Yamaha XSR 900 Launch Event

Yamaha XSR 900 "European Press Launch 2022" in Volterra (Pisa)

21.05.2022

Photos: Yamaha / Motorradtest.de

We were there at the three-day international launch event for the Yamaha XSR 900. In this article we describe our impressions of the Yamaha XSR 900 at the "European Press Launch" in Volterra near Pisa. We show you the new XSR 900 in a video, make a test drive to the sea and let you participate in the beautiful location of the facility "Tuskany Forever" in the middle of Tuscany. Have fun! #xsr900 #fastersons #xsrtest

To anticipate it right away: This is not a real test of the XSR 900, which will follow in the next few weeks. I just want to tell you a few impressions of the bike and the event that I remember. If you want to know more about the technology of the machine, please watch the video below that we shot on site.

Motorcycle test rides in Tuscany - More is not possible.

Yamaha invites you to the official press launch of the new XSR 900 - and of course we are happy to come. The venue is the apartment complex "Tuskany Forever" in the middle of Tuscany. In addition to the XSR models, there are beautiful motorcycles everywhere, because the Yamaha customizer "Deus Ex Machina" also accompanies the event. Good food, nice weather, pool, cocktails and café whenever you want - I love my job!

The purpose of the three-day event was not to go on holiday in Tuscany, but to convince oneself of the qualities of the new Yamaha XSR 900. There were about 30 test machines available and on the 2nd day we went straight to the sea after breakfast. The 155 km long tour from Volterra to Castiglioncello (and back) led through wonderfully winding corners, but also over incredibly bad roads and even a motorway stage Yamaha has not forgotten when planning the tour. Why? Well, the press people should be able to get to know the XSR 900 in as many situations as possible.

What distinguishes the XSR 900?

Yamaha places the bike in the "Sport Heritage" category. And that's exactly right, because this machine has many design borrowings from the 80s, but is technically a real sports cannon. The relationship to the MT-09 can be seen, among other things, in the engine and chassis, only the appearance is different.

Unlike the MT-09, the seating position is. The handlebar is mounted a little further forward and lower. So you are discreetly stretched over the long tank and do not sit quite as upright as on the MT. But don't worry, really just something, you can also do long tours on the XSR without getting back pain or the like.

Another difference is the longer swingarm of the XSR. The bike looks a bit more stable and is not quite as manoeuvrable as the MT-09. Also striking is the seat with the passenger hump, which polarizes strongly, but gives the bike an extra portion of recognition.

Photo: Yamaha

and off the fox goes...

This is how it drives itself

Technically, the XSR is very close to the MT-09. Same engine, extensive technical equipment incl. 2-way QuickShifter, lean angle sensors, customizable driving modes, wheelie and lift control, cruise control, etc. Unfortunately, the cockpit is also the same, here we would have liked a little more style. However, we can attest to the TFT color display good readability, even if the whole thing is perhaps a bit too lutt.

The engine has been significantly upgraded compared to the old XSR 900. Due to a longer stroke, the displacement grew to 890 cc and the power to 119 hp. Much more important: The torque is now 92 Nm - and already at 7,000 rpm. In other words: At medium speeds you have noticeably more wums and the machine just jumps forward. Above all, this is the case if you have set the driving mode 1. It is brutally direct and the front wheel knows only one direction: towards the sky. Fortunately, there are the assistance systems, otherwise many drivers would probably land on the nose. Seriously: The Yamaha XSR 900 is an extremely sporty bike with rich performance!

Thanks to a special manufacturing technology, the cast wheels have become significantly lighter. In general, Yamaha was able to reduce the unsprung masses and incorporate even more playful handling into the XSR. The bike goes well around the curve and weighs only 193 kg (ready to ride) - sensational!

XSR 900 Blau oder Schwarz

Blue or black, that's the question here. We would take blue.

Conclusion - what sticks

The new Yamaha XSR 900 is a fun rocket in retro guise. It costs from 10,899 euros and is already very well equipped in series. Their retro look with borrowings from the 80s is pure understatement. Here is no retro bike with easy-cruising riding characteristics - here is a real sports bike with steam without end.

There is still so much to say about the technology and features of the XSR 900 , but we save that for the extensive review that will follow in the coming weeks. In the meantime, we can only recommend a test drive to all those interested, because the XSR 900 should be available at dealers in the next few weeks. Skin clean, folks!

PS: If you haven't seen it yet: Above there is a photo gallery with many pictures of the wonderful event. Many thanks to Yamaha Germany for the invitation - we would love to come back!

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