2024 Yamaha XSR900 GP Review - FINALLY a proper attempt at a retro throwback!!

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Usernamekate 🏁
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#USERNAMEKATE #yamaha #xsr900gp

[@PolskaFairplay]

I'm 6'4" and this GP has perfect ergonomics and makes a proper sports bike comfortable and accessible for tall riders. The foot-pegs have a high or low setting which gives more leg room under the curve of the tank for longer legs. Mine arrived this week and I cannot stop smiling! Also the first bike I have not had to buy mirror extenders to see past my shoulders. Great video Kate. Thanks

[@Trippeldose]

Congratulations! Being a longer fellow myself (6`3), how do you find the ride position of the upper body? I`d imagine with longer arms the upper body is in a more vertical position than the average shorter riders, and thus the ride position is maybe more comfortable over time? This might become my dream bike, it checks off nostalgia, power and aesthetics with ease, plus seemingly being built to fit taller riders.. I have not seen it in person yet, will have to do that this week..

[@frankvanleeuwen2943]

My old TRX 850 all over again ..i loved that bike...love the looks of this bike..❤

[@BikingChap]

Yep, same here. A crying shame they never put the 900 motor in the TRX frame.

[@NZsarge1]

Can I just thank you for letting decent oil pressure build before free revving the engine on the sound check, so many test riders out there can’t seem to show the bikes they’ve been leant the slightest mechanical sympathy and it was so refreshing, rant over I like that Yamaha made this bike and as iconic as the red/white GP colour way is that black/dark silver is too sexy. I was hoping you’d take this bike for a spin, enjoyed your video as always.

[@donovandale7077]

Try as I might, I can't seem to generate any interest in sport bikes, but I still enjoy listening to someone who is enthusiastic about something I am indifferent about. I appreciate the education.

[@Steeps1969]

Twin headlamps would be a game changer.. My Slingshot GSX-R 750 had them - absolutely beautiful....

[@steveclark..]

I had the 1100cc version, totally agree about twin headlights. I prefer dials/clocks to look at too, all this digital display is alright but it's bound to fail.

[@tymobyrne4451]

Two of the stock round lights from the naked version would put out a brilliant amount of light!

[@steveclark..]

@@tymobyrne4451 Each bulb is 55W right?

[@tymobyrne4451]

@@steveclark.. Id have to look it up its a LED now!

[@steveclark..]

@@tymobyrne4451 Ah right, these LED's are nice but when they fail, expensive to buy and a pain to fit I bet. I do run an LED tail and brake light on my 40 year old bike, it's a direct bulb replacement, just push and twist in,...if only all LED units were designed like that.

[@molkie72]

I went into my local Yami dealer last week for a mooch and these look even better in the flesh. My first bike in 97 was a TZR125 in Marlboro colours almost the same as this 👌

[@Zx6rBlue]

If it had the belly pan and twin head lights as standard this would have been a serious contender. Im normally a honda girl, but ive just put a deposit on a 2024 zx6r anniversary edition. So many great bikes have come out in recent years!

[@dannyperfect9270]

It's meant to look like a race bike, not a road bike, hence why the headlight is minimal (disguised as an air intake)...and it's only £12500 (not £18, 20, 30k like some bikes) so some body work is optional.

[@Zx6rBlue]

​@@dannyperfect9270 I don't care, I personally prefer twin headlights. And if I'm spending £12k I wouldn't expect to have to pay 500 for a belly pan.

[@timdavis6088]

You'll be back! 😅

[@Zx6rBlue]

@@timdavis6088 nah, tried the cbr600rr, much preferred the kawasaki. Time for a change 😁

[@richard9444]

Wood of looked just like the others then

[@scottballard6268]

youve earned a new subscriber today, hello from the states, i really enjoyed your presentation and pacing of your video. the way you relay what i consider real world information about the machine, how it feels, how it sits, braking, ride quality, sounds, all that feedback while on actual roads where this bike will most likely be spending its entire life. sure there will be that occasional track day person but honestly most people wouldnt want to risk crashin this beauty around a hairpin on some track. my first street bike was a yamaha fz 600. air cooled inline 4, full fairing, red and white, i believe made in 87. it had the two circular headlights and looked right for that bike, i could picture this bike with those lights, led for modern times. looking forward to checking out more of your content.

