It’s got gorgeous retro looks, but beneath that throwback skin lies the cutting edge technology of a new bike. Yamaha’s XSR900 GP has arrived in Australia, and there’s a lot to like about it.
The obvious is its sublime appearance, paying homage to the history of Yamaha’s iconic 80’s and 90’s racing machines, but the pure beauty of this bike is in its ability to blend classic looks with an outstanding performance package.
Visually exquisite, the limited edition GP variant is based on the naked XSR900, with some extra rigidity added to this offering around the headstock. Revised engine mounts add more stiffness, while an extended front fork accommodates sports bike style clip-ons.
The wheelbase has been stretched over the standard XSR900 too, allowing for a far more aggressive stance and riding experience. Bring the power is Yamaha’s CP3 890cc Triple engine – a real beauty that shines in this package.
Punching out a smidge over 87kW, the performance of the motor moves the 200kg of the XSR900 GP along brilliantly. It’s playful and in no way intimidating. There’s enough grunt at an enthusiastic twist of the wrist to excite the rider, while still remaining pleasant in traffic.
The mid-range in the CP3 is an absolute stand out too, and the standard soundtrack through the stock exhaust will have you flicking up and down the gears by sound, with a well-balanced quick shifter working like a charm.
You can enhance that throaty soundtrack with an optional Akrapovič muffler. A complete suite of rider aids includes lean sensitive traction control and ABS, slide control and wheel control, among others.
There are also four selectable riding modes, including Rain, Street and Sport, as well as a custom option. On the city commute the XSR900 GP is a gem when lane filtering, thanks to its 810mm width.
Combined that with a manageable seat height of 835mm and it isn’t hard for the rider to plant their feet flat on the ground when pulling up at traffic lights. The integration of a small rectangular LED headlight into the front fairing is intriguing though.
It’s a case of form over function, although it works well enough – and better than we thought it would. One wonders whether this bike is too pretty to be a commuter though, as it feels much more purebred retro racer.
Upgraded suspension offers loads more adjustment than what’s on the standard XSR900, while the KYB upside down fork offers 130mm of travel at the front, with 131mm at the rear. Braking is impressive, with dual 298mm discs on the front.
These offer good bite and feel, as does the single 245mm disc on the back end. Both feature ABS. Put simply though, the GP belongs out in the wilderness carving corners, and you learn that very quickly when you ride spiritedly.
Push it hard and you will notice how the combination of the chassis, suspension, brakes and motor work in harmony to deliver an exciting and thrilling ride. You can monitor just how well you’re doing too, on the 5.0-inch TFT display.
It provides all the required information, in a well-presented manner, as well as the ability to connect your smartphone via the Yamaha Y-Connect app. All the hand controls are nice to the touch and fall easily to hand.
There are self-cancelling blinkers and as an added bonus, cruise control, which is easy to operate, even in thicker winter gloves. But if this bike has a shortcoming, it’s the riding position, particularly over long distances.
Although not as aggressive as an R1, the seat is firm and you will find yourself leaning forward. After an hour or so in the saddle you will start to feel it, which may have some riders opting for the more upright MT-09.
Regardless, Yamaha have managed to combine a winning combination of the past and modernity, together in an insanely attractive package. The 2024 XSR900 GP is priced from $21,499 ride away, and is available in Power Grey or Legend Red (as tested).
You can find out more by visiting the Yamaha Motor Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership.
Our test bike was provided by Yamaha Motor Australia for independent review purposes.
