2023 Yamaha XSR900 Review - All the show with all the go too!

[@jfro5867]

Bought one this week, it’s a bit of a stunner when you see it in the flesh.

[@Groagun]

Finally, you are the first, in the whole of the motoring b(v)logging universe, to show and explain the seat on this bike. Well done Tony and I hope you get the recognition you deserve!

[@mancavemoto]

Thank you

[@jezzylawson936]

.....recognition for seat review, yes one day he will be duly rewarded!

[@stuartmahoney8761]

I have had this bike for nearly a year now and love it. I tried the Z900RS and Speed twin, but this one just grabs you when you push it. Its so addictive. I dont mind the seat and had no real comfort issues. I do have the rear cowl on the way though.

[@hottuna08]

Lovely bike, nearly went with it, but I went with the MT-09SP, very similar though. Can't go wrong with Yamaha 😀

[@c.g.c2067]

Was after the Speed Twin 1200 but ended up with the xsr900 in Legend Blue. Much cheaper, great motorcycle.

[@PatagoniaArg]

rear cowl?

[@markhall3434]

Yes.. need a cowl for the screen background blackout and a little air deflection. I'm thinking lowering the foot pegs and inch, maybe more. Haven't seen a ReLo bracket yet, might make one. I like the seat.. always appreciate a shelf, the seat corners help me precisely locate myself with my inside calfs. I'm a two hour trip max guy anyway.. the fun is the ride, not getting there.

[@markhall3434]

Ledgend Bliue! Quick Shifter is the standard by which all other quick shifters are compared.. absolutely perfect! Yamaha makes the best.. Harleys suck, Bitch gets her own bike!! @@c.g.c2067

[@tymobyrne4451]

Just got a 2024 XSR900, an air hawk "dual sport" seat cushion fixed any seat issue I had in terms of comfort, the looks were fixed by adding Legend hard bags from SW Motech......fills the space below helps the eye accept the shape of the hump. The bags hide the stock tail's profile too boot, throw on a Dart flyscreen and its a triple win win win...lol

[@bun.touring]

XSR900 is so good! It's so cool! Let's get on the bike and go for it! The muffler sound and design is great!

[@cubano07x]

I recently got this bike and it is quite amazing. Super fun to ride, looks great and I get lots of compliments. If your local dealer has one and you've been thinking about it, get it!

[@Jimmy_Saf]

I love this comment. Agreed, I’m getting one. Can’t decide on blue or black!

[@Pfannkuchenkanone]

@@Jimmy_Saf blue!!!

[@musicmonk9976]

Just got mine! It’s awesome!!!

[@josevi5835]

XSR900 2016 model owner here. I love my bike, because it is light and the engine is a rocket. I do 65 mpg and I had not problems in three years. The new iteration has better engine, it has to be incredible. I do like the bulky seat of the new one, is a homage to the classic one. Anyway, great value for the money.

[@mancavemoto]

Yep, its a lovely lovely thing

[@dolphinride5157]

Excellent review! What sticks out to me as a super-negative is the uncomfortable seat. It is a pet-peeve that manufacturers skimp on something so very important. I really don't want to spend an additional 4 to 500 dollars to get a better one when it should have come with a good one in the first place. For me, Corbin is not an option having bought one and found it didn't fit my bike and they don't take returns.

[@here.3070]

Rode this last week. Truly impressive.

[@tormado]

Dream bike. 2nd Gen XSR9 is the perfect road bike imo

[@DavidSimpsonSpecialForces]

I just recently seen a used XSR900 at my local dealer that had a Corbin seat that looked good on this bike!

[@1990-t1j]

I didn't like the seat at first, but I've come round to it. The bike is stunning, overall. I love triples. I'd have one of these. The exhaust is certainly not worth the money. Stock it's great value. Excellent review, Tony. 1990 [Nick J]

[@Zed_Solo_RS]

Full circle. I discovered your channel researching Street Twins and kept watching for accessory installations after I bought one. Now that the customizations are done and I’ve outgrown it I’m looking at one of these and here we are again watching Man Cave Moto.