[@UsernameKate]

Thank-you so much for subbing Scott! Massively appreciated and glad you enjoyed the video!

[@matthewward7457]

Yeah I agree two wide round headlights!

[@fetB]

ooh, that lower fairing definitely a must

[@ianbaker2359]

Had mine for 6 weeks and absolutely love it. Only negative for me is riding position when I spend long time in traffic but this is not a commuter or tourer. Great for a blast. Loads of people would rather have a genuine older bike but not for me just wanted something reliable. Engine gutsy and smooth and I love the tech. Wouldn’t have it as my only bike but the overall package is brilliant

[@shvy100]

check if you can swap the clip ons to the regular xsr900 handlebars

[@jfro5867]

Does it have service lights that the dealer has to turn off?

[@TommieTrumper-TFC1200]

Thanks Kate great review as always. I think its a steal considering the cost of most race reps currently, especially the 1tr bikes, and lets be honest most riders are not capable of using any more than 50% of their potential etc on the road, so this I think this is in the sweet spot and you can’t get away from how awesome it looks in its retro clobber! Ride safe and keep up the great work.

[@justinrice8509]

I think you are 100% right about the 2 headlights! Have a good day Kate!

[@davidhill8163]

Fantastic presentation. The bike looks amazing and I love the retro dash.

[@UsernameKate]

Ah thanks!

[@keitharvd]

Love your videos, just adore you! Could listen to yo all day

[@ianhalliwell8604]

30 years ago that was my kind of bike but now 1 hour on it would have me visiting a cyropractor.

[@regalmedia9487]

Time. Its our only treasure. Once gone ... gone forever. I hope you had a happy love filled life.

[@ianhalliwell8604]

Thanks and I have, me and my wife celebrate our golden wedding anniversary in September.

[@shvy100]

absolutely horrible cushions not to mention the sheer non existence towards the start of the fuel tank which naturally smooches my crotch

[@gavinlipke1171]

Two big headlights???? it's surpost to bring back memories of the 500GP bikes, that's like putting two big headlights On a motocross bike and standing back and saying ahhhh that looks better. Great job Yamaha, One of the best looking bikes I have seen in a long time, great job also Kattie.

[@tjroelsma]

Yes, but that tiny headlight on the other hand looks a bit underwhelming and I wonder what the beam looks like in the dark. Maybe two of those small lights in the red parts of that fairing or a much longer ledbar spanning more of the front would have been a better solution. But that's a matter of taste.

[@kwak1k]

​@tjroelsma Nah, I think Kates right, it needs some early FZR style headlights to finish the look.

[@MrBlompod]

I think Yamaha was trying to make it look like it had no headlight like the YZR500 race bike it’s emulating.. how good would it look with a big black 4 on the front and one on either side of the tail 😃

[@creedm3040]

Awesome video! I totally agree about the headlight . Can you imagine how cool that would look with two round ones? Other than that I love it. Best!

[@marcbrasse747]

Kate on a bike which also carries a lot of personality and character. Double fun!

[@divexplore21]

This bike is absolutely stunning in the flesh, also totally agree with you that Yamaha should have put twin headlights on it! Great vid Kate. 👍

[@UsernameKate]

Thank you!

[@sanchoantoniomotoaddictmot2069]

I’ve got one coming for review for a couple of weeks soon. Had a quick taster for an hour or so a couple of weeks back and was suitably impressed. This is THE only bike that may tempt me away from my Panigale… I have already put out my 5 minute first impressions and can’t wait to do more… This is a mix of all the poster bikes of my childhood with added modern tech.

