Living with the Yamaha XSR900 GP - In Depth Review

[@shaunbrown-q2q]

Gotta give Yamaha a huge credit for building this bike. Going their own way and giving us a magnificent bike 👍👍😎😎

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Couldn't agree more!

[@paulyflyer8154]

Although I'd never buy this bike simply because Im too old and inflexible, I LOVE that it exists. Alrhough I've been fond of the modern retros, I'm a bit tired of them now so it's great to see someone opening up a new classic genre. With cars now all looking the same within their class, I've often wished someone would bring out a modern replica of cars like the Capri etc. BMW managed it to an extent with the Mini to prove it can be done. How about reissue of old GS's for example.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I’ve a feeling that might be coming! …and I think a new Ford Capri would be a winner!!!

[@paulyflyer8154]

@@TheMissendenFlyer Let's hope! Would be great for fat grey men like me to play Bodie & Doyle again 😃

[@michaelmclarney1994]

I'm in the same boat, it reminds me of bikes I lusted after in my youth. I couldn't afford them then and now it would be just painful to ride.

[@paulyflyer8154]

@@michaelmclarney1994 Same with the posters of women I had on my wall....I'd rather have a roast dinner now.

[@bhencho5256]

They are releasing a new ford Capri, it's an SUV unfortunately though

[@rubberduckvfr400]

It's nice that the retro colors are coming back. modern engine technology wrapped in nostalgia.

[@leeinwis]

Sure beats the current orange on all of em .

[@Jonathan-L]

A true tribute to the FZ750 Superbikes with Marlboro graphics of the late 80s :)

[@Geshmaal]

I just want someone to bring back square headlights!

[@anxiousappliance]

McDonalds has been using those colors for decades.

[@zak_7354]

Love the coloring on this Yamaha; K. Roberts and W. Rainey would approve 👍

[@garethtemple6242]

With motorcycle manufacturers persisting in fitting straight tyre valves and not fitting centre stands on chain driven bikes, the best value investment I've made in terms of useful motorcycle accessories, had been the £1.99 on a right angle tyre valve adapter and about £40 on my Biketek wheel spinner, which makes oiling the chain a simple affair.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Ooh I need to look those up!

[@arsssis]

Appreciate that you covered how the lights are - so many reviewers overlook this!

[@yahoodlums]

It’s a stunning looking bike and with Yamaha build quality it will last for years. My only gripe would be that it should come standard with the belly pan fairing.

[@Osprey1994]

I'm 29, and this bike is GORGEOUS to me.

[@yorisalter3733]

I like the style and idea of the bike, so this does appeal. But agree, that if they went with the 2 round headlights, and changed the back seat/cowl then it would almost be perfect looks wise.

[@mysterybiker1717]

That camera is best ive seen with the night time lighting shots, very impressed!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes, it’s good isn’t it, I’m very pleased with the Osmo action 4, a great camera for this game.

[@poisonmans]

I had the original FZR 1000 back in 1987 and I think this bike's styling looks very similar.

[@MoroMagrew]

I was just about to comment that this new camera is so much better in the dark, when you said it yourself! Looks great! I think somehow you must have set the bike to KPH, thats the only way to explain what I think I saw on the speedo!

[@KelvinChilvers]

Nice looking bike overall, not sure about the front. Like you mentioned a couple of round headlights might have looked better, but its great us all having our opinions. A customer of mine has just taken delivery of one and I know he is pleased with it.

[@Agent_954]

Yamaha please bring it to Canada and take my money. Absolutely love this bike.

[@pjakpjak7000]

This is my next bike, 100%. Gonna wait a few years for the aftermarket to catch up.

[@veeken777]

Andy mate, it's a modern classic. The looks of an RD500 and TZR250 with modern engine and tech. What's not to love.

[@mouse7669]

bro, that is an awesome looking bike. If I was more...fitting to a sport bike that is what I would buy!.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

You and me both!