[@mancavemoto]

Haha, glad to have you along

[@Kraken9911]

The upgrade over the first gen makes me envious. Still in love with mine though aesthetically

[@funkybread7229]

I love my 2023 xsr900 even with clip ons my hands are over my waist the seat looks better in person and isn’t crazy uncomfortable 100 plus’s miles at a time isn’t uncomfortable for me.

[@fredwinter2978]

well done for the short and sharp review.

[@mancavemoto]

Glad you liked it

[@idrider4748]

Beautiful looking bike, and likewise if I had the money it would be part of my collection. The quick responsive gear change is great to listen to. As always a great review

[@rendysugiarto2778]

You forgot to mention up AND down quickshift, and option to plug-and-play heated grips, which are awesome for the roads. Agree with you the spirit of this bike is light and nimbleness.

[@rendysugiarto2778]

@@mancavemoto MT09 doesn't have down :)

[@gilvansouza]

I had a 2017 for two years until it was stolen 😢. I really enjoyed that bike the engine was so much fun, smooth and fast. The one thing I didn't like was the suspension, especially the rear. It wasn't just hard, it was harsh, it lacked quality. I couldn't find a sweet spot through adjustment. I still enjoyed the bike though, lots of good memories!

[@kalnwi2023]

You sold it and kept the insurance money .

[@gregwatts1159]

What an excellent review. I'm going to get one.

[@jeremyrousselet6392]

@@gregwatts1159 going to pick up mine tomorrow, did you get yours?

[@jezzylawson936]

....and have you?

[@gregwatts1159]

@@jezzylawson936 no, not yet...

[@ZAIBYR]

Out of all the videos I’ve been watching on this bike, this one is by far my favorite. Thank you for the excellent discussion and presentation. Can you share a bit more about how you set up and record stuff like this? I might like to dabble with it some day. Any idea why the fairing and seat cowls were not made available in the USA?

[@mancavemoto]

Wow, thanks! Sure, I use a combination of a helmet mounted action cam, a bike mounted 360 cam and then a mirrorless Nikon for the pieces to camera. I can;t help with the US stuff, its info that doesnt get shared in any UK press material

[@trevorphillips3055]

I like the fairing they now have for this bike, with that a seat cowl and tail tidy (not yamaha one), would be what I'd go for. 😊

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

Seat cowel could ve useful with a bit of storage space

[@mancavemoto]

Yep it looks the nuts!

[@degutube]

Great review! I can’t remember where I first saw this bike but was initially underwhelmed by looks but it’s really grown on me and I really like it. I’ve sat on one in the dealer and it seems like a good option,but it was ‘Raven’ so still keen to see the blue in the flesh.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, the blue looks even better in the metal and really 'pops' in the sunshine

[@StonkerOnTheRoad]

I rode one at the weekend. I really enjoyed it but I do wish Yamaha did self cancelling indicators

[@DucatiDale]

Recently bought the 2023 mt09 sp the engine is a peach and the gearbox the best I’ve come across

[@mancavemoto]

Its so good!

[@gordondoyle9172]

Could an owner tell me the sort of miles to gallon this bike gets and the range with a tank full ?

[@thedandybiker684]

I like the look of the bike, especially with the seat cover. Might have to get a test ride.

[@mancavemoto]

Do it, i'd be interested to hear what you think

[@markhall3434]

2023 XSR here.. not sure where the Retro idea comes from.. more like Beautiful integration of Frame and Engine without Bug Eye Lights. Retro Head Light or Retro upright seating maybe? Quick Shifter sets the Standard.. Ford has some Quick Shifter stuff to figure out. Easy half second in the quarter

[@mancavemoto]

Retro just means to look back, and this very much has stolen some styling from the late 80's early 90's

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

24 had no pipe coming up. Exhaust down 😊at the bottom

[@mancavemoto]

This has got an OEM accessory exhaust fitted.

[@philelsey7639]

As I've said in other reviews, this bike in the flesh is one lovely piece of kit about the only oriental my old Dutch wouldn't mind me swinging my leg over.

[@keithsimmons8364]

Are there aftermarket seats available for this bike?

[@Jimmy_Saf]

I love this bike. Will be getting one soon.

[@anthonyl6455]

Love the review, makes me want to rent a bike when im in UK next time. Wondering, what make and model gloves are those you're wearing in this video? Im needing a new pair and those look great.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers, these are Rev'it Caliber gloves, probably my favourite summer glove.

