Yamaha XSR900 Video Review – The Yamaha XSR900 is a part of a growing retro-inspired movement taking the motorcycle industry by storm. Based on the FZ-09, the XSR 900 blends vintage looks with a 3-cylinder motor tuned to modern specs. In addition to all of the standard FZ-09 goodies, the XSR boasts traction control and ABS equipped brakes, a slipper clutch, and sporty performance.
I have to confess, when I first saw RevZilla was reviewing motorcycles, my expectations were flying at low altitudes. Like, low enough to take your knees out. But I was impressed with Lemmy at RevZilla and thought their team did a thorough job of reviewing the Yamaha XSR 900. Without further ado…
Comments from the video
On the the motorcycle industry:
- Vintage look motorcycles have been in for a while now, but for the most part feel anemic
- The XSR’s three cylinder engine produces great torque and horsepower
- Yamaha has been producing three cylinder engines since the XS family of the 1970s
- At that time the XS had a number of out-there features, as does the XSR
- Yamaha’s XSR might match up with the Triumph Thruxton or Triple
On the Yamaha XSR900 specifically:
- Powerful enough to keep a wide variety of riders happy
- The XSR is not for touring (too small), track days (not for that), or for new riders (too powerful)
- Torque curve from 0-2,500 RPM is straight as a wall, and torque curve stays more flat than a Harley-Davidson from then on
- Braking is boring – ABS cycling is unbelievably noticeable. Test it out to see if it’s something you can live with.
- Suspension – Adjustable and does a great job
- Tires – S20 EVO offers loads of grip, but gives up some mileage in exchange for stickiness
- Electronics – Standard mode, A-mode for power, and B-Mode for softness
- Traction Control – Off, Hooligan, and Conservative
- Only gets about 120 miles to the tank
- Would be nice to add a center stand
Yamaha FZ-09 Shortcomings vs. Yamaha XSR900:
- Front fork on FZ-09 is garbage
- No Traction Control
- No Slipper Clutch
Final Thoughts: Lemmy @ RevZilla
Lemmy gives a few final words on the Yamaha XSR900, in this “Sh*t I Couldn’t Say”. He discusses the XSR having features that the FZ-09 does not, Yamaha’s decision making strategy, the XSR700 (available in Europe), ABS and traction control in the Yamaha line-up, and more.
If you enjoyed the first video, you should give this one a look too:
Final Thoughts: Adrian @ YouMotorcycle
I hope you enjoyed the Yamaha XSR900 Video Review. I wanted to try something a little different by sharing some great content out there, even if it wasn’t original.
Did we do the right thing? Do you love or hate the new XSR900? Leave a comment below!
This year at YouMotorcycle we reviewed the Yamaha FJR1300 and I’m putting the finishing touches on my Yamaha V-Star 1300 Deluxe Special Edition review. If I can get that done on time we’ll reach out to Yamaha and get the XSR out next. Until then, consider checking out the RevZilla YouTube channel. I’ve subscribed and I’m totally envious of the production team they have at their disposal, and it’s great to see that they can back it up with an in-depth review from knowledgeable staff. Nicely done, Lemmy!
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Update: Here’s how to change the oil on a Yamaha XSR900 just like the dealer would.
https://t.co/bWg2nq7ATA
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https://t.co/YMuP2TM31E
The styling is ugly. Tank looks like an add-on and doesn’t fit frame. In fact most of the bike looks like bits off the garage floor left over from other projects. The cool thing about real bikes that become retro is that the engines were clearly visible and tanks and sheet metal aesthetically integrated. Think BSA Lightning, Triumph Thunderbird, Norton Commando. Even old Yamaha 650s.