 km), and some items are different.

‘000 km (Europe/Australia/NZ/Asia)110203040Every
Perform full inspection checklist (see below)Year
Change engine oil (Yamalube 10W-40 or Yamalube 10W-50) while engine is warm.Year
Replace oil filter (HF204RC)
Check spark plug condition. Adjust gap and clean.
Replace spark plugs (NGK LMAR9E-J)
Check and adjust valve clearance.40000 km
Clean air filter check hose
Replace air filter (K&N YA-6814)40000 km, or more often if riding in dusty conditions
Replace brake hoses4 years
Change brake fluid (Castrol DOT 4) and rubber parts of brake master cylinders and calipers.2 years
Lubricate swingarm pivot bearing with lithium soap-based grease50000 km
Check steering bearing assemblies for looseness.
Moderately repack steering bearings with lithium soap-based grease
Change coolant (ethylene glycol pre-mix)3 years
Check evaporative emission control system for damage. Replace if necessary.
Yamaha XSR700 — Europe/Australia/Asia/NZ maintenance schedule

XSR700 Standard inspection checklist

Below is the checklist of items to do at every service per the schedules above.

The items required at break-in service are marked with a check mark in the right-most column.

Yamaha XSR700 Standard Inspection ChecklistAt break in?
[D] Perform dynamic inspection using Yamaha diagnostic tool. Check the error codes.
Check throttle grip operation and free play, and adjust if necessary.
Lubricate throttle cable and grip housing (Protect All Cable Life).
Check clutch operation. Adjust or replace cable.
Lubricate moving parts and cables thoroughly (lithium soap-based grease, Protect All Cable Life).
Check lights, signals, and switches operation.
Check sidestand switch operation and replace if necessary.
Check brake switch operation, front and rear.
Check / adjust headlight beam (if necessary)
Check and adjust fuel injection synchronization.
Check fuel hoses for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary.
Check brake hoses for cracks or damage, and for correct routing and clamping.
Check cooling system hoses for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary.
Check engine idle speed
(Not required in US)
Check front brake operation, fluid level, and for fluid leakage. Replace brake pads if necessary (EBC FA252HH x 2).
Check rear brake operation, fluid level, and for fluid leakage. Replace brake pads if necessary (EBC FA174HH).
Check tyre tread depth and for damage. Replace if necessary (see spec below).
Check and adjust tyre pressure as necessary.
Check front fork operation and for oil leakage. Rebuild/ replace if necessary.
Check shock absorber operation and for oil leakage. Replace if necessary.
Check wheel bearings for smooth operation, looseness, or damage. Replace if necessary.
Check swingarm pivot bearing operation and for excessive play.
Check all chassis fitting and fasteners, and tighten/replace as necessary
Lubricate brake lever pivot shaft with silicone grease lightly.
Lubricate brake pedal, clutch lever, and shift pedal pivot shafts with lithium soap-based grease lightly
Check sidestand pivot operation. Lubricate with lithium soap-based grease lightly.
Check crankcase breather hose for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary
Check exhaust system for leakage. Tighten and/or replace gaskets as necessary.
Yamaha XSR700 Standard Inspection Checklist

Maintaining Your Chain on the Yamaha XSR700

It’s important to maintain your chain on the XSR700, as on any chain-driven motorcycle. Use a good-quality chain lubricant like Motul chain paste, or a Motul chain care kit which comes with a couple of handy tools to maintain the chain.

Yamaha recommends you follow the following chain maintenance schedule every 500 mi / 800 km and after washing the motorcycle, riding in the rain, or riding in wet areas.

Chain maintenance item
Check drive chain lubrication condition, lubricating if necessary (Motul chain paste)
Check drive chain slack, alignment, and condition, adjusting / replacing if necessary
Chain maintenance — Yamaha XSR700

Naturally, if you track or race your XSR700, then attend to your chain more often.

Checking the drive chain slack

The drive chain deflection on an XSR700 must be between 51 and 56mm from the drive chain guard when pushing down slightly.

