New: Yamaha XSR 900 GP

Photos: Yamaha

The embodiment of Yamaha Racing history

Combining nostalgic design with state-of-the-art technology

The Sport Heritage range pays homage to some of the most iconic motorcycles in our history. It combines their nostalgic design with state-of-the-art high-performance technology for the engine and chassis.

Each XSR model is inspired by major motorcycles produced by Yamaha's 68-year history. No compromises are made when it comes to technology. Timeless beauty combines with state-of-the-art technology.

Racing is in Yamaha's DNA. Since its inception, Yamaha Motor Company has competed in motorcycle races, racking victories and pushing the limits of man and machine. Yamaha's very first motorcycle, the YA-1, won the Mount Fuji Ascent Race in 1955, a few days after the company was founded.

Since then, Yamaha has racked up countless victories at all levels, from local amateur races to the premier class of the Grand Prix.

Back in 2016 – the year it was unveiled – the XSR900 reflected Yamaha's racing history in detail. The 2021 version went a step further by adopting clear design elements from the race bikes of the 1980s and 1990s, while maintaining its role as a traditional roadster.

The XSR900 GP combines the feeling of 1980s Grand Prix nostalgia with state-of-the-art technology. This is represented by the legendary, high-torque, 890 cc CP3 engine, the 6-axis IMU derived from the R1 and the lean-angle-sensitive assistance systems. The XSR900 GP embodies Yamaha's racing history without sacrificing modern performance.

The "Golden Era" of Grand Prix racing

The French Grand Prix was Yamaha's first appearance in a World Championship race.

Yamaha won their first title in the premier class in the
1970s with Giacomo Agostini. Later in the decade, more followed
Championship.

The 1980s saw Yamaha make history in what became known as the "Golden Era" of Grand Prix racing. "King" Kenny Roberts rode his YZR500 to the title for the third straight time in 1980. However, after this success, Yamaha had to endure some difficult seasons in the battle for supremacy with the competition.

This led to a change in thinking and a shift in focus to the development of racing motorcycles, where the rider's feeling for the bike was paramount.

This new strategy not only laid the foundation for further Grand Prix success (Yamaha won six Grand Prix titles in the 500cc class between 1984 and 1992). Rather, the technologies developed during this time also shaped the future of production sports motorcycles to this day.

After switching to a slimmer V4 engine in 1982, Yamaha engineers set about developing a frame for this powerplant. The idea was to make a frame the width of the V4 engine that would enclose it like a cage.

This was the birth of the iconic Deltabox frame, first used on the YZR500 OW61 Grand Prix bike in 1982. The Deltabox frame offered outstanding strength and feedback exactly where the rider needed it most. It was such a significant step forward that Yamaha introduced it for the first time in a production model just three years later. The TZR250 brought the characteristics of the factory YZR race bike to the road.

And today, 40 years later, the Deltabox-style frame is still at the heart of many Yamaha motorcycles, including the new XSR900 GP.

Born out of respect

The English proverb "Manners Make the Man" is based on the common understanding that politeness, good manners and respect are essential for maintaining good interpersonal relationships.

This concept was the starting point for the design of the XSR900 GP - in line with the Faster Sons philosophy - to respect the origins, learn from the past and create a better bike for the modern rider.

The goal was not to create a replica, but to develop a model that pays the greatest respect to the past while offering current performance and technology. This is the XSR900 GP.

A touch of nostalgia in every detail

1980s-inspired front fairing

Visually, the Grand Prix bikes of the 1980s took a huge step away from the curved fairing of the 1970s towards the more "boxy" design seen from the mid-80s onwards. These angular fairings were to set the trend for the next decade, not only at Grand Prix level, but also on production motorcycles.

The upper part of the fairing of the XSR900 GP is reminiscent of this era, not only with the clear influence of the YZR Grand Prix bikes of the 1980s, but also with echoes of the FZR and TZR production models of the late 1980s and early 1990s. To maintain the race motorcycle look, the XSR900's round LED headlight has been replaced with a compact lens module that hides in the front fairing, giving an impression of unity with the front fairing, while ensuring excellent illumination.

Not only is the cladding visually a symbol of the past, but the way it is connected to the frame is inspired by the 1980s. A tubular structure that connects the front fairing to the frame and straight brackets that support the cockpit create a driver's perspective reminiscent of the golden era.