[@bumpyroads-uk]

Gorgeous looking retro bike - can't see myself on a sports bike but thanks for the overview - great scenery over Rivington - another one added to places to visit thank you.

[@tonyciriello6872]

Well done as always Kate. What a cool bike that seems to work and look good. I agree that they should have gone with the headlight style of old. Why they just don't go all in with the retro thing is, well, a small mistake forgiven. Just shows how you don't have to have 200 plus HP to have fun.

[@mikehughes1965]

If you had it on Thursday I think I saw you flying past the Waggon and Horses bike meet at Eaton on the outskirts of Congleton. What a fabulous machine!

[@systemsace]

This was a great video. I am wondering if this is the best entry level bike for 1st timers?

[@VadersDarkside]

I took my dealers demo out yesterday and it had the racer pack on it. A lovely looking thing

[@UsernameKate]

How was the ride for you? :)

[@VadersDarkside]

@@UsernameKate yeah really impressed , a bit too wristy for me though as I've got arthritis in both so stayed with my MT-10 as I knew Id ride it more. The search continues.....

[@timdavis6088]

I love this bike from Yamaha. I grew up riding Yamaha dirt bikes and my first "Super sport" bike was a 1986 FZ600. 100% agreed that they should have put the double round headlights and the lower fairings. Why did they stop here when these 2 changes would have put this bike over the top?

[@MentatOfDune]

Love the look of this bike, especially with the full Fairing. My only (minor) niggle with the design is the dash. I wish it had round, classic looking dials, even if they are digital.

[@davebell8421]

Fantastic video Kate 👌🏻 I agree with your ideas on the bike. Deffo have an eye for it 😊. Great camera angles…. Giving the impression we were riding with you 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@chrismillington2729]

Thx Kate, lovely review as always, thank you, kind regards Chris. Stay safe.

[@UsernameKate]

Thank you! You too!

[@caesarcornello6947]

@Usernamekate I know alot of people have had a divisive views on the looks of the XSR900.....I must admit I'm bit of a fanboy of the Yamahas.....especially the MT09s/Tracer9 and also the XSR-900s (All their models) updated ones. A shout out to the camera angles in this video...especially from the behind near the exhaust...what a view of the bike whilst riding.....looks absolutely FAB!!!!!!

[@theadventuresofbellatheenf4627]

Very nice bike Kate enjoy keep safe out there

[@millinutz]

I respect your thoughts, your pros and cons and comments on all the bike reviews you do, and always watch and listen through to the end, no matter what. Sometimes I can compare your thoughts with mine, having ridden the same bike, but often i'll use your comments to sporn me on to trying out myself, the bike you're on, and that's being put through the UNK dissection, should it be a bike that also appeals to me. Some of your excellent reviews throw up a common factor, and with that factor, I would like your help. As you know (?), I live in Switzerland. I'll be in UK for a few weeks in Aug. and would like to ride that "common factor"...., that is the Rivington. Yeah, you'll often ride that road coz of its twists and turns the beautiful views and most of all, coz you know it. Now to my Plea..., can you tell me where I find that stretch of road (it's number or from where to where) pleeease? I feel that it's a road that one must ride before kicking the buckt! Thx, Steve.

[@Jonathan-L]

Gotta love 'Bob in marketing' (not). "Hey, let's remove something from the bike, then offer it as an optional accessory for a crazy price shall we?"

[@trailingarm63]

You make the bike look huge in the thumbnail.. Personally, I'd prefer. a secondhand RC 8 (for half the money) if I was going to go for this type of bike. But I guess it's an option for the PCP brigade. Apologies if I've miss-spelt this post, I'm in the pub.

[@andrewprice1189]

Great review Kate!

[@martinehulme8743]

Great honest review Kate, I can't ride these sports bike styles, just feels alien 👽 to me x🎉

[@gbtriumph3216]

THANK YOU, KATE! Very nice and balanced review.

[@Kilo_of_Milk]

Gosh you make this bike look big. Good review, its only super aggressive position for smaller individuals, If you are on the taller side it is considered a softer sporty position.

