Bike Files: Yamaha XSR900GP

Yamaha does retro in its own way with the XSR900GP. Inspired by, but not a copy of, its racing bikes of the 1980s and with the kind of performance that can hold its own on a track day this critically acclaimed Yam just hits different.

Is this Yamaha’s first attempt at a retro styled motorbike?

Yamaha has made a few retros over the years. Until now its XSR range has basically consisted of restyled versions of the aggressive MT roadster models but unlike brands like Triumph and even Kawasaki, whose retro ranges pay homage to classic models of yesteryear, Yamaha’s XSRs have more been in the ‘shed built’ custom style.

In part that’s because Yamaha’s biggest hits of the ‘70s and ‘80s were two-strokes. Which is where the XSR900GP comes in…

So the XSR900GP is a two-stroke?

If only! Two-strokes are all but dead in today’s cleaner society but Yamaha has taken styling cues from some of its most famous strokers from the 1980s. And it’s powered by their 890cc three-cylinder ‘CP3’ engine, which is a modern day corker that oozes character.

It sounds like an MT-09 dressed up in a new frock?

That wouldn’t be a bad thing, although in reality it is quite a bit more than that. The engine, frame and tech are from the MT-09, with the standard XSR900 providing the swingarm. The styling is all new though.

The fairing (which in itself is something of a rarity on a retro) is inspired by the world championship winning YZR500 Grand Prix bikes, the seat by a TZ250 racer and the view from the cockpit is said to be influenced by the TZR250. It undoubtedly hit the spot when it appeared at the winter shows for the first time at the end of 2023.

What does it ride like?

As the XSR900GP is based on the MT-09 it is absolutely sporty. The three-cylinder engine, which Yamaha calls its CP3 motor, is known for its great all-round ability but it’s got one heck of a punch to it too. It delivers 117bhp, which is more than enough. It’s not quite the hooligan tool the MT-09 is but the combination of the glorious mid-range, sweet throttle response and the evocative engine note make it one of the most immersive and engaging rides on sale today.

And the handling?

Good. Yamaha built its reputation on great handling motorcycles and they weren’t going to change that on a bike built to celebrate its history. The chassis is a mash up of XSR and MT, creating a sportier ride than the unfaired XSR900, although it’s a little more calm and stable than the MT-09. Handling is on the sporty side, as are the ergonomics, but it’s not backbreakingly uncomfortable in the way a pure race replica would be.

So the technology is pretty modern then?

Absolutely. Under that 1980s look is a bike straight out of 2024. The electronics package is largely the same as that found on Yamaha’s other middleweights, meaning the riding modes are all user customisable. The TFT dash, in particular, is particularly cool as the display has multiple themes – including one where you can set it to look like a traditional analogue rev counter. Suspension is of good quality and fully adjustable, while the brakes are something even racers could only dream of 40 years ago.

Sounds like a winning formula…

It is. The XSR900GP has proved to be very popular with British buyers and press alike. In 2024 Bike voted it as their Bike of the Year, while MCN called it their Retro Bike of the Year.

What are the competitors of the Yamaha XSR900GP?

Kawasaki’s popular Z900RS is one of the few other multi-cylinder retros but in truth it’s a very different proposition to the XSR900GP. Here’s the thing, Yamaha’s found a real niche with the XSR900GP. We can imagine that rival manufacturers will be clambering to create their own retro racers but, at the time of writing in the XSR900GP’s launch year, there’s nothing which directly compares to it.