[@theogbv088]

The foldable pillion foot pegs are a game changer!!

[@tdeloriea]

I've owned a lot of motorcycles over the years. Some of them were expensive yet the ride quality justifies the price. This bike punches well above the price point. The feel of this bike is premium. It's just a hoot to ride this bike like a goon. Just don't make it too long a ride without stopping. That seat is the equivalent of women's high heels. Best to get the CP3 in something else with more creature comfort if you plan on riding it all day long without many stops.

[@rick-hm3ji]

just received my new 2023 XSR900 last week. it was delivered with 19 miles on the odometer, but virgin tires. it was explained by the dealer as factory run-in on a dyno. i called yamaha customer support and they gave the same explanation. have other buyers had the same experience; multiple miles upon delivery?

[@guyowen9727]

6 mile on mine. UK buyer

[@Vibe77Guy]

That power plant needs to be in a standard, or cruiser frame and set up to fill the gap left by the Honda Rebel and Kawasaki Vulcan lines. A parallel cylinder engine is just a better option than the V-twins.

[@truthandjustice6838]

This and an adventure (Honda) in my garage please. Lovely motorcycle and absolutely love the looks.

[@johnbozek676]

What would this bike / this type of bike be like for extended periods at highway speeds? Seems well equipped for highway (cruise control, power, seat) but then again maybe not with some of the naked-type styling (no windscreen)?

[@mancavemoto]

I didn't have an issue with it, the body position helps

[@andrewl5095]

Lovely review as usual. Utterly great looking glove you got there. Kindly reveal what’s that on your hand, please. 😅

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers, they are Rev’it Caliber gloves

[@jonathanmellish4439]

I sat on one of these at the bike show but it was the flat seat model which I found very comfortable being able to slide. Not a fan of this design of seat. The engine is an absolute peach.

[@sixsigmax]

Cracking review, mate! Any info about the seat cowl would be greatly appreciated. Cheers.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers, they are avaiable through Yamaha dealers

[@mikeedwards1682]

Can you put the old seat on it 😅lower pillion is heaps better for passengers

[@mancavemoto]

I dont think so no

[@stuartg]

Interested why you’re not generally a fan of triples? - great video / review and beautiful bike.

[@mancavemoto]

It’s not just triples I guess but in-line fours too. I prefer twins that are less ‘revvy’ with more low down torque

[@stuartg]

@@mancavemoto Makes sense, I’ve got a Ducati Monster so I know where you’re coming from 👍

[@JayPatel101]

How is this blue compared to 2024 version?

[@mancavemoto]

No changes for 2024 other than the colours

[@davideccles1617]

I have a couple of Tracers, that triple is fantastic 😊great review

[@N269]

Nice. I'd like to see a comparison between this XSR900 and the Z900RS. Just for S&G. Thanks for this review. Most informative.

[@mancavemoto]

Me too, i've just had load of problems trying to source a Z900RS to spend some time on

[@n22pdf]

Great review.. the body kit for these looks nice to 😊

[@mancavemoto]

They are!

[@hottuna08]

Great review, cheers.

[@here2enjoy-bt8jq]

00:05 please share details of engine guard etc. Thank You

[@mancavemoto]

They will be from the Yamaha accessory catalogue

[@here2enjoy-bt8jq]

@@mancavemotothanks for the reply. The Y looking protector is from Yamaha? Sweet.

[@mrsilbo6499]

Top review, Tony! The seat cowl takes the ugliness away from the seat, but it's still reminiscent of the thin padding on the current SV650 Suzuki. From experience, I can tell you that is a most uncomfortable bike! I wonder if there's a comfort seat option?

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers, yep it could definitely do with a bit more padding on the base. Theres certainly nothing in the yamaha accessory catalogue

[@MichWCF]

Great review bud. Just subscribed.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for the sub!

[@jduarte1506]

Good video I'm watching between the Ducati Scrambler and the Yamaha xsr 700 some tell me that Ducati is better others tell me that Yamaha is for life that they are better motorcycles than the 700 is the best engine the 900 I love it

[@simianrogue]

Have they fixed the automatic timing tension adjuster issue? On the previous model XSR900 it would fail. I do, however, dislike that big blank space in the front portion of the frame, where on the previous model, it had fuse boxes in situ. A better aesthetic to my eyes. My 2017 XSR900, thanks to the previous owner's customisation of certain parts, has a very thuggish street bike look to it, and I love it, especially the exhaust sound with its Delkevick exhaust system - just about road legal.

