Yamaha XSR900: PH2
More retro hooliganism from Yamaha
Yamaha makes them, people keep buying them!
Much like the XSR700 that PH2 reviewed recently, on paper the XSR900 appears simply an MT-09 with a few cosmetic alterations to make it appeal to the retro market. But this isn't the case; under the XSR's skin are actually some very significant updates. While cosmetically there are the standard XSR round head lights, aluminium details, round dash and black paint on previously shiny parts such as the exhaust and levers, it's what's inside that makes the biggest difference to the XSR. As part of a general MT triple range update for 2016 (the tweaked MT-09 is yet to be launched), the XSR's engine now gains a slipper clutch with a 20 per cent lighter lever action, the fuelling maps are refined, traction control is standard alongside ABS and, more significantly, the suspension's damping rates have been stiffened slightly. In short, the XSR rectifies the main criticisms aimed at the original MT-09 and then wraps the improved package in a great looking body.
Is it really that different?
The riding experience of the original MT-09 was dominated by one simple factor - the triple engine. But it wasn't perfect and the snatchy throttle response soon required a 'software update' from Yamaha to make it less abrupt. Having had a few more years to perfect the MT's fueling, the XSR now benefits from the latest maps. As before, you get the option of A, B and STD (surely they could have found a better acronym?) modes, but this time it is only in A mode that the fuelling is deliberately harsh and a bit too abrupt to be enjoyable. Riding in STD mode at no point did I think the fuelling wasn't perfect. But in fact the most significant advance the XSR has over the MT-09 comes from the chassis.
You can do this with the TC on...
Also new for 2016 on the XSR and MT-09 is the addition of traction control, something the Tracer debuted. While some may groan at a naked bike having TC, the XSR's system is extremely good. It has two levels of sensitivity and can be deactivated when the bike is stationary, which is all very well and good, but what impressed me was the fact you can still mess around with the TC turned on. In the least sensitive '1' mode, the XSR can still be wheelied off the clutch should you wish. Which I did, a lot!
Looks like being another sought after Yamaha
When I first saw both the XSR models they didn't appear to be much more than a few bolt-on bits, but I was wrong. The XSR700 is probably a better bike than the MT-07 and, in the same way, I prefer the XSR900 to the MT-09. Not only does the XSR ride better than the current pre-2016 update MT, in the yellow 'Kenny rep' 60th Anniversary paint it also looks awesome. The only fly in the ointment is the fact this colour is limited in its production run; if sales of the XSR700 are anything to go by, potential owners had better get their skates on...
YAMAHA XSR900
Engine: 847cc inline triple, 12v
Power (hp): 113@10,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 65@8,500rpm
Top speed: 140mph (est)
Weight: 195kg (wet)
MPG: 44 (est)
Price: £7,849 (£7,999 in Anniversary yellow)
Quick vid here.
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Dependent on the licensing laws where you are the 700 will be all the bike you need for a long long time if you eligible to get one as a starter. 900 pretty much a similar gig but more power.
A colleague here in SYD started his riding career on an MT07, sold it one year on for pretty much the new out of the box price he paid for it. Lost him to a fat Harley Davidson now, it seems to be the way of the older 'new to bikes' set over here but he has admitted remorse for offing the MT. I berate him regularly for chopping it in.
Get your licence, get one, use the bejesus out of it, don't look back.
Really?
I've commuted an MT-09 150 miles a day, including thru Reading city centre @ rush hour and it does the job fabulously.
Seems to lose it's size instantly the wheels are turning IMO, tho it's pretty compact from the get go.
Me too, looks way better than the MT-09. I think it's the tank to seat ratio that spoils the styling on the MT. One of the few modern bikes I'm actually tempted to buy.Looks like the short list to replace my Speed Four is Ducati Scrambler, XSR700, XSR900.
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