Yamaha reveal XSR900 GP
Yamaha are set to add a new model to the XSR700 and XSR900 nakeds in their Sport Heritage range. What was presented as the ‘DB40’ prototype back in July has now been confirmed for production as the ‘XSR900 GP’, with an Australian release expected in early 2024.
The XSR900 GP pays tribute to Yamaha’s GP race bikes from the 1980s and early 90s, when riders like Kenny Roberts and Wayne Rainey flew the flag for Yamaha. More specifically, the styling is influenced by the Marlboro-sponsored YZR500 with which Rainey won three successive 500cc World Championships from 1990. While the Marlboro connection isn’t overt on the XSR900 GP, the colours are an obvious link to that sponsor.
The racing theme includes yellow race number boards on the front fairing and pillion seat cover. That fairing and seat cover are the key elements that set the GP apart from the XSR900 it’s based on.
Under its retro clothes, the XSR900 GP features a modern 890cc three-cylinder engine and rider aids based around a six-axis IMU derived from the latest R1. Other modern tech includes a 5-inch TFT instrument display, three factory riding modes, two customisable modes, smartphone connectivity and navigation functionality via Yamaha’s MyRide Link app.
’80s Inspired
Of the half fairing that’s one of the defining features on the XSR900 GP, Yamaha says its design was inspired not only by their YZR500 race bike of the 1980s, but also FZR and TZR production sports bikes from the same era. The nod to the past goes as far as using a similar lightweight tubular structure connecting the fairing to the frame. The nuts that hold the fairing in place are said to be identical to those used on the TZ250 race bike, while the ‘beta pin’ that’s part of this fastening is a first for a Yamaha production model.
For all its retro looks, the half fairing is functional, with its aerodynamic properties improving both acceleration and top speed compared to the XSR900 naked. To preserve the race bike look, the round headlight from the XSR900 has been replaced with a compact rectangular unit. According to Yamaha, this creates a sense of unity with the front fairing, while also providing excellent illumination.
The pillion seat cover has the same boxy look as the half fairing and includes a padded bump stop. Fitting snugly over the seat (that’s more thickly padded than the XSR900), the pillion cover also flows neatly into the GP's redesigned side covers. More importantly, it doesn’t impede visibility of the tail light.
The GP’s front mudguard is unchanged from the XSR900, as is the rear mudguard and number plate holder that includes the rear indicators.
To suit the racer ethos driving the XSR900 GP, the broad handlebar from the XSR900 is replaced with a pair of compact clip-ons. These do move the rider into more of a crouch, but Yamaha says the sportier riding position offers “a balance that can be enjoyed on the road without discomfort”.
Complementing the clip-ons are redesigned footpegs that are two-position adjustable. Bar-end mirrors are unchanged from the XSR900, but the switchgear has been redesigned for easier use and to allow adjustment of a wider range of bike functions.
The XSR900 GP will launch with two colour choices, of which the racer-inspired option pictured is called Legend Red. The other option is Power Grey, which is much subtler and closer to the DB40 prototype in appearance. In another nod to Yamaha’s 1980s race bikes, both colour options feature a bare metal finish for the Deltabox-style frame, swingarm and selected other parts. This differs from the black finish on the XSR900 naked, but the engine finish is broadly similar between the two.
Modern Features
Chassis settings on the XSR900 GP have been tuned to suit the additional weight over the front end, with the swingarm strengthened, too. An aluminium steering stem shaft has been added to provide more balance when changing direction or under acceleration, with the XSR900 GP the only Yamaha three-cylinder model to have this feature.
Suspension is made up of KYB units front and rear, with the USD forks and link-type rear monoshock both offering full preload, compression and rebound adjustability. The rear shock has preload adjustment, too, with listed travel of 130mm at the front and 131mm at the rear.
For the braking, dual 298mm front discs with four-piston calipers are supported by a Brembo radial master cylinder, with a single 245mm rear disc and single-piston caliper, backed by ABS. Yamaha says brake hoses on the XSR900 GP have been optimised to improve braking control in sportier riding.
The CP3 three-cylinder engine appears to be unchanged for the XSR900 GP. No outputs from the four-stroke triple are listed, but using the XSR900 as a guide, max power should be around 84kW at 10,000rpm and max torque 87Nm at 8500rpm. Compression ratio, fuel injection and ignition are all unchanged, but as mentioned, the fairing improves acceleration and top speed.
The engine is matched to a six-speed transmission, fitted with an assist/slipper clutch and quick shifter. With clutchless up and down shifting, this new, third-generation quick shifter is a Sport Heritage first. Lightweight forged alloy wheels are unchanged from the XSR900, with Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tyres fitted as standard.
Rider-assistance tech includes cruise control, lean-sensitive traction control, slide control and front wheel lift control. These are all measured via a 6-axis IMU derived from the R1 sports bike, with Yamaha Ride Control allowing adjustment of the engine power and intervention from the electronic aids.
Three riding modes – Sport, Street and Rain - feature pre-set interventions, while two Custom riding modes allow for individual adjustment to suit rider preference and riding conditions. The Custom modes can also be adjusted remotely using the MyRide app.
Riding modes and bike information is viewable on a new, 5.0-inch TFT screen (3.5-inch on the XSR900) that offers four different display themes, including a retro-look revcounter. Garmin StreetCross navigation is built in (displaying turn-by-turn instructions on the TFT screen), as is smartphone connectivity, with call and message notification via a Communication Control Unit (CCU). With an aftermarket Bluetooth headset, riders can also take calls and listen to music with the CCU. For external GPS devices and phone charging, a USB-C charging port is included.
Other tech on the XSR900 GP includes dual-function, self-cancelling indicator operation – press lightly and the indicators flash three times, while a firmer press keeps them engaged for 15 seconds, or until the bike has travelled more than 150 metres. There's also an Emergency Stop Signal that automatically engages the hazard lights when the brakes are applied suddenly from speed.
Aus Release and Pricing
Since the XSR900 GP was revealed in late October, Australian pricing has been confirmed at $21,499 ride away, which is a premium of $3,450 over the XSR900 naked ($18,049).
A release date was still to be confirmed at time of writing, but sometime within the first six months of 2024 is likely. From launch, a range of accessories (including a lower fairing) and casual wear under the Faster Sons clothing line will also be available.