[@HaggisPower]

CCT is hydraulic now, so yes.

[@Milehi6h]

Thanks for the video! How tall are you please? Wondering for ergos.

[@mancavemoto]

5ft 10 in or 178cm

[@here2enjoy-bt8jq]

For your next video, 7:48 please put the pic of the other bikes you're mentioning, just like you did for tracer. One search on Google, all my ads would be KTM now. Hope my request makes sense.

[@raimee81]

There's a lot of comparison with this and the Kawasaki z900RS. I want them both! given I can not afford either one yet. When I can my first choice would go to the Yamaha for those 80's but modernized styling cues. Has to be that blue for me.

[@DwightTrimble]

It's taken me some time to get used to this bike. I'm short-ish and the riding position was too aggresive for my taste, but I put on bar risers the other day, and that (along with a windscreen that's in the mail), should make this a great all rounder.

[@KK-hm5bd]

Could you please share a link where to order bar risers. Many thanks

[@DwightTrimble]

@@KK-hm5bd PS: This is a modest improvement in ergonomics, but the good news is the break hoses are JUST long enough to allow the fit without needing new lines.

[@KK-hm5bd]

@@DwightTrimble Thanks. Unfortunately I can’t see the link, yt must have blocked it. Could you pls just put a name of the website. Thanks again.

[@DwightTrimble]

@@KK-hm5bd Bruce and shark.

[@KK-hm5bd]

@@DwightTrimble Great, thanks!

[@TBWoop]

What is your jacket?

[@mancavemoto]

It’s a Klim Drifter, which is sadly now discontinued.

[@DarnellLedsingerII]

Great review, how would you compare it to the thruxton rs? Which do you prefer?

[@mancavemoto]

Quite different bikes in reality, but I’d chose this

[@HaggisPower]

This was the question in my mind too. I love the Thruxton RS and would have one if they weren't so expensive, and somewhat lacking in features compared to this bike. A blue 2023 XSR should land in my garage next week. Can't wait.

[@Organon1980]

Any difference from the 2022 model other than the price jump?

[@carlosvejar3938]

Torn between this and the Kawasaki z900. Not the RS, the regular model naked z900 possibly the SE package

[@mancavemoto]

Both great bikes, I'm a fan of the Kwaka too

[@michaelhayward7572]

Closest thing in the current market to a 955i or an early 1050 Speed Triple, and thats a compliment as imho the ST has lost irs way since 2011...

[@mancavemoto]

Yes indeed

[@paulbrook2459]

Another great video . I want one now and the KTM 😊

[@mancavemoto]

haha thats the problem with making these reviews, my bike wish list just keeps getting longer and longer 😂

[@chrisnightingale6417]

Cheers Tony, I really liked the first version, not convinced with this. Is the tank still plastic and do you know it’s capacity and range etc, thanks for vid.

[@mancavemoto]

No problem, this has a steel tank with a 14 litre capacity. You can squeeze 170-180 miles out of it if ridden sensibly!

[@chrisnightingale6417]

👍

[@alasy124]

Nice bike, except the exhaust temperature is normal

[@skaraborgcraft]

I used to ride an XJ900 with 90hp, it was enough 30 years ago, and still enough for today. This endless quest for HP and youtubers comments such as "only 160hp", is daft, where outside of a track day can you use it?. Would like to take one for a spin though.....

[@mancavemoto]

Agree, this is more than enough, unless you want to get into a dick waving competition 😂

[@jfro5867]

I’ve owned two XJ900s myself. Great bikes. Having just bought a new XSR900 I can already tell you they are night and day different. Firstly The CP3 engine is as good as everyone says and secondly, it’s the light weight that stands out. Combined with the super strong chassis, crisp fuelling, quality suspension, brakes and overall feel it’s like an angry wasp that just wants to ‘rip’. Yet, it rides so well at slower speeds too. It’s a fabulous thing.

