Photo: Yamaha
Yamaha is making full use of its MT-09 platform at this year’s EICMA, dressing the architecture as what we might call a retro wasp and baptizing it XSR900.
The two-wheeled machine strikes one as a combination of sleek styling cues, packing many elements that bring the design of old back into the spotlight.
And while the appearance of the bike obviously has to do with the eyes of the beholder, one aspect that deserves our undivided praise is Yamaha’s determination to ditch plastic for aluminum. The material is used for the fenders, side covers, tank covers, and headlight.
The beauty of this Yamaha also sits in other details. For instance, the stitching on the seat reminds us of an age when craftsmanship had not yet been replaced by the rush for extreme production numbers.
As for the full package, the XSR900 offers a clean look, with most of the credit for this going to the black finish that makes the radiator and the exhaust appear perfectly integrated into the bike. Just in case the 60th Anniversary black and yellow scheme you see here doesn’t float your boat, you’ll be able to choose between other combos, such as a classic matte grey or a strong blue mix.
The aluminum frame has kept its shape, while the fork and damper are a bespoke job, both being adjustable.
The packaging may be retro-flavored, but the technology is at its best
Motivation comes from the MT-09’s 847cc CP3 engine, which delivers 113 hp and a peak torque of 64.5 lb-ft (87 Nm). The unit works with an Assist and Slipper clutch - while the plate pressure is kept in check, the lever offers a lighter feel (20 percent lighter, to be more accurate).
Aside from the mandatory ABS, fitted to any 2016 motorcycle, the MT series’ three-way traction control is here. The same can be said about the three driving modes Yamaha has accustomed us to (Standard, A and the infamous B).
The engine has to move about 430 lbs (195 kg) and we’ll mention this is the wet weight.
Yamaha’s XSR900 will land in dealerships in April next year, with pricing set to be announced closer to that date.
And while the appearance of the bike obviously has to do with the eyes of the beholder, one aspect that deserves our undivided praise is Yamaha’s determination to ditch plastic for aluminum. The material is used for the fenders, side covers, tank covers, and headlight.
The beauty of this Yamaha also sits in other details. For instance, the stitching on the seat reminds us of an age when craftsmanship had not yet been replaced by the rush for extreme production numbers.
As for the full package, the XSR900 offers a clean look, with most of the credit for this going to the black finish that makes the radiator and the exhaust appear perfectly integrated into the bike. Just in case the 60th Anniversary black and yellow scheme you see here doesn’t float your boat, you’ll be able to choose between other combos, such as a classic matte grey or a strong blue mix.
The aluminum frame has kept its shape, while the fork and damper are a bespoke job, both being adjustable.
The packaging may be retro-flavored, but the technology is at its best
Motivation comes from the MT-09’s 847cc CP3 engine, which delivers 113 hp and a peak torque of 64.5 lb-ft (87 Nm). The unit works with an Assist and Slipper clutch - while the plate pressure is kept in check, the lever offers a lighter feel (20 percent lighter, to be more accurate).
Aside from the mandatory ABS, fitted to any 2016 motorcycle, the MT series’ three-way traction control is here. The same can be said about the three driving modes Yamaha has accustomed us to (Standard, A and the infamous B).
The engine has to move about 430 lbs (195 kg) and we’ll mention this is the wet weight.
Yamaha’s XSR900 will land in dealerships in April next year, with pricing set to be announced closer to that date.
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