[@JJPelszynski]

Yes & Yes 🙌 Remember the giggles you had when ya reviewed the previous XSR? That’s what I feel every time I get in mine. And now THIS? C’mon Yamaha I’m trying to be good to my bank account 😅 Love all the new things and even sort of think the updated indicator switches are smart. I do like the ability to go in longish rides so the more aggressive position would be my only hesitation but still.. the tasty looks more than make up for that I think. Thanks for this review.

[@MotorcycleItch-obsolete]

Love the bike! Wish they would bring it to the U.S. I was confused that your speedo was hovering around 40-55 during your test ride. Since you're in Europe, I has assumed that was km/h. It seemed like you were going MUCH faster than that, though. Then at 18:35 I see that the speedo is in mph! Is that a configuration option? Why mph in Europe? Great video, BTW!

[@RoyBarnes-v9p]

Nice rear end view kate 😂 ! I used to be the same height as you at 5ft 4 inches but have shrunk with age to a real short ass 5ft 1 inches, and I like to get my feet on the ground, I am impressed with how you hold up these big heavy bikes with high seat heights, well done 👏 you. Another good video kate 👍.Take care, Best wishes Roy 😊.

[@EUKBIKER]

It does look properly good in that colour trim it reminds me of a old Japanese anime styled motorcycle.

[@fortyfour1654]

Akira

[@LickyDischarge]

I properly loved this upload Kate and I to am a chronic indicator canceller 😅

[@HippoDrones]

Great review Kate. I utterly adore mine, all I've done is fit a tail-tidy really... not a fan of the Akrapovic exhaust option, it is too short, looks like a stubby and not really fitting with the era. I also kept the stock clear screen, never liked tinted screens for some unknown reason lol. Gotta agree, it definitely feels like a tall 135mm seat height, my V Strom 800RE adventure bike is lower and more accessible for my short legs... same length as yours. The engine is almost too smooth... it goes from 0mph to very fast very quickly and effortlessly, ive been caught out a few times thinking i was doing 70 but the numbers on the screen were a lot higher... love it 😅 Ace to see you out having some fun on it 😁👍

[@glenncaukill1320]

Great vid , I love my Gp. The bike you rode Kate also had the tinted screen and tail tidy fitted , all part of the racer pack

[@adamc209]

Great video, quality looks great is this the new camera ? Saw one of these in the flesh and they look 👌🏻

[@Mike_P646]

The lack of twin headlights is probably to get it to look like an actual race bike as much as possible

[@gordonwallin2368]

Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.

[@anthonystevens8683]

As someone who grew up watching the likes of Kenny Roberts (snr), Eddie Lawson and Freddie Spencer I love the retro racing style of this bike. The front end with the letter box headlight works very well in that respect. Not including the belly pan is a miss though as it almost looks like a modified café racer and I would have preferred an analogue tacho but I guess this could have added cost given the cheaper cost of solid state TFT screens these days. Power is lower than when I owned a GSXR1000K6 but I could never use all of that power on the legally on the road so I'm fine with the engine that also has plenty of torque. It's good that it has the very prone riding position but this could be a bit of a chore in slow stop start traffic but would come into its stride on the open road. Many thanks for sharing.

[@mariowoodsN5]

I wish they would redo the 750 Seca from 82-83 with the double light faring.

[@dirtroadie5747]

I came up on a stray cow today that was out of its fence. I didn't see it until I was right next to it. The cow got spooked and started running along side me. It would have been so easy for it to turn into my path. Thank god it didn't. It ran straight through an electric fence to join the other cows, although I'm guessing the fence wasn't working. Cows don't seem to like the sound of my motorcycle, even though it is a stock T120 and isn't very loud by motorcycle standards.

[@BarnettSpeedSuzukiThou]

Yeah good effort Yam but not with those clipons. I understand why but level with the yoke would be better, jimho.

