The New Yamaha XSR900 was showcased at EICMA 2015 and launched in Europe at 9590 Euros.
The Yamaha XSR900 uses the FZ-09 as its platform to build upon motorcycle that is made in tribute of the company’s bikes in the 1960-70s. The round small headlight and yellow paint scheme make it standout from today’s models, while things like 3 stage Traction Control and ABS ensures that the bike has all the modern technology required to keep the rider safe.
Yamaha has set itself the objective of paying homage to the models of previous generations. The founder was the XSR700, perfect reproduction of this ideology: thanks to its retro style, derived from the charismatic Yamaha XS650 seventies, combined with the latest technology, offers an engaging riding experience.
Sources of inspiration
The project XSR900, for which it is evident homage to the iconic two wheels of the past including the legendary yellow-black livery TZ750 ridden by Kenny Roberts in the 70s, continues the ideology “Faster Sons” through collaboration with an internationally renowned bike maker, creator of an authentic Special from which Yamaha has taken inspiration. “Faster Wasp”, the stunning Concept made by California customizer Roland Sands presented a few days ago, has shown for the first time on the three-cylinder engine Yamaha a vintage style combined with an excellent technology, with the addition of a strong racing influence.
The simple and essential style of the new XSR900 goes perfectly with the colors and graphics that reflect the sporty DNA of Yamaha, its history and the most emblematic models of the past. The aesthetic retro hides the most recent and advanced technology three pitch that promises a driving experience that’s really eventful. The perception of authenticity is palpable thanks to reduced use of plastics, replaced by high quality parts such as aluminum that satisfy the senses. The two-step saddle with visible stitching is the result of a careful design, but it is the 14-liter fuel tank that is the real protagonist: thanks to its magnificent aluminum cover, communicates perfectly with other elements characterized by the material, as the support of the front fender, rear fender, the side panels and the attack of the headlight. The exhaust matt black contrasts with the terminal brushed aluminum muffler and has a lovely soundtrack!
XSR900 is not just about design. It is a concrete demonstration of the powerful three-cylinder 850cc Crossplane engine 4-stroke liquid-cooled motorcycle exploits in fact some of the most advanced technologies of the moment to offer a driving experience like no other. Complete with slipper clutch, the standard ABS and TCS (Traction Control System). The latter is possible to adjust in 3 different levels, depending on the road conditions in which there is: one can choose a setting of minimum, maximum, or, in case of necessity, even the cutout. The slipper clutch adds a new dimension to driving pleasure: comfort is enhanced by reducing the engine braking. The compact cast aluminum frame embraces the heart of the bike while, outside of it, is placed the swingarm pivot, making it narrow and small around the base. The result is a position of the feet similar to the one that occurs on a twin-cylinder. The setting of the front suspension and rear allow full control by offering even more adjustment options. The upside-down fork with 41mm and the rear shock with linkage Monocross come from the first class, the Yamaha MT-09, but with specific calibrations for the XSR 900. The fork is adjustable hydraulics and rebound damper is adjustable spring preload for total control. Engine and chassis were developed and designed with the utmost care and, together with advanced electronics, they offer all the desirable both to those with some technical background and experience, but also to all those who are ready to move from a sports bike entry level to something more.
