The Yamaha XSR900 channels the look of Yamaha’s 1980s and 1990s FZR racing machines through a thoroughly modern chassis and engine, a heritage roadster built to sit above the smaller XSR700 in both performance and presence. Deltabox-inspired lines, a distinctive tank shape and nostalgic detailing give it real visual drama without tipping into pastiche, and it sits as the mid-point in Yamaha’s Sport Heritage line, more overtly athletic than the XSR700 twin beneath it.
Power comes from the CP3, Yamaha’s 890cc three-cylinder engine, liquid-cooled with DOHC and four valves per cylinder, its 78.0mm by 62.1mm bore and stroke and 11.5:1 compression ratio producing 87.5kW (119PS) at 10,000rpm and 93Nm of torque at 7,000rpm. Fuel injection and a six-speed gearbox with a wet multi-disc clutch put that performance down through a chain final drive, and the characterful mid-range punch and hard-charging top end that Yamaha’s three-cylinder engines are known for are present in full, with a 14 litre tank and consumption of around 5.0 litres per 100km giving genuine day-ride range.
A controlled-fill die-cast aluminium diamond frame keeps weight to 193kg despite the added performance over the XSR700, and a 41mm upside-down fork, adjustable for rebound and preload, pairs with a linkage-type monoshock to deliver genuinely sharp, confidence-inspiring handling on 120/70 and 180/55 ZR17 tyres. Twin 298mm front discs with four-piston calipers and a 245mm rear disc with a two-piston caliper provide serious stopping power to match, while an 810mm seat height keeps the bike accessible for a wide range of riders despite its 1,495mm wheelbase and sporting intent.
A full suite of contemporary rider electronics sits underneath the classic bodywork, so the retro looks never come at the expense of control or confidence when the throttle is wound open, and the naked, unfaired stance keeps ergonomics natural and upright for everyday riding as well as a spirited weekend blast. It suits riders who want genuine retro character combined with real, modern performance rather than styling alone, and who are ready to step up from a middleweight twin. Book a test ride and ask about finance at GT Motorcycles, your Yamaha dealer in Plymouth, covering riders across Devon and Cornwall.
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