Yamaha XSR700 drive chain deflection check
Yamaha XSR700 drive chain deflection check

If the chain is too loose, you need to tighten loosen the rear axle, adjust the adjusters, then re-tighten the rear axle. Follow the procedure below.

Adjusting drive chain slack

Yamaha MT-07 XSR700 drive chain slack adjustment

To adjust drive chain slack, you have to use the adjusters near the rear axle. You’ll need wrenches and a large torque wrench for the rear axle nut.

  1. Loosen the locknut at each end of the swingarm.
  2. Loosen the axle nut.
  3. To tighten the chain, turn the drive chain adjusting nut clockwise. Tighten it by the same amount on each side, and use the alignment marks to make sure the chain is still aligned. Keep checking the chain tension to make sure it’s within spec.
  4. When you’re done, tighten the axle nut (105 Nm / 77 lb-ft) and the locknuts (16 Nm / 12 lb-ft)

Tire sizes and pressures for Yamaha XSR700

Below are the standard tire sizes for the Yamaha XSR700 plus the recommended tire pressures per the manual.

WheelTyre (Tire) sizeTyre (Tire) pressure (cold)
Front120/70 R 1733 psi / 2.25 bar / 225 kPa
Rear180/55 R 1736 psi / 2.5 bar / 250 kPa
Tyre sizes and pressures for the XSR700

The XSR700 ships with Pirelli Phantom Sportcomp tyres, a “Road” tyre. Of course, you can fit any road, sport, or sport touring tyres.

About the Yamaha XSR700

2022 Yamaha XSR700 16

The Yamaha XSR700 is a modern and yet retro-styled standard sport bike. It has a comfortable plank-style seat and an easy riding position, and is powered by the lively and well-loved CP2 engine from Yamaha — a 689cc liquid-cooled parallel twin that has a nice throaty character thanks to its 270-degree crankshaft.

The Yamaha XSR700 is one of Yamaha’s modernised retro motorcycles, part of the “faster sons” line. It’s very similar to the MT-07 or FZ-07 (and shares the same foundation), but in a more stylish package that appeals to those who like a “retro” aesthetic.

Alternatively, you can consider the Yamaha XSR700 to be the smaller sibling of the XSR900, which shares the CP3 engine with the MT-09.

The XSR700 is a versatile, lightweight hooligan machine despite its modest power output. The CP2 “Crossplane Concept” twin-cylinder engine is raucous and has been one of the most acclaimed modern engines of modern times — it has enough power and quick-revving character to entertain any kind of rider.

That’s part of the reason why the CP2 engine is found in such a wide variety of motorcycles, from the Ténéré 700, an adventure sport bike, to the Yamaha YZF-R7, the sportbike.

The CP2 engine is been designed to provide good torque in the most frequently used rpm range (3,000 to 6,500 rpm). A single balancer shaft keeps things silky smooth, while the 6-speed transmission means you can cruise economically on the highway.

On top of having lots of character, the XSR700 is quite good looking!

2022 Yamaha XSR700 LHS outdoors

But the Yamaha XSR700 isn’t just a good-looking bike. It has decent brakes — twin 282mm discs up front (2016-2021) with four-piston monoblock calipers. The bike comes standard with ABS in most (if not all) markets.

Suspension on the front is as you’d expect — non-adjustable conventional forks. At the rear there’s a monoshock which you can adjust just for preload. You can even get an Öhlins replacement from the dealer themselves!

Yamaha made some minor updates to the 2022+ Yamaha XSR700, including updating the suspension and increasing the front brake disc size to 298mm. It takes the same brake pads and all other aspects of maintenance are the same as before.

Manual for the 2016+ Yamaha XSR700

The above information was gleaned from the owner’s manual for the 2016 Yamaha XSR700 and compared with manuals from later years.

You can see below screenshots from the US manual and European manuals, with their different maintenance intervals.

Yamaha XSR700 maintenance schedule screenshot
US manual (4000 mile intervals)
Yamaha XSR700 maintenance schedule from service manual
Europe manual (10000 km intervals)

You can download the manual from Yamaha Europe’s website here.

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