[@toddparsons2980]

I don't mind the look of that seat.

[@mancavemoto]

Me neither

[@kalnwi2023]

Especially if u put a luggage rack on ,distracts from it , melds them together so to speak .

[@MrFirstonraceday]

Get a big bottomed gal on there and no one will ever see the seat😊

[@Klootviooltje]

Beautiful bike, but I dislike the bulky end of the seat!

[@Steve-motorcycles]

❤ XSR900 ❤

[@kalnwi2023]

I want one .

[@mancavemoto]

So do I

[@tokaitelejohn5656]

I like this 80's retro look, but I do prefer the 70's retro look - hence I have a Z900RS (which I really love). What are your thoughts on the two bikes? The tricked out version you rode is coming in around the same money as the SE yellow ball. The stock XSR is much more reasonably priced than the stock RS though.

[@mancavemoto]

I love the Z900rs too, I think it’s a beautiful bike. Yep the stock XSR will ride the same as the press bike I had, and you’ll have a nice wad of cash still in the bank!

[@markhall3434]

I like retro, but I'm all for functionality. The total engine blackout built into the frame screams strength. It might scratch easily. When you look you finally recognize the engine! No beauty cover req'd! The epidemy of engineering! Then z900's "fake" fins are a bit much IMO, but it's hell of a bike too!

[@petersmith9470]

Looks stunning but looks better with the custom panels on it which makes it look like a RD500LC.

[@Mo-xx9gg]

Bringing the Z900 in lol, these two get compared a lot. Both great machines, the XSR is faster and handles better ( even though the Z900 is also fast and handles well). Looks are subjective. I prefer the gaudy looking 80's vibe to the 70's. I am biased because I have one, and chose this over the Z900. I also bought a CB1000r at the same time.

[@brianglendenning1632]

Not intending to be provocative, but I would see the XSR900 being a slightly, and I mean slightly, less capable and less appealing machine to the Honda. You have both in your garage - when do you chose the XSR and when do you chose the Honda? Perspective - I have almost 60000km on my 18 S1000R, and the two bikes you have are outside chances as being a replacement for the S.

[@beverleynorth4914]

Less bikes seem to have centrestand these days. Do you find it a problem to use a paddock stand. I’m a bit wary of going down that route

[@mancavemoto]

No, no problem at all, obviously only when youre at home though

[@beverleynorth4914]

Ok, thanks How about a quick vid on how to use a paddock stand for novices. Had a test ride on the XSR900. Really nice bike. As a 1 bike owner difficult to just have this one as it’s a bit impractical. No storage and likely to get very mucky in bad weather. Fancy this engine but don’t like look of Tracer 900 or mt09

[@keviozhu1943]

whoever tried to sell that as a tail tidy is def taking the piss

[@mancavemoto]

That would be Yamaha, which means it still needs to be homologated, and in the UK the number plate much reach the furthest part back of the tyre.

[@teneretraveller8980]

Just a 900 Tenere to complete the range then? Love the engine but prefer the styling on the earlier version, which was more LCish. But then that's my era. Good review and I understand why it's so popular. Safe, happy travels 👍

[@mancavemoto]

That would be good, but maybe not a triple?

[@DucatiDale]

@@mancavemotothey don’t have a 90-100+ bhp twin to chuck in sadly but coming from a tiger 800 that I couldn’t get on with I don’t think triples Suit adv bikes although the cp3 engine is far better than the 800-900 tiger models imo

[@KamalSingh-wc4pw]

Love a delta box.

[@mancavemoto]

who doesn't!

[@forty6681]

My favorite bike

[@mancavemoto]

I’m a big fan

[@here2enjoy-bt8jq]

5:55 no problem after 2 hours right, the bike is out if gas anyway. 😂 You have to stop for fuel.

[@rlw85]

Looks like a fun bike Will there be anymore royal Enfield mod films coming out

[@mancavemoto]

Yes, I’ve got a few in the works, it slowed up a bit as I’ve been waiting for parts to arrive

[@rlw85]

@@mancavemoto are brilliant I love watching those videos

[@marklengal9990]

I love it with the seat cowl. Wondering how how the riding position is? Are your knees bent sharp like a cafe style bike?