To add to the classic cockpit feel, the upper fairing brace is supported by a structure identical to that used on the original TZ250. In true racing fashion, this structure is fastened with a spring cotter pin, the first time Yamaha has used such a fastening on a production model for public roads.

The reason for the change from the curved fairings of the 1970s to the edgier style of the 1980s was to improve aerodynamic efficiency and protect the rider from the stronger airstream through the higher power. And the XSR900 GP is no different.

The power and gear ratio of the 890cc CP3 engine are identical to those of the XSR900, but the structure of the front fairing of the XSR900 GP increases both acceleration and top speed. Channels on the side panels efficiently dissipate heat from the radiator to maximize cooling performance.

The colour-coordinated seat cover above the pillion seat completes the racer look with an angular 1980s-style rear end that "hides" the taillight. The seat hump holds the rider in position to improve the feel when accelerating.

Colors reminiscent of the Rainey years

The XSR900 GP comes in one of the most iconic, historic Yamaha Grand Prix colours of all time. It's inspired by the bikes that riders like Wayne Rainey used to win multiple 500cc Grand Prix World Championships in the 1980s and early 1990s, complete with authentic yellow race number plates on the front and sides.

The Deltabox frame and swingarm are painted in silver to better reflect the era of prototypes from the 1980s and to underline the character of the Deltabox frame itself.

A sportier driving experience

Clip-on handlebars in racing style

Clip-on handlebars complement the racing-style cockpit for a sportier ride.

The revised handlebars drastically change the riding position of the XSR900. They position the rider further forward on the bike into a sportier stance and increase the load on the front wheel. This gives a more precise feel – similar to a racing motorcycle.

Despite all the sporty orientation, care has also been taken to ensure that the seating position is not too extremely forward-oriented, but remains balanced and conveys carefree driving pleasure. Comfort is enhanced by a thicker, more supportive seat.

The die-cast aluminium footpegs are adjustable in two positions. Out of the box, they are mounted in the upper position to accentuate the sportier riding position.

Matched torsional rigidity

To cope with the extra front-load that results from the more forward-facing riding position, areas of the XSR900 GP's frame have been optimized to increase stability in corners. The rear of the frame has also been reinforced compared to that of the XSR900.

The XSR900 is the only CP3 model with an aluminum steering head. It increases the strength in the steering head area.

Combined with the lightweight spinforged wheels and the new Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tyres, the XSR900 GP can be controlled with absolute precision.

State-of-the-art technology

Brakes and suspension elements for the highest demands

True to the motto of combining the style of yesteryear with modern technology, the XSR900 GP is equipped with the latest suspension and brake components.

The KYB upside-down telescopic fork is fully adjustable in preload, compression and rebound damping, so the ideal setup for the ride feel can be found on the front wheel. The articulated rear suspension actuates a forward-sloping, fully adjustable KYB shock absorber that is virtually invisible to maintain the sleek and sporty line at the rear. Thanks to the remote preload adjustment, individual adjustment is very easy.

A radially mounted Brembo front master cylinder underlines the motorcycle's state-of-the-art equipment and supports its sporting potential. The brake lines have been optimized to improve brake control during sporty driving, especially when braking harder.

Yamaha Ride Control (YRC)

Riders can customize the setting of their XSR900 GP using Yamaha Ride Control (YRC). The engine performance characteristics and assistance systems are integrated in a user-friendly way, so that the degree of electronic intervention can be quickly changed depending on driver preferences and road conditions.

The three built-in riding mode presets "SPORT", "STREET" and "RAIN" offer factory settings with different levels of intervention for different conditions. In addition, there are two custom settings that allow the rider to manually select their own power and intervention settings for the various electronically controlled, lean-angle-dependent assistance systems – all of which can be set via the MyRide app on smartphone.

5-inch TFT cockpit with comprehensive connectivity

The retro-style cockpit houses a new 5-inch TFT colour display. The driver can choose the one that suits him best from four different motifs. A traditional motif embossed by an analogue tachometer, inspired by the racing motorcycles of yesteryear, ensures an authentic riding experience.