[@marwood1969]

Great review and it is a fantastic looking bike. The guy at my local Yamaha garage has been trying to tempt me with one and it is very tempting because it's such a lovely thing but I just know it'd sit in the garage and barely get any use.

[@bikerslow2598]

On backorder in Japan for months... This isba success

[@williamsouthworth5275]

Like the more detail, Parking lot turn, Defiantly the night ride info, Rain riding.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Glad to be of use!

[@JanMorsø]

*"Whoo, hoo!"* 😊looks like I would concur. Still want an ancient GPz900 though (and a R75/6, my garage)

[@dawdawes]

It's a grower on the looks and I agree with you. 2 round headlights would look superb

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I think it would make ALL the difference….

[@dsimon9s29]

Thanks for posting. Love the paint scheme. On video, I find it appealing. Would be interesting to see how it looks in real life.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

It looks way better in real life - I went from hating it to loving the looks (bar the headlights)

[@frederikclaeyssens9201]

Fantastic of you to show the seat without cover. I am considering this bike and often take passengers. Not a single review showed how it looked. Kind of an oversight to obscure the oil level as well behind the lower fairing...

[@sportyeight7769]

Well, i don't even know if there is pegs for the passenger.

[@robf1738]

@@sportyeight7769Look more closely! When they're folded in they are tight against the subframe

[@HORNET6]

You’re a very lucky man getting one for a week so early on. S23 is the important part of the tyre recognition. Sporty!

[@michaelmam]

Nice review . Have a day at Donington on one next week . Looking forward to it 👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Have fun!

[@andrewmanahan2469]

Thanks Andy - camera views remind me of my EXUP 30 years ago .. fabulous but I couldn’t ride it now ( I could hardly ride it then !!!) 😃

[@rogerkay8603]

Great review, love these - I'd have one but not ready to surrender my Gen 1 XSR900 (Moto Velocity 900LC in Bounty Bar colours)

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Nice one! I prefer the looks of the velocity moto conversions to be honest….

[@wattie1050]

The Yamaha looks great with the retro body kit on it , takes me back to the 80s love the Marlboro colours. 👍 had the rd 500 i painted in same colours .Great stuff 👍😁

[@MothershipVideos]

Definitely agree about the head lights.

[@sportyeight7769]

I hope they put some nice double rounders for the next gen of this one. With some old school speedometers (with a side LCD if really needed)

[@BajkerRajder]

I love this bike, i picked it up last week and i enjoy every minute, few days ago a took a chair outside and sit in front of the bile for a hour just looking at it. The only thing what i dont like is that the lower fairing has a different white color

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Congratulations - and yes, a few have mentioned that off colour lower....

[@ragerider6283]

Great vid & bike. Love that Yamaha have made this & hope some other manufacturers follow suit. Neo-retro seems to be the perfect blend of aesthetics with the benefits of modernity.

[@glenncaukill1320]

Great video , I'm looking forward to picking mine up in a couple of weeks . I do have other bikes too so I fancied something a little racier for a Sunday morning , love my z900rs se too , I see you have one too

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Ooh very exciting - congratulations!

[@docmarten8382]

Noted your comments about double pressing the indicator button, but the quality and design of the switchgear looks so impressive. Harking back to the retro comment, in all honesty…. The newer bikes are light years better, you would only need 10 minutes on a 80’s bike to appreciate a 2020 one.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Totally agree! It's why I wouldn't by an actual classic....

[@Gramercy_Stiffs]

Test rode one today and was completely lost on how to make the indicators function correctly. My old bike was Left Right and a simple push in the middle to cancel. Why do they need to complicate it.

[@samhill3496]

Good, fair review. At 68 and have been riding 58 yrs. I don"t remember many production bikes in Yamaha's line up for sale. I never saw an OW31 on the showroom so putting retro in perspective is blurred. However a hood looking dependable i'm sure machine. A bike of this style as we know is what it is. Short rides lots fun.

