1980s Meets 2023 Performance - 2023 Yamaha XSR900

[@58brandis]

I am 65 years old, and this XSR900 Blue Legend its my first bike ever And I love this bike 👍

[@kalnwi2023]

You dead ?

[@jasonbarton7189]

After six months of debating between buying this bike and a Tuono 660, I purchased the XSR. I have no regrets.

[@berniebinns9521]

Great review. I have ridden motorcycles for over 4 decades and my current bike is a 2022 XSR900. I rate it extremely high. Personally I love the aesthetics, and the bike continues to impress me with its handling, braking and performance. It is a 100% sorted riders bike straight off the showroom floor.

[@n.elliott9122]

Another "Fun" and informative review. Yours are among the best on the net. I wish manufacturers would reach out to you and use you directly at the Eicma events to show case the bikes. Are you considering yourself a moto Journalist yet, Scott? If not then please, start doing so. We need you to grow and be the man at the shows bringing us the new bike info!

[@billmeyer4833]

I'll buy one even if I have to sell both my Monster AND my V7III Guzzi. This bike will be perfect for my riding and I think it's gorgeous. I love the pseudo-retro styling cues. it's great to have this kind of performance on a bike that doesn't look insectoid.

[@DrJSkellington]

I test rode both the MT09 and the XSR900, coming from an MT07 (Ducati Monster, KTM890R, Triumph Street Triple R, and few others were also tested!). Besides the looks, I went for the XSR900. The engine might be the same, but you could tell the longer swingarm in the XSR900 calls for a more 'elegant' riding style in my opinion. Definitely prefers smooth riding over the more 'frantic' MT09. You are gonna go just as fast, but in a different style. Good the point over the road rules! I think this bike is one of the best blends of how reasonably 'sporty' you can get on the road. Incredibly flexible street all-rounder. Also, not sure it shares the same hadlebars as the MT09, but the riding position is much less 'motardy', but at the same time not as committed as with clip-ons.

[@Dooby0071]

man i want this bike so bad! love the colors and looks

[@larryvanputten4048]

Thanks for the spot-on review, Scott! Gorgeous bike indeed, what an engine, what a sound, so smooth and strong!

[@gnr-novemberrain2402]

Hey Scott, great Video......last Year i buy the *Midnight_Black* XSR 900 (Bj: 06/22) What a good driving/looking Bike....YAMAHA this is what i need. 😎💯👌👍

[@SigmaJAD]

I bought this bike 4 months ago. Intrigued to see what you think. Edit: you seem to like it as much as I do. Yeah a sound buy

[@wakajawaka44]

I bought a 2023 XSR 900 with full akrapovic exhaust system and I agree with all what you said. Everything is spot on a fantastic bike but the looks are not for everyone!

[@markhall3434]

Thinking about an exhaust, but on the other hand, it's So Kewl that the Muffler is tucked up underneath and no hot pipes to contend with. Ground clearance is still superb. Decided stock sounded pretty good for an old fart like me at 69!

[@wakajawaka44]

@@markhall3434 I am even older old fart! at 74. Personally I think the akrapovic looks and sounds great. It’s not too loud and fully euro 5 compliant. The headers are engineered beautifully IMO and look far better than stock. Ride safe!

[@c.g.c2067]

Well longer swing arm means longer wheel base therefore more stability at speeds and less prone to wheelie like crazy... a better long distance bike as well adding the cruise control. It's much better than the Mt-09 in my opinion and that's why I chosed it 😃

[@Owshua]

I believe those are Advics front calipers as with most Yamaha models. Enjoying ur reviews always!

[@Steve-sg1tn]

Thank you for sharing Scott .

[@charliechipster4669]

What a guy! Ride safe bro!

[@cliveomahoney4096]

How rude of me! Thanks for the great vid, superbo as ever.

[@aminjan56]

Great review. The list you have was missing r nine t? Sorry if it was i missed it then. I bought tracer9 based on your review of comparison with f900xr (i already had s1000r) so didnt bother buying f900xr but this review + tracer gt review + your previous mt09 is amazing bundle for someone to consider yamaha cp3 engine line up. Bw from south east england.

[@clarkk479]

Not sure if you specifically mentioned, but the XSR has the swingarm from the tracer. So the wheelbase is longer than the MT-09 fyi. Hence the “more stable” feeling.

