At first look, the Yamaha XSR900 seems to be like a traditional retro bike. However behind the charming facade lies trendy know-how and a portion of pure driving pleasure that can shock even skilled motorcyclists.
The engine: highly effective and controllable
The center of the XSR900 is the 889 cc three-cylinder engine with 120-degree crankpin offset. With 119 hp at 10,000 rpm and a torque of 93 Nm at 7,000 rpm, this engine has plenty of punch. Whether or not on the freeway, overtaking or on winding nation roads, energy was all the time there.
Particularly on the freeway, the XSR900 exhibits that it’s greater than only a fashionable retro bike. The steadiness at excessive speeds is exceptional and even when the wind presses in opposition to your higher physique, the machine stays as if on rails. I used to be capable of sustain with the circulate of site visitors with none issues and the efficiency when overtaking was merely superior.
However what in regards to the controllability, particularly when driving within the rain? Philipp Bednar, who spent an entire day within the rain with the XSR900, opted for the fourth driving mode, which is the gentlest of the 4 modes (1 and a couple of are extra sporty, 3 and 4 are gentler). He had no issues with the traction management on stage 2. Solely the occasional lighting up of the traction management on the exit of a bend brought on minimal stress, however was by no means worrying. The engine is splendidly controllable, and despite the fact that the engine is sporty, it’s a actual all-rounder.
Chassis and dealing with: agency, however not unyielding
The chassis of the Yamaha XSR900 is designed for sportiness with out utterly neglecting consolation. On the entrance there’s a USD fork with 130 mm journey, which isn’t adjustable, whereas on the rear there’s a Kayaba monoshock with 137 mm journey, the place each the spring preload and the rebound might be adjusted. Marcel, our social media skilled, discovered after an extended day within the saddle that the agency chassis lets by way of a number of bumps, however stays stable general. It was significantly nice on the lengthy stretches, and the sporty setup proved to be a bonus.
The selection of tires additionally performs a job right here. In distinction to many retro bikes, which regularly use tires with an enduro look, Yamaha has opted for the sporty Bridgestone S22 on the XSR900. And you may inform: The tires supply nice dealing with, a number of grip and wonderful traction. Based on Marcel, the XSR900 has a transparent benefit right here over different fashions that maybe focus extra on seems to be than efficiency.
Consolation: seating place and long-distance suitability
Now we come to a degree that’s typically seen with criticism in retro bikes: consolation. The seating place on the XSR900 is a bit sportier, which implies that you sit barely crouched down. This may occasionally not appear excellent at first look, however on lengthy journeys – and we’ve got accomplished some very lengthy phases – this place has confirmed to be advantageous. You supply much less floor space for the wind and climate to assault, which is especially useful when driving within the rain.
The exhausting seat was a shock for a few of us. It will not be to everybody’s liking, however on lengthy stretches it proved to be fairly snug. On my stretch on the motorway, the seat was snug, even when, together with the agency chassis, it did give a bit of uncomfortable bumps right here and there. Marcel, however, discovered that the seat remained snug even after many hours within the saddle. So it appears to be a matter of private style, however the XSR900 actually has extra to supply right here than meets the attention.
Electronics: Helpful helpers for lengthy distances
The XSR900 comes with a spread of contemporary digital options that make it an actual all-rounder. Along with the 4 driving modes and the lean angle-dependent traction management, there may be additionally a cornering ABS that gives security in each scenario. The cornering ABS was an actual blessing, particularly in altering climate circumstances and on the usually winding routes of the Balkan Rally. One characteristic that was significantly praised in observe was the quickshifter. Within the check, it proved to be exact and dependable, which was significantly advantageous on the winding mountain roads of the Durmitor Nationwide Park. Marcel and I agreed: the quickshifter is not only a gimmick, however an actual added worth if you drive the XSR900 in a sporty method.
Vary and suitability for on a regular basis use
With a lot sportiness, you would possibly suppose that the XSR900 would make compromises by way of on a regular basis usability. However you would be incorrect. With a spread of 200 to 250 km per tank of gasoline, it is within the good center vary, which is greater than sufficient for lengthy excursions. Positive, you may want an even bigger tank, however for many journeys it is greater than sufficient. One level that Marcel significantly highlighted is the dearth of cruise management. This can be a characteristic that should not be underestimated, particularly on lengthy journeys. The XSR900 is a retro bike, however after a number of hours within the saddle, you may be completely happy to have the ability to take a number of the pressure off your proper wrist. That is actually one thing to contemplate in a successor mannequin.
Technical knowledge Yamaha XSR900 2024
| engine and drive | |
|---|---|
| engine kind | Row |
| variety of cylinders | 3 |
| timing | 4-stroke |
| valves per cylinder | 4 |
| valve management | DOHC |
| cooling | fluid |
| displacement | 890 cc |
| drilling | 78 mm |
| Hub | 62.1 mm |
| Efficiency | 119 hp |
| rpm at energy | 10,000 rpm |
| torque | 93 Nm |
| rpm at torque | 7000 rpm |
| compression | 11.5 |
| combination preparation | injection |
| starter | electrical |
| coupling | a number of discs in an oil tub |
| ignition | transistor |
| drive | Chain |
| transmission | gearshift |
| variety of gears | 6 |
| chassis | |
| Body | aluminum |
| body development | bridges |
| steering head angle | 65 levels |
| caster | 108 mm |
| entrance suspension | |
| suspension | Upside-Down telescopic fork |
| model | Kayaba |
| suspension journey | 130 mm |
| setting possibility | compression, spring preload, rebound |
| rear suspension | |
| suspension | double-sided swing arm |
| shock absorber | monoshock |
| model | Kayaba |
| suspension journey | 137 mm |
| entrance brakes | |
| design | double pane |
| diameter | 298 mm |
| rear brakes | |
| design | disc |
| diameter | 245 mm |
| driver help techniques | |
| help techniques | ABS, driving modes, cornering ABS, journey by wire, gearshift assistant with blipper, cruise management, traction management |
| knowledge and dimensions | |
| entrance tire width | 120 mm |
| entrance tire top | 70% |
| entrance tire diameter | 17 inches |
| rear tire width | 180 mm |
| rear tire top | 55% |
| rear tire diameter | 17 inches |
| size | 2155 mm |
| Width | 860 mm |
| Peak | 1155 mm |
| wheelbase | 1495 mm |
| seat top of | 810 mm |
| Weight able to drive (with ABS) | 193 kg |
| tank capability | 15 l |
| driving license lessons | A |
| attain | 300 km |
| CO² emissions mixed | 116 g/km |
| mixed gasoline consumption | 5 l/100km |
Conclusion: Yamaha XSR900 2024
The Yamaha XSR900 is a sporty retro bike with a robust three-cylinder engine and trendy electronics equivalent to lean angle-dependent traction management and cornering ABS. It impresses with its stability, agile dealing with and agency chassis, which, nonetheless, permits bumps to cross by way of on lengthy stretches. It’s excellent for lovers of sporty bikes with retro appeal.
