Source: MotorcyclistOnline.com
[[{“value”:”More sport focus means the clip-on-style bars are mounted atop the yokes and are 93mm (3.7 inches) forward and 114mm (4.5 inches) lower than the naked XSR900’s. The seat is 12mm (0.5 inch) forward and 27mm (1.1 inches) higher, with the pegs higher by 26mm (1 inch) and rearward by 26mm. (Ant Production/)Yamaha’s new XSR900 GP retro shamelessly evokes memories of the YZR500 V4, the iconic two-stroke that ruled grand prix racing for much of the 1980s and 1990s. From its Marlboro-inspired paint scheme to its yellow “number board” nose and distinctive hand guards, it is a carefully considered tribute to the fiery YZR and the American legends, Eddie Lawson and Wayne Rainey, who tamed it. If ever a sporting streetbike was designed for the US market, then the XSR900 GP is it.There are now three riding modes—Sport, Street, and Rain—plus two custom maps, four power modes, traction control, slide control, wheelie control plus cornering ABS. (Ant Production/)Yet, sadly, it’s not coming here. At least not yet. Instead we get the standard XSR900 last tested during the 2022 Yamaha XSR900 Second Ride Review. And for those of a certain age, especially those who fell in love with the crisp handling of the YZR-inspired FZ and FZR sportbikes of the era, that seems like a crying shame.A new 5-inch TFT dash contrasts neatly with the old-school looks. New switch gear features a five-way joystick and unusual “seesaw” indicator switch. (Ant Production/)Sceptics might argue that the GP is little more than a dressed-up XSR900, the popular and punchy naked in Yamaha’s Sports Heritage range. But Yamaha’s designers have worked magic to create a heartfelt and effective tribute to the YZR. The fairing is secured with an old-school stay and R-clips, just like a racebike. The gas tank is waisted at the knees and flat on top, just like the YZR’s (not to mention my old FZ600′s!). The boxy single seat oozes GP vibes (a pillion seat is hidden underneath), the Deltabox frame has an authentic period finish, and there are even “SpinForged” wheels which look like they have come fresh from an FZR1000. Add that distinctive cigarette livery and it’s all so close to the famous YZR.The versatile and torquey 890cc CP3 inline-triple makes a quoted 93 Nm (68.6 lb.-ft.) at 7,000 rpm and 87.5kW (117 bhp) at 10,000 rpm. (Ant Production/)Riding alongside all this nostalgia is a seriously modern Yamaha, one that manages to blend analog and digital, the past and the present, to create a fun and involving streetbike. In its MT-09 SP–derived electronics, the XSR GP has state-of-the art rider aids, and while the half-faired triple may look grand prix-radical, its chassis geometry and riding position are more relaxed than more track-focused Yamahas such as the YZF-R6 and YZF-R7. With Sport mode selected, the throttle is a little aggressive for the street—I preferred Road mode—but the CP3 triple’s blend of 117 bhp and a wide spread of torque is perfect for both the city and the hills, with enough punch for a day on track too.At 200 kilograms (441 pounds) the new GP comes in 7 kilograms (15.4 pounds) heavier than the standard XSR900 naked. But that weight is carried well. (Ant Production/)The riding position leans you gently onto raised clip-ons, with more weight over the front tire than the XSR. The brakes are uprated, so too the KYB suspension, which is now fully adjustable and gives great feedback as your knee slider searches for the apex. Well, the XSR GP may not be a racebike, but its blend of performance, agility, and stability make for a compelling sporting ride. It’s relaxed and easygoing but some days will take you back to Laguna like it’s 1990 all over.Single-compound Bridgestone S23 rubber is specially designed to work with the new XSR900 GP and gives great feel on the road. (Ant Production/)Anyone who admired the heroics of Rainey and Lawson or who cut their sporting teeth on the fast FZ and FZR Yamahas of the 1980s and 1990s will feel pulled toward the XSR900 GP. It is as cool and evocative as any retro on the planet. But even if you ignore the styling, it’s still a great streetbike, combining the simplicity of the base XSR900 with the state-of-the-art sophistication of the MT-09 SP sport naked. The only problem is that while riders in Europe are running to their local showrooms to put down deposits, we can’t! Let’s hope that changes soon.Yamaha has blended the old with new, with a third-generation quickshifter that works both up- and downshifts. (Ant Production/)Yamaha has added a new Brake Slip Regulator to prevent the rear locking up on the way into corners. (Ant Production/)Brakes have been uprated with a new 16mm Brembo radial master cylinder while the discs and Yamaha calipers remain the same as the stock XSR900. (Ant Production/)KYB suspension is now fully adjustable, including for high-speed compression damping. The half-fairing and sportier rider stance mean the front is stiffer and the rear a fraction softer than the standard XSR 900. (Ant Production/)At the moment the Euro 5+ XSR900 GP isn’t available in the USA despite its historic connection to American racing. (Ant Production/)From the grand prix factory YZR500 to the FZR600 streetbike, the XSR900 GP rekindles memories of the 1980s and 1990s. (Ant Production/)2024 Yamaha XSR900 GP Technical Specifications and Price (Europe)
Engine:
DOHC, liquid-cooled, inline three-cylinder; 12 valves
Displacement:
890cc
Bore x Stroke:
78.0 x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio:
11.5:1
Transmission/Final Drive:
6-speed/chain
Claimed Horsepower:
117 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Claimed Torque:
68.6 lb.-ft. @ 7,000 rpm
Fuel System:
Fuel injection w/ YCC-T
Clutch:
Wet, multiplate slipper/assist
Engine Management/Ignition:
Transistor-controlled ignition
Frame:
Control-filled die-cast aluminum
Front Suspension:
KYB 41mm USD fork, fully adjustable, 5.1 in. travel
Rear Suspension:
KYB monoshock, preload and rebound adjustable; 5.2 in. travel
Front Brake:
4-piston calipers, dual 298mm discs w/ ABS
Rear Brake:
1-piston caliper, 245mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:
Spin-forged aluminum; 17 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:
120/70-17 / 180/55-17
Rake/Trail:
25.3°/4.3 in.
Wheelbase:
59.1 in.
Ground Clearance:
5.7 in.
Seat Height:
32.9 in.
Fuel Capacity:
3.7 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight:
441 lb.
Contact:
Yamaha Motor”}]]
