Piggybacking on the success of its FZ-09 naked sportbike and FJ-09 sport tourer, Yamaha has announced a third model, the XSR900, powered by the same liquid-cooled, 847cc Crossplane Crankshaft Concept in-line triple, one of the most exciting engines we’ve experienced in recent years.
Read our 2015 Yamaha FJ-09 review
Like its Oh-Nine siblings, light weight, sporty geometry and an aluminum frame should give the XSR frisky handling. It features adjustable suspension front and rear, Yamaha’s YCC-T throttle-by-wire, multiple engine modes, traction control, sportbike-spec front disc brakes and ABS. An assist-and-slipper clutch is said to reduce lever effort by 20 percent and minimize rear-wheel hop during aggressive deceleration.
Drawing influence from Yamaha’s classic “XS” series of motorcycles produced from the late ’60s through the 1980s, the XSR has de rigueur retro styling, from the bodywork and exposed aluminum details to the stepped seat and custom lighting and instrumentation.
The XSR900 will be available in Matte Gray/Aluminum, with hand-buffed aluminum fuel tank covers and a matte-clear finish, and 60th Anniversary Yellow, with the aluminum fuel tank covers painted in yellow-and-black Yamaha racing livery.
Pricing for the 2016 XSR900 will be announced in February, and it will be available in April.
Read our 2014 Yamaha FZ-09 review
I think that headlight is just a tad too small. I know that might sound stupid but it doesnt seem to fill in the space in the front. It doesnt have to be huge like an ’82 Suzuki GS1100E, but maybe a nice 6″ diameter. Anyway, im sure this bike rips.
Nice looking bike and I’m sure it will be a hoot to ride but yes I had the same thought on the headlight. To small of a diameter and too deep..just looks out of place sticking out so forward. A larger Diameter would fit the retroish look better
I purchased a demo 2014 Yamaha FZ-09 on June 3, 2015. One of the best bikes I have ever owned and I have been “riding and buying bikes” only since 1969! Lots of power, handles great, super mpg (50-60 in B Mode), great brakes and very comfortable. An absolute steal @ $8199! I put on over 9000 miles since June just for “kicks and giggles”.