New Yamaha XSR900: how is it going, strengths and weaknesses

Let’s start with two words about appearance: the finishes, compared to the MT-09, are of superior quality. In addition, the modern-looking components inherited from their sister are also well disguised. One thus has the feeling of having to deal with a “premium” product, it almost looks like a craft special. One example above all is the small plate on the steering plate bearing the model name. Not bad, considering that we are dealing with a motorcycle whose price is just over 10,000 euros.

At the wheel we could tell you that in various respects it resembles the MT-09, then How is it going? Very well! The aspect that perhaps surprises more than any other is the engine. The 890cc three-cylinder is perhaps one of the tastiest street engines on the market. It has it all. And it has a lot of it. Shooting in sixth from 35 km / h? It does so without a jolt and with a smooth, full-bodied thrust. Grind kilometers of mixed with the fourth inserted? No problem, there are mid-range that sling out of the corners. Burning accelerations? The “chestnut” that there is at the top does not leave indifferent even those arriving from a “thousand”. Don’t be fooled by the calm appearance of the bike: the performances it can offer are suitable for demanding motorcyclists. Do you want to have fun? Put the “mode 2”, the one in our opinion the most balanced, keep the engine above 6,500 rpm and you will get all the adrenaline you are looking for in exchange. Among other things, the engine has a very engaging, dark sound, and the quickshifter works smoothly and without jamming. The traction control, which is of the cornering type and therefore sensitive to lean angles, intervenes only when you are really exaggerating with the gas, and it does so smoothly. And then, the lift control is disengageable … we understand each other.

The work of the suspensions is also noticeable. Load transfers are slightly higher than those of a super-performance naked, but with the XSR you can get in with the (very good) brakes and gas, receiving predictable reactions and rather controlled movements. In the fast runs there is perhaps also something more in terms of composure than the naked sister. It is a balanced and enjoyable bike in a wide range of speeds, from the hairpin, where it turns with great lightness and ease, to the full throttle knee-to-ground bend, which it accepts with enthusiasm. In a word we could say that the guide is “round”. Only the behavior of the single shock absorber seemed too dry on repeated dips.

There is no feeling of weight and bulk that can be uncomfortable. Narrow waist, responsiveness in responding to commands, balance in movements. The XSR900 is a bike that is easy to get to grips with. Change the driving position relative to the MT-09. The lower seat (810mm above the ground, instead of 825mm) and set back and the handlebar closer to the torso invite a more inserted posture on the bike, with the weight in the center, enough room for the legs and a handlebar to grab by tilting the bust forward just enough to feel ready to “bite” the curves, without being in a position that is uncomfortable. Only the saddle, which looks soft in appearance, is actually harder than it may seem and the lower back starts to ache after a few kilometers. And then there are a few too many vibes. They start around 4,500- 5,000 rpm. on the footrests, and then as the laps go up to get to the handlebars. These are the only flaws, if we want to call them that, that we have found. In conclusion we can say that the new XSR900 expertly mixes ease of use and great potential (translated fun), cleverly disguised in a quiet 80s dress. But give him some gas and she’ll put a big smile on your face.

You will find the complete test, with interviews and insights, on Motociclismo in June, on newsstands in a few days.