The Goodwood Test: Yamaha XSR900 – Classic Style, Modern Performance

Heritage

That word Heritage is what the XSR900 is all about. Essentially the XSR is a retro-styled revamp of the MT-09, the brilliantly quick and light naked triple whose arrival three years ago was the first sign that Yamaha was back on form following a credit-crunch induced hiatus. This XSR follows closely in the tyre-tracks of the XSR700, the similarly styled parallel twin that was developed from the MT-07 last year.

Both XSRs are stars of Yamaha’s Sport Heritage division, which also includes the mighty V-Max plus reheated oldsters including the XJR1300. They’re also the first examples of the firm’s “Faster Sons” concept – modern bikes inspired by classic models and styles. To highlight this, Yamaha introduced the XSR900 by commissioning US custom builder Roland Sands to create Faster Wasp, a classy special inspired by the legendary TZ750 based dirt-track bike raced by Kenny Roberts in 1975. The XSR has some of the same Seventies vibe.

Design

The XSR900 was developed by giving the MT-09 a mainly cosmetic overhaul, incorporating a new fuel tank with bolt-on aluminium side sections. The basic spec is unchanged, so the XSR is powered by an 847cc, dohc, 12-valve three-cylinder engine that produces 113bhp at 10,000rpm. This is held in a lightweight aluminium frame whose unchanged main sections are combined with a new a bolt-on rear subframe to facilitate customisation. Chassis geometry is identical to the MT’s but suspension is slightly stiffer.

As with the XSR700, the retro theme incorporates a fresh look, this time with the option of Yamaha’s 60^th anniversary yellow paintwork with Seventies style speedblocks as made famous by Roberts during his hat-trick of 500cc world championships. Aluminium rather than plastic is used for parts including headlight brackets and mudguards. Other details including neatly finished bolt-heads and the stitched dual-seat add some visual interest.

Performance

Like the MT-09, the XSR is brilliantly quick, agile and entertaining. The three-cylinder engine is a superbly flexible and sweet-revving device that makes the bike both fast and easy to ride. The XSR weighs slightly more than the MT-09 due to its metal parts but at 195kg it’s still very light, which contributes to the fun. It’s even more wheelie-happy, because the high-barred riding position is identical except that the longer tank shifts the seat back by 5mm, putting more weight over the rear wheel.

Yamaha has cleaned up the slightly sharp throttle response of the original MT-09 but the XSR still pulls very hard, especially in the more aggressive of its three riding modes. Its suspension is slightly basic but works well enough. The bike carves into bends with the ability to change direction quickly and effortlessly, and to make use of its generous grip and ground clearance. It stops hard too, thanks to four-piston monobloc front calipers with capable if not cutting-edge ABS.

Passion

In one sense the XSR aims for the heart more than the head, because its performance is almost identical to that of the MT-09 (which is updated this year), and its extra appeal is based on its retro styling. It’s a little more expensive than the MT but few riders – especially those who grew up on Yamaha’s racy RD two-strokes in the Seventies – will begrudge that, given its nostalgia-inducing styling and neat detailing.

The XSR is also respectably practical. It returns 40mpg or more even when ridden hard, and has light controls, useful mirrors, clear instrumentation and a tolerably comfortable seat. And it’s designed for easy customisation, via accessories including a fly-screen, aluminium seat hump and canvas panniers. The way that Yamaha’s Faster Sons concept blends classic style and modern performance is clever, and the XSR900 hits the spot on both counts.

Price tag of our bike: £7999 in 60^th anniversary yellow (£7849 in grey or turquoise)

Photography by Jonathan Godin & Matthijs van Roon