A stroker genius: XSR700 bodykit transforms twin-cylinder Yamaha into RD350 YPVS tribute

The people who created a bodykit for the Yamaha XSR900 which transformed it into a tribute to the much-loved RD350LC two-stroke are back with a new design for the smaller XSR700. Having kicked things off with the XSR900LC back in 2018, Velocity-Moto (formerly Extreme Performance) have now revealed the XSR700LC YPVS Edition, which turns the 689cc parallel-twin naked into a look-alike of the LC’s successor, the RD350 YPVS. 

The products are the handiwork of Surrey performance and LC experts Velocity-Moto and are headed up by well-known specials builder, Hag Hughes. Speaking to MCN he said: “The 900 was a big success. It sold in the UK, Australia, Spain, France, New Zealand, the States… everywhere.  

“I wanted to follow it up but also mix it up a bit,” he continued. “The 700 has a slightly different appeal. Quite a few people who bought the 900 said ‘Oh, it’s a bit too feisty for me. I want something easier to ride.’  

“I did have quite a few enquiries about putting the LC kit on the 700 but then I thought, because the demographic is slightly different, I’d do it as a powervalve instead.” 

As with the 900LC, the ‘700 YPVS’ has been created by taking a standard Yamaha XSR700, replacing the stock bodywork with a Velocity-Moto bodykit, then adding replica paint (which they can also provide), accessories, performance upgrades and more to suit your own personal taste (or budget). 

The DIY kit comprises nose-cone, screen, bellypan, sidepanels, seat base/foam/cover, tail section, rear mudguard, light bracket, rear light lens, headlight brackets and all the brackets, rubbers, and mounts that are required for fitting. 

And the price for all that? It starts at £1200 and comes in unpainted black gelcoat. Unpainted kits are already in stock, with painted versions requiring around a four-week turnaround.  

“The grabrail was the most difficult bit to make because of the bracketry involved. It’s made up of about six pieces and proved to be a right pain,” Hughes added. “The response has been really good. The first one’s already gone to Australia and quite a few of the people who wanted a 900 also want a 700. It falls into that kind of collector philosophy. It’s more of an addition than a one-off.” 

Hughes went on to say that fitting the kit is simple, if a little time-consuming, so Velocity Moto also offer customers a ‘ride in-ride out’ fitting service which costs £600.  

Paintwork is an extra £1100 while additional options such as powder-coated frames, wheel painting, K-tech suspension, ECU-remapping and Akrapovic/Yoshimura exhausts can be bolted on at the same time.