Tag: Yamaha XSR900 GP

  • Yamaha’s XSR900 GP: Bringing 1980s Grand Prix Nostalgia to Modern Roads

    Yamaha’s XSR900 GP: Bringing 1980s Grand Prix Nostalgia to Modern Roads

    Yamaha has announced the prices for the upcoming Yamaha XSR900 GP, an attention-grabbing neo-retro cafe racer. The UK market will see the bike priced at £12,500, available in ‘Legend Red’ or ‘Power Grey’ colors. Enthusiasts can enhance its racing aesthetics with an additional bottom fairing for £623.02, creating a ‘retro racer’ style.

    Yamaha XSR900 GP

    Responding to feedback about the bike appearing ‘incomplete’ in its standard form, Yamaha showcased a ‘Racer Pack’ through a video on social media. This pack includes the fairing, a tinted screen, a new number-plate holder, and an Akrapovič exhaust, although it’s not listed on the Yamaha UK website.

    The XSR900 GP pays homage to 1980s GP racing, featuring a nostalgic Marlboro-style paint scheme. The iconic red-and-white color combination, reminiscent of Yamaha’s 1980s Grand Prix bikes, showcases Yamaha’s Deltabox frame, developed during the 500cc World Championship.

    The new GP variant draws inspiration from 1980s Grand Prix machines, incorporating a square front cowl and headlight, designed for improved aerodynamics. The attachment follows an 80s style with a tubed structure connecting the frame to the fairing. Yamaha introduces features such as clip-on bars for a forward riding position, a third-generation quickshifter, and chassis tuning.

    Noteworthy components include Spinforged wheels, Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires, fully adjustable KYB front suspension, KYB rear shock with remote tuning, and a radial front master cylinder from Brembo. The bike offers Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) for tuning characteristics like engine power and electronic interventions, with preset modes like ‘Sport,’ ‘Street,’ and ‘Rain,’ along with customizable rider modes.

    Enhancements for user-friendly navigation come through a new switchgear and electronic aids utilizing Yamaha’s six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). The XSR900 GP also introduces an Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) function, activating hazard lights during sudden braking to alert following traffic.

    The pricing announcement and features confirm the XSR900 GP’s status as an eagerly anticipated addition to Yamaha’s lineup. As enthusiasts await its release, the blend of nostalgic design and modern technology suggests that Yamaha aims to deliver a bike that not only pays tribute to its racing heritage but also meets the expectations of contemporary riders.

  • The Stylish Yamaha XSR900 GP: A Mix of Retro Aesthetics and Modern Features

    The Stylish Yamaha XSR900 GP: A Mix of Retro Aesthetics and Modern Features

    Yamaha, the renowned motorcycle manufacturer, has unveiled a new bike, the Yamaha XSR900 GP, that’s turning heads. It’s a blend of classic and modern design, making it one of the most striking factory-made motorcycles we’ve seen.

    Yamaha XSR900 GP

    Yamaha doesn’t have as many modern classic models as brands like Triumph or Royal Enfield. But they’ve been actively involved in the custom build scene through their ‘Yard Built’ initiative. This has produced several exceptional custom Yamaha bikes.

    The XSR900 GP is reminiscent of a high-quality custom build rather than an off-the-shelf bike. It’s based on the ‘DB40’ prototype Yamaha showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this year. The production version retains the stunning design and adds practicality for the street.

    Yamaha’s rich history in motorcycle racing plays a significant role in the XSR900 GP’s design. The manufacturer has a strong legacy with riders like Giacomo Agostini, Kenny Roberts, Wayne Rainey, Max Biaggi, and Valentino Rossi. The iconic Yamaha Deltabox chassis, introduced in the 1982 YZR500 OW61 Grand Prix bike, is still used in several Yamaha motorcycles today, including the XSR900.

    The XSR900 GP draws inspiration from Yamaha’s Grand Prix racing heritage and the 80s and 90s boxy aesthetic. The attention to detail is remarkable, from visible fasteners on the half-fairing to a small rectangular LED headlight. The cockpit features clip-on handlebars and a relocated digital display within the fairing. Tubular fairing stays with beta pin bolts, a first for Yamaha production bikes, add to the vintage appeal.

    The XSR900 GP’s eye-catching livery is reminiscent of Wayne Rainey’s 1990 YZR500, with red and white colors, yellow ‘number boards,’ and silver finishes for the chassis and swingarm. Yamaha has paid close attention to how the graphics align with the front fork angle.

    Beneath the striking bodywork, the XSR900 GP is essentially an XSR900 but with frame tweaks and a reinforced swingarm to accommodate the sportier clip-ons. The riding position is set up to be spirited but not overly aggressive, with higher clip-ons, a thicker seat, and adjustable foot controls. It inherits the XSR900’s KYB suspension, Brembo front brakes, ABS, and electronic rider aids. New switchgear and bar-end mirrors enhance its appearance, and it rides on rotary-forged aluminum wheels with Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires.

    The XSR900 GP uses the same 889cc triple-cylinder engine, offering 117.4 hp and 93 Nm of torque. Yamaha claims it has a higher top speed and better acceleration due to the aerodynamics of its fairing. The radiator’s air ducts aid in heat dissipation. The XSR900 GP will be available in two color options: ‘Legend Red’ and ‘Power Grey.’ Buyers can also opt for lower fairings, a different license plate holder, a tinted screen, and an Akrapovič exhaust system.