[@NothingToProve]

I mentioned the 55mm longer arm several times in the video, I think 3 times...👍

[@clarkk479]

@@NothingToProve it was a little tricky to tell if you were referring to the 2020 vs 2021 MT-09 refresh, or the 2021 MT-09 vs 2022 XSR. There was some “if you want a better looking, exact MT-09, get this”.

[@JoseVillarreal-ke1kv]

I love your reviews. You are very detailed. I would like to see you do a review of the Harley Pan America. Greetings from TX, USA. Ride Safe

[@hangpilot1200]

It was a tough call, but I picked the 2024 XSR900 over the MT-09. The 24 MT has an upgraded screen and quick shifter. However, the sex appeal of the XSR won-the-day! The Street Triple, Monster, and KTM 990 were also in the running. Monster lost on looks and heat soak. KTM felt great, but lost on reliability concerns and looks. Street Triple is a sexy, capable beast, but the riding postion was too agressive for this mid-50's rider. I think Yamaha nailed it w/ the XSR. Wish the 24 model had the MT-09 upgraded, but it's an incredible, reliable, better-looking bike to me. This and the R1300GS in the garage, and I've got both ends of the spectrum covered! PS: 1st thing I did was paint the silver aluminum headlight bracket and foot guards matt black. Much better look in my opinion 🤣

[@manuelgatmaytan384]

Perfect play

[@paul.vanhout57]

If not for the 2020 Street Triple RS in my garage, I would give the XSR900 serious consideration. Many similarities between the two though the XSR900 might have an edge on the street in terms of comfort and power delivery.

[@NothingToProve]

I agree with you 100%! Keep your RS, it's a very good bike.

[@EpicTyme]

Awesome video, great bike

[@veljkovic92]

As far as I understand it's not only better looking than mt09 but also has better stability during acceleration (no front light feel) and better handling overall since the front end has more pressure. Riding position is also reminding of mt07 and mt10 which is more engaging. It looks like xsr has better rider ergonomics for this engine type. If only Yamaha does the same thing in terms of lowering that front a bit more like with other MTs, the 09 would be amazing to ride (my honest opinion).

[@Test-ut2od]

Have you felt quickshifter clunky from 1st to 2nd? Not on so high revs.

[@ivan-ywr]

56 years is how much in imperial? ;) Great review Very enjoyable bike But I think not only TFT is small but the tank should be little more bigger as well since it calls for reving up = higher consumption.

[@NothingToProve]

46 😂😂

[@michaelrieser9928]

So I take it the longer wheel base from the xsr900 is just a plus in your mind. In the twisties would you prefer the mt09 shorter wheelbase or is the xsr900 just great even though it is a good bit longer?

[@ChrisSauer-oe5ve]

2024 MT-09 is going to be the better of the 2 bikes, plus the 24’ has cruse control & sp version has KYB front & Ohlins rear.

[@michaelrieser9928]

@@ChrisSauer-oe5ve not need cruise control, sp gets to another price point, even thought I know it has upgrades. The mt09 just looks like any other Japanese transformer bike. But the rear swing arm and handle bar set up is higher. Heard the wheelbase of the mt09 was twitchy and handle bars too high. Back to back side by side does the ride performance of the xsr09 lack anything

[@arnohag1]

Darn it. I had the 2020 XSR900SP in all black with gold forks. Handled like a pig in tight stuff with a lot of head shaking. More of an on/off throttle and the seat was horrible. You get to ride the current model. I'm jealous.

[@NothingToProve]

Yamaha fixed all that with the 2021 MT09, and the SP version even got better and this got all those 21 MT09 updates in 22. I would take this bike to a track day without any mods and have a blast. 👍😁

[@marcelcoenen1437]

Great review, Scott - entertaining and informative at the same time. Compared with the R nine T with more torque, which one is more fun to ride? I prefer the BMW's look, but would miss a quick shifter and a (small) TFT. I heard from a motormate that the sound is "I don't know if I like it" due to the 3 cylinders.

