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Roland Sands Faster Wasp Previews the Yamaha XSR900

Apparently the customers enjoyed the neo-retro looks of the XSR700 machine, causing Yamaha to think about extending the old-school family with a model derived from the exciting MT-09 machine.
Roland Sands Faster Wasp 28 photos
Photo: Yamaha
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RSD's build pays tribute to the legendary Kenny Roberts livery, boldly showing off its yellow and black combination, plus the iconic speedblocks we saw used so much this year whenever Yamaha's 60th anniversary was involved.

Roland Sands says that he rode TZ250 machines back in the day, so choosing Roberts' TZ750 as the inspiration for the Faster Wasp does not come as a surprise. Not exactly a race, bike, RSD's Wasp is, however, a machine that will be fun to ride and that will also turn a lot of heads.

A lot of handmade parts went into the build, starting with the fuel tank crafted from aluminium, the retro tail section, and down to the '80-ish intake air scoops, number plate, front mudguard, and even the slender radiator shrouds. With the square front number plate, the offset single headlight was, inexplicably, the only choice that made sense.

Roland Sands prototyped a lot of parts for the Faster Wasp

Since actual racers integrate a lot of bespoke parts that simply can't be bought in your regular motorcycle store, RSD thought that prototyping should also be involved in building the Wasp.

An all-new timing cover, timing plug, and case guards were manufactured, alongside, custom rearsets, rear brake reservoir, chain guard, and fuel cap, all adding to the special character of the bike.

RSD Morris wheels and Slant silencer also went into the build, together with TBR collectors, Performance Machine calipers, and a RSD radial front master. The bars are Renthal and end in RSD traction grips, while Ohlins took care of suspension at both ends.

No official confirmation for the upcoming bike, but...

Yamaha has not officially confirmed the XSR900, but the brand's Product Manager Shun Miyazawa revealed that the Faster Wasp could influence new machines.

"Roland did a fantastic job with this build, respecting this philosophy in great detail. This has given us a huge confidence and, as with Shinya Kimura’s concept, has again confirmed our direction and bike building philosophy. We are working on future Faster Sons products and this concept is going to help us to accelerate bringing future products to the market," he said.

Is the XSR900 the new, mysterious member of the MT family we were talking about yesterday? Most likely EICMA next week will clarify things, so stay sharp.
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