[@mancavemoto]

No, they are not too bad I mention that in the ergonomics section of the video

[@bikecommuter24]

Should have called it the XSF900R SF for Street Fighter.

[@BlackdogADV]

I like it except for one thing…the seat. I would have a difficult time swinging a leg over that hump. I’m sue there will be other options.

[@HaggisPower]

There is - Kelpi make a hump-less seat on the stock base (either yours or a new one).

[@Dave-mr3qx]

Not a big fan of retro style, but i like that, even being a honda man, I'd probly pick that yam over the cb 1000r black edition

[@Mo-xx9gg]

I couldn't decide- so bought both lol 🎉. The Yam isn't any slower up to a ton!

[@Grahamvfr]

Surely the seat is to replicate the 2/4 seats (so called) of the 60s/70s Cafe racers?? . Really enjoyable review if a great bike.. Apart from seat haha.

[@mancavemoto]

Definitely 80’s into the early 90’s

[@Grahamvfr]

@@mancavemoto Well i guess it may be age thing, my older mates and myself, said spontaneously 2/4 seat, younger group (that's 50s haha) hinted at seat cowl. 🤔

[@paulred158]

Handsome machine.

[@beverleynorth4914]

This or Monster??

[@mancavemoto]

For me, this.

[@stuartmoore8002]

Imagine how many they would've sold if they hadn't decided to put that seat on it, I know some people like it but they must've known it would divide opinion.

[@mancavemoto]

They are selling well apparently

[@gut45]

About to buy one... The seat is not as bad in real life. If I need to choose between the Mt 09 headlight or this seat the choice is easily made. It also has cruise control.

[@kiarashsadigh6342]

Thank you for such a wonderful video! I have a question for you: how do you succeed in recording such good audio despite having your helmet on? Your voice is not muffled ...I appreciate your response!

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, I use a good quality Rode Lav mic in the helmet. With the right set up it can work very well

[@a13bkd62]

Very enjoyable review but for me, the previous models styling was spot-on so this one's a miss. Each to their own and wouldn't it be boring if we all liked the same thing! Cheers

[@mancavemoto]

Fair enough!

[@CharlesDaleActor]

Beauty is clearly in the eye of the beholder in this one T ! I think it’s an absolute pig. All that horrible plastic ! 😂

[@jonathanmanhorn]

Prefer the old shapeit had more classic lines .

[@roviwoteap2375]

Sadly, not a big fan of the seat design and that would put me off buying, what is potentially a good bike. Also, if a “retro bike,” it needs a round clock, in my view. On a plus, it sound nice with that exhaust system.

[@mancavemoto]

Lots of bikes in the past had square clocks, so for me a round one isnt essential for a retro bike

[@steve34416]

Best triple there is

[@mancavemoto]

Its a good'un thats for sure!

[@hiddendragon415]

Looks good but the seat is a plank.

[@jaffamaddin]

Nope....sorry....the seat is a carbuncle IMO...the rest of the bike looks great....I'm sure it rides great too.

[@jimmyjam8795]

The first gen was lovely, wouldn't even consider this one though. The tank is the thing I have an issue with. Being an eighties bike, this model has no nostalgia for me unfortunately. Nice review though 👍

[@satinsingh7216]

How big is your head

[@mancavemoto]

Odd question for this video. It’s a size large

[@twowheelsoneleg5672]

I think the old XSR is better to look at. It seems a great bike but I I prefer the Z900RS/Speed Twin as a retro and the Mt09/890duke as sporty middleweights

[@Sinister_fartbox]

Kawasaki are boring

[@bradjacobs1844]

I see no retro in this bike at all. Very modern looking with a REALLY weird seat. They should’ve just included a seat cowl to hide that monstrosity. Otherwise, good power, comfy and relatively cheap to buy. 24,000 mi. valve checks doesn’t hurt either.

[@mancavemoto]

Theres definitely some late 80's early 90's design elements in there

[@jfro5867]

You’ve got to be old enough to ‘see’ it. I’m mid 50’s and this is exactly how bikes used to look back in the day, late 80’s early 90’s. Litre sports bikes would be bought, crashed, patched up and returned to the roads exactly as Tony said. The over large exposed Delta box frame on show, wide bars, bar ends, seat hump. Yep it’s all correct. I was there.