The shortlist really is short
1. KTM 690 Duke... but nicer
2. Yamaha XSR700
3. Yamaha MT07
4. KTM 790 Duke.
It's not an exhaustive list of choices i admit but hey, that's where i am with the world.
SO i shot up to Blade in Swindon after a phone call and a test ride or two was put into place.
2021-10-12_02-19-39 by Steve Weeks, on FlickrThis was first up.... Yamaha MT07 2021 model, Euro5 compliant etc.
They come without the bells and whistles of the XSR900, so don't come with things like traction control, slipper clutch or power modes. Jumping on and setting off you feel straight at home, the suspension is soft, the seat is comfortable, if a little low, the bars and instrucments are where you want them to be. Display is clear and east to read.
I generally prefer my clutch to be a bit more gradual, this is slightly 'grabby' and from not being engaged to being fully out is quite a small window, it take 5-10 mins to get used to it that's all.
Being a 70bhp twin you'd wonder if it take a bit of winding on to get the power but that's not the case at all, the power comes in quickly and nicely. Round town it's smooth and the throttle isn't snatchy, this one does have a little free play in the throttle i'd argue, but it's not a problem.
Into corners and handling wise, it's a pretty simple bike to ride, it's easy and effortless to use, to get into and out of corners. Winding it on when you're getting on with it, it's not a rocket ship, but i wasn't expecting it to be and don't arguably want it to be.
The gearbox is smooth, lovely and nice. The only thing letting it down for me is a lack of slipper clutch. So coming down the box into corners you've really got to be precise on your blipping to get it silky smooth.
I did about 40 mins on it and enjoyed every one.
2021-10-12_02-19-34 by Steve Weeks, on FlickrThis was next.... This is the XSR700 XTribute, a tribute model to some random old thing
Anyway, this has a completely different display, basically the same as the XSR900.
Bouncing up and down on it it also seems completely different to the MT07 and a lot harsher, a higher seat and it seems not a comfortable one at that.
The bars are a mile from you, it's a long long reach to them.
The test ride was so short it was ridiculous, but i didn't see any point being out there.
I hated each and every single minute of it.
Out of those two I'd go mt07. Definitely reconsider a 790 and maybe a mt09. Then there's the little z650. 
