Born Iconic: The New XSR900 GP

The Sport Heritage range pays tribute to some of the most iconic motorcycles from Yamaha’s rich history by blending nostalgic design with the very latest in high performance engine and chassis technology.

Each XSR model takes inspiration and design cues from some of the most significant bikes built by Yamaha in its 68-year history but sees no compromise in modern day performance by bonding this timeless beauty with cutting edge riding technology.

Racing is in Yamaha’s DNA. Yamaha Motor Company has been competing in, and winning, motorcycle races since its inception – pushing the limits of both man and machine. Yamaha’s first ever motorcycle, the YA-1, won the Mount Fuji Ascent Race in 1955 shortly after the company was founded. 

A sense of nostalgia in every detail

Aesthetically, Grand Prix bikes took a significant step in the 1980s, moving from the curvaceous bodywork of the 1970s towards the ‘boxier’ design seen from the mid-80s onwards. These squarer fairings would set the trend for the next decade not only at Grand Prix level but in production bikes too.

The XSR900 GP features an upper cowling reminiscent of this era, not only with a clear influence from the 1980s YZR Grand Prix bikes but also with notes of the FZR and TZR production sports machines of the late 1980s and early 1990s. To maintain the race-bike look, the XSR900’s round LED headlamp is replaced by a compact lens module, neatly hidden in the front cowling, creating a sense of unity with the front fairing while maintaining excellent illumination.

The bodywork is not only a symbol of the past in looks alone, but the method in which it is fixed in position is also inspired by the 1980s, with a tubed structure connecting the cowling to the frame and straight brackets supporting the dash creating a rider’s view with a genuine golden era feel.

To emphasize the classic cockpit feeling, the upper fairing stay is supported by a nut structure identical to that used for the original TZ250. In true racing style, this structure is fastened with a beta pin, marking the first time Yamaha has used such a fastening on a mass-produced production model for public road use.

The function behind the move from the curvaceous cowlings of the 1970s to the more squared off style of the 1980s was to both improve aerodynamic efficiency and protect the rider from the wind coming from higher performance; and this is no different with the XSR900 GP.

While the windscreen and individual knuckle guards incorporate a taste of the 1980s; it’s not solely about looks. The power output and gear ratio of the 890cc CP3 engine is identical to that of the XSR900, but the front cowling structure of the XSR900 GP increases both acceleration and top speed while the ducts on the side panels efficiently discharge heat from the radiator to maximise cooling performance.

The colour-matched seat cover fits over the passenger seat to complete the racer look with a boxy 1980s style rear end hiding the rear light, while a seat stopper on top of the seat cowling keeps the rider in position to enhance the feeling of acceleration.

Colours reminiscent of the Rainey years

Adorned in one of the most iconic Yamaha Grand Prix colours of all time, the XSR900 GP is available in a heritage livery inspired by the machines ridden by riders such as Wayne Rainey to multiple 500cc Grand Prix World Championships in the 1980s and early 1990s, complete with authentic yellow number boards on both front and rear cowlings.

The Deltabox-style chassis and swing arm are finished in silver to better evoke the era of the 1980s prototypes and emphasize the character of the Deltabox style frame itself.

A sportier ride Race-style clip on handlebars

Separate ‘clip on’ handlebars add to the racer-style cockpit and offer a sportier riding experience. The revised handlebars drastically change the riding position from the XSR900, moving the rider further forward on the machine into a sportier riding position, increasing the load on the front to offer the more precise feeling expected from a racestyle machine.

However, since the model is not purely focused on racing or circuit riding, care has been taken to ensure the riding position does not lean forward excessively, instead offering a balance which can be enjoyed on the road without discomfort. The comfort is emphasized via a thicker, more supportive seat.

The aluminium diecast footrests are adjustable to two different positions but come out of the factory set at the upper position to emphasise the sportier riding position. 

Yamaha Ride Control (YRC)

Further maintaining the mix of nostalgic style with the latest in high performance technology, XSR900 GP riders can customise their riding experience via Yamaha Ride Control (YRC). For simpler use, engine power characteristics and rider aids are integrated to quickly allow changes to the level of electronic intervention depending on rider preferences and road conditions.

Three pre-set integrated riding modes, ‘SPORT’, ‘STREET’ and ‘RAIN’ feature factory settings with different intervention levels to suit different conditions. These are complemented by two Custom settings, which enable the rider to manually select their own power and intervention settings for the various electronically controlled, leansensitive rider aids – all of which can be set using a smartphone via the MyRide app.

5” TFT meter with full connectivity

A new five-inch full colour TFT display is housed in the retro-styled cockpit. While riders can choose from four different themes to suit a range of mindsets, a traditional analogue-style tachometer theme, inspired by race bikes of yesteryear truly enhances the period riding experience.

For an enriched riding experience, smart phone connectivity comes as standard on the XSR900 GP via a built-in Communication Control Unit (CCU), ensuring riders can stay connected while riding by linking their smart phone with their machine via the free MyRide Link app. As well as seeing call and message notifications on the 5” TFT display, a new dimension is added to the ride by the possibility of taking calls and listening to music via a Bluetooth headset*.

Once connected, riders can also make use of the integrated Garmin StreetCross navigation system which will display Turn-By-Turn navigation on the 5” TFT dashboard.

There is also the option to provide power to external devices by the new USB Type C socket located near the dashboard.

*Bluetooth headset not included with bike 

New ergonomic switchgear

New integrated handlebar switch assemblies enable the rider to operate the wider range of functions of the new XSR900 GP including smart phone connectivity, navigation and riding modes as well as interrogating the various menu options.

Featuring a clear, logical and simple design – the shape, movement and ergonomic layout of the buttons have been designed with intuitive movement in mind, meaning riders can cycle through the different functions with ease.

To aid navigation of busy road environments, a soft-click of the indicator switch will flash the turn signals three times for use when lane-changing or when only brief indication is required. A full-click of the switch will result in continuous flashing until 15 seconds has passed and when the machine has travelled more than 150 metres.

A new Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) function reacts to sudden braking by engaging the hazard lights to warn road users behind the vehicle is stopping at speed in an emergency situation.    

Extra support from advanced six-axis IMU with lean sensitive rider aids

Developed directly from the electronic systems on the R1, the XSR900 GP’s high-tech six-axis IMU constantly measures acceleration in the forward-backward, up-down and left-right directions – as well as the angular velocity in the machine’s pitch, roll and yaw directions.

The six-axis IMU is able to send data in real time to the ECU which controls the suite of electronic rider aids, including the lean sensitive Traction Control System (TCS), Slide Control System (SCS) as well as a front wheel Lift Control System (LIF) and Brake Control System (BC). 

XSR900 GP also becomes the first Sport Heritage model to be equipped with the third generation quick shift system, enhancing the ride by enabling clutchless downshifts while accelerating and clutchless upshifts under deceleration in addition to the standard functionality. 

Technical Highlights

• Distinctive design evocative of Grand Prix racers of the 80s and 90s

• New 5-inch full colour TFT display with connectivity

• High grade fully adjustable front and rear KYB suspension

• Newly designed clip-on handlebars and handlebar switches

• Deltabox-style chassis with optimised rigidity

• Comfortable main seat, new side covers and removable seat cover

• New footpeg style and positioning

• Yamaha Ride Control YRC and 6-axis IMU

• Cruise control, third generation Quick Shift System and A&S Clutch

• EU5+ compliant sophisticated high-torque CP3 890cc engine

• Yamaha Spinforged wheels fitted with Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23