[@NothingToProve]

Hi Marcel! More fun? This, no doubt about it. This is just more "flickable" a lot lighter (almost 30kg) and quick from the starting line and in a corner. Love the handling of the MT09 from 2021 and forward and this now has the same frame/suspension...etc. as that. All with Yamaha reliability and Becker-Tiemann will have Yamaha next year, so you can trade your 900R for this 😊😂 instead of the the RnineT. take care, Scott P.S. But I know your heart has been set on the nineT since the beginning and the heart wants what the heart wants, so get the RnineT 👍

[@marcelcoenen1437]

Who knows - for the moment I am happy with my F9R. One day, there will be a R nine T 2.0 with QS, connectivity, creamy motor and less kilo's. Than, times will change.But, I#ll try the Yamaha.@@NothingToProve

[@Fernando90054]

⁠@@marcelcoenen1437Despite the words of Scott on this, which are obvious to take in good count, I own a R nine T scrambler and I don’t miss any of the Yamaha XSR speediness. Besides, on the R nine T you’ve a bigger gas tank, 1170 cm3 boxer engine and the torque of 116 Nm @ 6000 rpm. The pilot seat is also longer, and if you are 10 or 11 ft tall it permits you slid to the back naturally as you want. The R nine T scrambler is also wider and deals better with the wind blast on the faster roads. As my R nine T is a scrambler I installed a soft bag on the right side to pack my tools and some goodies and it’s well equipped for short or longer rides. I had the previous Yamaha 900 XSR, and it’s a very good bike. This one here on the video is even better in every way…but I, personally, wouldn’t compare it to the R Nine T. If you want a retro feeling modern naked bike, get the BMW👍🏻👍🏻

[@JuniorJr_23]

I wanted to buy this bike last year but my dealer didn't have it in stock. So, I went with the Ducati Streetfighter V2.

[@_Makanko_]

Looks good, I think I would prefer the "more all-round" Tracer platform for this engine.

[@Klootviooltje]

Im really debating between the XSR and a Speed Triple RS 2018

[@bzovikjuraj8397]

What is the jacket that you're wearing? Do you have a link by any chance?

[@NothingToProve]

It's the AlpineStars BIONIC ACTION JACKET kzbin.info/www/bejne/rH3bhZ15jpmGd5Ysi=EOVaKe-iO1cpUqkX

[@mutemiz]

My man is 56 years old but flicks bikes like a late 30s boomer

[@stephenchapman8344]

Nice bike. 👍

[@Jubelly]

Looks much beter than the mt09, but the exposed frame in the front still looks a bit weird

[@dry509]

So to double check, how is the on off throttle? off I test drove a 2014 mt-09 and it was horrible.

[@NothingToProve]

Spot on

[@ChrisSauer-oe5ve]

Flash ecu and it fixes deceleration 💯 Euro 5 😂

[@jamesdaple9951]

Nice countryside! Hello from Florida

[@markhall3434]

2023 XSR900 here.. wowie.. more than I expected! When do mustangs get a Quick Shifter (Clutchless Up and Down FULL POWER Instant Shifts!) like this? The current mustang has Rev Matching, but you still have to use the Clutch!! What the What?? Could be just a $3K software upgrade? This technology makes Automatics OBSOLETE.. A solid half a second faster in the quarter, maybe more.

[@ZT-wz8yy]

How does it compare to the Z900 (not the RS)? You didn't seem to be impressed with the Kawasaki in your original review...

[@ChrisSauer-oe5ve]

MT-09 is much lighter & more flickable. Z900 more stable at high speeds. Go test ride

[@theonlyredspecial]

Looks lovely but that stock exhaust system really ruins the looks as it runs underneath it. Looks terrible. 00:45 Easy to change mind you. Thanks for review.

[@beebeer]

That 3.5" TFT !! How are people in their 70's supposed to see it, never mind read it? 🤓

[@NothingToProve]

I couldn't have said it better myself.

[@kalnwi2023]

It is small

[@cliveomahoney4096]

It is a fabulous bike! Far better ergos-wise compared to the MT09. More comfy, despite the ridiculous saddle, that can be remedied with after market stuff. Then there's the prob with the dash, too tinsy winsy and the switches, too rubbish - especially the mode selecting wheel. Apart from that, and my dislike of blue as a bike colour choice, it is pretty much perfect. I'm still waiting from my Hornet to turn up (from April in the UK) and might just get one of these, much better bikes, instead.

[@shaned243]

I was waiting for the Hornet, rode it though it was good, then I rode the xsr900. Then purchase it 😁😁😁

[@chrissunde1104]

Cruise control?

[@NothingToProve]

10:32

[@ChrisSauer-oe5ve]

Yes

[@churchofbrap876]

Yamaha could have improved the look with a body color seat cowl and small headlight fairing!! I did this on my 2016 model and it transformed the look of the bike.