[@skaraborgcraft]

Old enough to have ridden a 500LCv4 back in the day, and still too throttle happy to ride one of those today. You look good on it though.

[@skotty1962]

$21,499 AUD in Australia boys and girls. Nice but a little out of my budget. Thanks Ms Kate. 🙂

[@nycmaverick]

nice job Yammie now put the cross plane 998 cc in that

[@johnharris7353]

Bum looks great!

[@paulfowler7618]

I was the first person to demo Bransons one of these which had the bellypan on while my bike was in for a service a few months back. I own a 1990 TZR250 so love 80s style bikes and this appealed to me but you're wrong about the headlight. Its not small like it is on this but it does have separate hand blisters as this also does which is very rare. Sadly i didnt gel with it especially the riding position and the hard suspension. I don't remember my 80s bikes being so uncomfortable and my TZR isn't for sure.

[@tomtom786]

Beautiful bike Kate, great review, thanks.

[@DaBinChe]

Can't wait to til the US gets them in, might get one again. Had a 2016 XSR900.

[@darkknight1340]

The aftermarket guys will be all over this,a much cheaper belly pan fairing would no doubt be on the cards.

[@millinutz]

What an "arse-pect" we got of the bike, on that cam mounted at the back! The exhaust note leaves a lot to be desired, and I much prefer the looks of the bike it's trying to copy than I do this version. It's very encouraging (for Yamaha) to see the amount of love being expressed in the comments, which indicates it could sell a few more of them, than I would have initially guessed. Oh well, it is what it is...! Now can we please move on to the next Bike Review..., see ya there!

[@gren509]

What a great review - well done !

[@UsernameKate]

Thank you kindly!

[@10rGreenninja]

The brakes are Yamahas own Silver spot brakes they've used them for years, they do Blue spot, Silver spot and Gold spot calipers.

[@petewatson9866]

Reminds me of my RD350LC, boy I wish I still had that

[@markbrennan4693]

Great review, lovely bike. Plenty of information. Got a new subscriber.

[@UsernameKate]

Thanks so much Mark!!

[@steveparish9210]

Love the way this bike looks’ F1 Wayne Rainey. Not available here in the states anyway. Was that Macca smoking the spliff?

[@youhavetwoyil]

I actually think it looks better without the belly pan

[@SagarHingalAI]

is this Akra exhaust worth it? I am waiting for my GP and still wondering if the exhaust is worth the money. Have ordered the belly pan though :D. Also, great video! enjoyed it! :)

[@marcbrasse747]

Imagining Kate one one of those stealth jobs. I’ be turning my head until I’d hit something.

[@beautifuloneyes]

Cool bike, nice review and ride

[@maka1967]

Very reminiscent of the OW01 from the early ‘90’s..(yzr 750rr iirc)

[@mmazda1256]

Hi kate' do you prefer the yamaha mt09 & this bike to the street triple?

[@Glitch_II]

I believe the tail tidy is actually also an accessory part if I remember correctly. I'm not sure what it would be in £, but I know it's nearly €200 here in the Netherlands 😅 I actually purchased the regular XSR900 in red a few months ago and the engine, frame etc are all simply brilliant. I did hesitate to buy the GP at first, but I eventually went with the regular one because of the riding position and the price difference. The biggest issue with these bikes, in my opinion, is the ridiculously high price of official Yamaha accessories... Like the bellypan you mentioned, things like the outdoors cover alone was €200!!! Which is a bit of a shame since there aren't THAT many specific third party accessories, I'll likely end up paying Yamaha an additional €205 just because Yamaha is the only one who makes aluminium front fenders for this bike.

[@UsernameKate]

Yes, quite right, as well as a dark screen too 😊

[@nickbitten9910]

Sat on one at my local dealer- could not flat-foot it and my wife felt i looked a tad uncomfortable position-wise. The perils of being not too tall. Otherwise, it was/ is a great looking bike.

[@lizbarber3473]

Lovely bike , I wish it had analog dials on it , I hate tft , thanks for your review .