For an even better riding experience, the XSR900 GP is equipped with the Communication Control Unit (CCU) as standard, which ensures the rider stays connected while riding by connecting their smartphone to their motorcycle via the free MyRide Link app. In addition to the display of calls and messages on the 5-inch TFT display, the ability to take calls and listen to music via a Bluetooth headset* adds a new dimension to the journey. Once connected, riders can also take advantage of the built-in Garmin StreetCross navigation system, which displays directions at all turn points on the 5-inch TFT display.

There's also the option to power external devices via the new USB Type-C port near the cockpit.

*Bluetooth headset not included with the motorcycle

New Ergonomic Switches

The new, integrated handlebar switches allow the rider to operate a variety of functions of the new XSR900 GP, including smartphone connectivity, navigation and riding modes, as well as querying the various menu options.

The design is clear, logical and simple – the shape, movement and ergonomic layout of the buttons have been designed with intuitive operation in mind, allowing the driver to go through the various functions with ease.

To make it easier to drive on busy roads, the turn signals flash three times with a gentle press of the turn signal switch to indicate a lane change or when only a short flashing signal is required. A full push of the switch will result in a continuous flashing until 15 seconds have elapsed or the motorcycle has traveled more than 150 meters.

A new Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) function responds to sudden braking by activating the hazard lights to warn road users behind the vehicle if it stops at high speed in an emergency situation.

Additional support from advanced 6-axis IMU with lean-angle-sensitive assistance systems

Developed directly from the R1's electronic systems, 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 angular velocity in the pitch, roll and yaw directions.

The six-axis IMU is capable of sending real-time data to the ECU, which controls a range of electronic assistance systems, including Lean Angle Sensitive Traction Control (TC), Slide Control System (SCS), Wheelie Control Control System (LIF) and Brake Control System (BC).

The XSR900 GP is also the first Sport Heritage model to be equipped with the third-generation Quick Shift System, which, in addition to standard functionality, enables clutchless downshifts when accelerating and clutchless upshifts when decelerating, thus improving handling.

Technical Highlights

• Unmistakable design reminiscent of the Grand Prix racing bikes of the 80s and 90s
• New 5-inch TFT colour display with connectivity
• High-quality, fully adjustable KYB suspension elements front and rear
• Redesigned clip-on handlebars and handlebar switches
• Deltabox frame with optimized stiffness
• Comfortable seat, new side panels and removable seat cover
• Footpegs with new design and positioning
• Yamaha Ride Control YRC and 6-axis IMU
• Cruise Control System, Third-Generation Quick Shift System and Anti-Hopping ClutchAdvanced torque 890cc CP3 engine
• Yamaha Spinforged wheels with Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires

Colours, availability and price

The new XSR900 GP is expected to be available in two colours, Legend Red and Power Grey, from German Yamaha partners in April 2024. The recommended retail price will be announced shortly.

Yamaha Genuine Accessories and Faster Sons Apparel

Yamaha has developed a range of original accessories (kits and parts) that allow owners of an XSR900 GP to make their motorcycle unique without much effort.

Customers can order the kits and accessories before taking delivery of their new XSR900 GP and have them fitted by a Yamaha dealer. All items in the packages can also be purchased individually. In addition to the kits, the original accessory list for the XSR900 GP also includes a lower fairing, license plate holder, tinted window and Akrapovič exhaust system.

For lovers of the Sport Heritage model range, there is special Faster Sons clothing. This collection includes stylish T-shirts, sweaters, leather jackets, caps, patches and other products designed in the style of the timeless look of the XSR.

MyGarage App

Yamaha customers can build their dream Sport Heritage model from the comfort of their own home with the quick and easy-to-use MyGarage app. The free app allows users to add and remove original accessories to their chosen model to create their ideal XSR on their smartphone or laptop.

MyGarage makes it easy to choose accessories for the XSR. The finished result can be viewed in 3D from any angle. And to make things even easier, the finished configuration can also be emailed directly to the customer's Yamaha partner, who can then provide more information.

All information on original Yamaha accessories and clothing, as well as the MyGarage app, is available on our website: www.yamaha-motor.eu

MyRide App

Yamaha's free MyRide app offers all XSR riders the opportunity to enhance their riding experience by tracking and creating routes, riding information such as lean angle, distance traveled, and much more. It also allows users to create their own story, add images, and post them on social media and the MyRide community.