[@shone8866]

Hi, there are both things available. Please check the Yamaha configurator

[@churchofbrap876]

@@shone8866 here in the US it doesn't look like they offer anything. They did have a seat cowl for the previous generation xsr900.

[@nenadacimovic3075]

@@churchofbrap876 Strange, here in Serbia you can configure your XSR as you want, all accessories listed in Configurator are available. If I was after XSR first thig I would change it would be the seat. Corbin has excellent solution for XSR, more comfortable for passenger and much more pleasing to look at. 😊

[@alexmorgan3435]

Why oh why didn't Yamaha give it a larger TFT screen??? That one looks totally inadequate. Surely they could have spec'd a slightly larger screen even if it raised the price of the bike by 150-250€? However I like the look of the this bike. They even gave it cruise control. Wooooohooooo! You sold it to me, but the TFT is a deal breaker for me even though this one is in blue with gold wheels, a great colour combination, always a winner. There is always something that manufacturers f**k up. With Honda with their Hornet and Transalp it was not providing cruise control which in this day and age is a deal breaker and frankly criminal. Same with Suzuki with their new V-Strom 800DE no cruise control. KTM has the ridiculous notion of not including their tech pack which activates cruise control, QS and other functions unless you pay a subscription. Aprilia don't like to provide a proper fuel gauge.Triumph want to turn their legendary smooth triple engines into V twins by using a cross plain crank to copy KTM turning the once smooth triple engine into a lacklustre vibey affair. Why can't any of the manufacturers get it right??!!!! BMW can't stop their bikes from having vibes through the bars and footpegs. It's so frustrating. Is there any manufacturer that can get it right?

[@dimsunny9725]

Too true, the display is plain rubbish... I also wish that Yamaha had reworked the bar setup to make for a tighter turning radius

[@user-hf8ie8mf3n]

I like some of the evolution, not all, but it’s a nice bike. Would I sell my own xsr and upgrade? No, but that’s just me. It’s got a lot going for it, and you get cruise too. 👍🤪🏳️‍🌈

[@kowalski2334]

The front part of the frame looks so prominent and thick, really not good looking imo. Plus I always find the headlight and how it is mounted to be really off putting, doesn't fit into the line of the bike.

[@dgomes265]

Great chassis and strong performance but ugly side profile of the seat and undersized headlight.

[@wboeren1]

I think the retro look bike dash is not made for older men. I would not be able to read it.

[@taswr]

Horrible looking seat, it lets the whole bike down

[@ChrisSauer-oe5ve]

Yep! That’s what made me get 2024 MT-09sp 💯🔥

[@thodoris3790]

its like the crashed fzr of the early 90's.that was bought used, owner after owner,and no one had the money to replace the fairings.that is what i saw as a teen in the 90's.hahaha.now,beauty?i dont think so

[@TheArturpoznan]

Beauty? Awful bike.

[@NothingToProve]

If you think this is "awful" then I wonder what is your opinion of the MT09? 😊

[@mister656]

Hi Scott, actually I really dislike the seat with this large humpback. The rest is just nice, though simply by the design the previous MT-09 RN43 was really my favourite but the new cyclop-design of the RN69 clearly isn‘t. So the XSR for me is more like retro-alternative looking less awful. And yes the display somehow just purposeful but not perfect. Personal choice I would say. Kind regards Eric

[@paulhope3401]

Awful?... they are good bikes if my Gen3 mt09 SP is anything to go by. I think you must mean ugly, which is a personal thing.

[@mister656]

@@paulhope3401 Well awfull or ugly, when talking about design it has the same meaning fo rme(translated into German) ;-). Even it's not that I generally dislike Retrostyle e.g. the MT07 XTribute looks really nice to me, but also this is personal taste :-)

[@TheArturpoznan]

@@NothingToProve you right. MT series look baaad:)

[@dardobartoli]

It's not often I don't at least understand, if not agree, with your reviews, but the latest XSR has to be the ugliest bike of any era!!!!!

[@NothingToProve]

It reminds me of my younger days, growing up in the 80s. I think that is why I like it.

[@ChrisSauer-oe5ve]

Key word: Retro But seat is plain ugly lol

[@christopherpaluck737]

Great review, but I certainly wouldn't call it beautiful.

[@tootingcarmoon532]

This is such an ugly looking bike. Why can't Yamaha make any good looking bikes anymore? It seems like they are competing with themselves for the ugliest bike out there.

[@Shaman2605]

Beauty ? Yam makes ugly ducklings these days... really not my taste.