[@m2menuiserie540]

Gorgeous bike. Cela te va parfaitement.

[@UsernameKate]

[@thecappy]

Unfortunately not coming to the U.S. . At least I get to save some money until it does.

[@jimbossimrigs7961]

Kate can I ask what top you have on please, it's not the Knox Urbane is it?

[@doolytom]

Nice to hear someone talk about bends instead of twistys, Call me old 😬

[@UsernameKate]

haha i just call em whatever hits my brain :D

[@scottdiver36]

User name Kate so lucky what a amazing motorcycle😱

[@Paco_Gaepedores]

This thing looks sooooo damn good woohoo ❤

[@AdamForeman]

Ahhh, after watching your video, I now fancy a Malborough cigarette! 😂😂

[@davidgibbings6085]

Back end looks like laverda Montjuïc 500 😉👍

[@Pool-j4v]

Dear Kate...❤ I'm from Italy,please tell something about the 2025 Panigale V4 series.. most people say that it is one of worstt looking motorcycles that Ducati ever built, what's your opinion ?

[@marcbrasse747]

If somebody would have given me a XSR 900 / MT 09 and a budget to change it to my taste without ever having seen this I’d come up with something a bit less retro but otherwise VERY similar. Need I say more? The half fairing is actually a genius move. So rare it automatically adds a lot of character in itself, among other things by keeping it from looking like just another “yoghurt beaker” as such bikes where often called dismissively in their heyday.

[@cirian75]

They need to do a one make race series with this bike and put 80s and 90s racers on them.

[@starchild2727]

What a great looking bike😋Legend Red ALL DAY! (The Grey makes no sense on this bike imo). TY

[@tymobyrne4451]

Just got a '24 XSR900, im trying to take it easy on break in butt, I still passed a Harley on one wheel, it's that kind of bike. Evil, Plain evil, and I want six more...lol

[@josevi5835]

I own the XSR first generation and It is a good looking hooligan bike. However, the bike runs like you want it to run. It is pretty manegeable.

[@tymobyrne4451]

@@josevi5835 The seat wasn't...lol....an air hawk cushion fixed the worst part, so I ordered a dart Flyscreen and bags from SW-motech I was in such a good mood after the last ride!

[@josevi5835]

@@tymobyrne4451 I understand. The Seat is very hard. I have to rest every 90 minutes or even with more frecuency.

[@artistonamotorbike]

I would defo add a malboro sticker or two on it

[@raymorris952]

I'm with you Kate, just put the exhaust and bottom fairing on it as standard and call it 15k, who wants it without them ?

[@SoDakTwisties]

I love 90% of this bike. I have tried to let that rear end grow on me, but I cannot get myself to like it. Totally subjective, I know. Oddly enough, I really like the looks of the MT-09 SP.

[@marcbrasse747]

Now imagine this in a lighter smaller 650 cc or so version. One could then work it a bit faster to get at a similar performance level, it thus offering a less pronounced feeling of having to restrain oneself = More fun.

[@Mike_5]

The red wheels look so good and Yamaha love to re-invent the past bikes but sadly still some motorists fail to see us on them 🙄

[@steve34416]

Love everything Yamaha

[@snakesocks]

I would prefer 2 round headlights also. Unfortunately, these new projector HLs - like the one on this Yamaha - are powerful & efficient enough that they can emit the legal requirements for light output on their own. Space & electrical loading are absolute premiums on motorcycles nowadays, so I'd be very surprised if a manufacturer opt to put 2 HLs on their bike when they only have to use the one.

[@rsvtuono998]

Brakes are Sumitomo calipers as far as i know. Otherwise good channel Kate

[@andrewdyer4864]

What about the Kawasaki Z900RS as a "proper attempt at a retro"?

[@UsernameKate]

I had my sports bike blinkers on 🤓

[@dnfielding]

Couldn't agree more about the belly pan. Looks like a bit fell off down the road without it.