[@fyorbane]

Eh? Don't remember many bikes in Yamaha's line up? Where have you been then? FZR's, TZR's, YZF,s etc. Many of us had them and what great machines they were. I am 62 and am glad Yamaha have made this new one. However I think the bars for me are too low.

[@samhill3496]

@@fyorbane Those don't seem so retro to me. They sre still on the road. Retro to me means ,70's. I remember and rode the FZ's

[@n22pdf]

I love this bike so nice I think Yamaha did a brilliant job of it.. I sat on one at the bike show wow loved it ❤ great review dude really suited you when sat on it in your garage .. Pete 🚴🏻👍

[@tmmg66]

I was just at my local dealership getting tires for my AT and as I was looking around two bikes stood out to me. The XSR900 and the Kawasaki Z900RS. Beautiful retro bikes.

[@Mannyxz]

Holy moly, I am a big fan of Cafe Racers but this is going up on the 2nd in my list

[@jesus2400]

Thank you for an honest review.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

My pleasure!

[@Boombatty]

There are holes on the swing arm to fit bobbins to allow the use of a paddock stand for chain oiling

[@johnrimmer5812]

As peeps & yourself suggest, a twin round headlamp arrangement would suit the bike more in my eyes, cheers TMF.

[@dernicolas6281]

great review with real life examples, stunning bike also. :)

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Glad you liked it!

[@porkscratchings5428]

Great insight. I was about to push the button on an XSR900 with fairing and seat cowl for just under £10k new otr. Yeah it’s the blue one with gold forks so 22/23 model but new. Then I saw the GP and pondered thinking, looks very nice but for sitting on it, I didn’t like the seating position and not really use to the bar position and murder on my neck unfortunately, maybe I’m a bit older now. I was so tempted. Now I’ve seen the MT-10, I’m like a headless chicken deciding lol 👍

[@stalbansbiker]

I agree with your first impressions a bulbous munter It needs twin round headlights a proper exhaust and a full length belly pan to cover the hideous exhaust box and maybe a dash with twin round clocks

[@michaelmclarney1994]

Great review Andy, i love the looks of this bike but will never own one for the comfort reasons you highlight. I agree with you on the lights, a couple of round headlights would look better 👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Glad we concur!

[@cpuuk]

I do like your scenario opinions, very useful.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks!

[@rhyshumphrey7658]

I agree about the headlights - two big round headlights would have looked much better.

[@86AW11]

I haven't been interested in modern bikes with all the electronic garbage, but if this is brought to the states I would certainly try one out. Yamaha nailed the styling with it

[@Gramercy_Stiffs]

That headlight setup with one running light means I'll be dealing with the same comments as my old f4i. "Oi mate one of your lights is broken". Wish they could think of a better solution.

[@miguelcosta530]

great review, realistic covering several factors Congratulations

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Much appreciated!

[@churchofbrap876]

That type of windshield is similar to my Z900RS Cafe, and it directs wind right at my helmet. I bought an aftermarket windshield that curves up at the top and it does help some.

[@TheHkluivert]

I understand, but didn’t that change (read “ruin”) the good looks?

[@churchofbrap876]

@@TheHkluivert no it still looks great 👍

[@Kilo_of_Milk]

Yes, I've been waiting for this.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Cool….

[@snakesocks]

I really like the retro look. I'm also glad we're getting nice vibrant paint schemes again...was getting a bit bored of having the choice of 'Grey, Black, or Satin Black' that many m/c companies were offering for a few years.

[@wingingit9493]

I have a 2022 MT-09. It's not a touring bike. That's what I have my Wing for. But man o man is it fun to ride. All the CP3 variants are a blast to ride. All it comes down to is how do you want it dressed. I like mine black and gloss carbon fiber.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

The new MT09 is a cracking machine!

[@hiddendragon415]

Iv'e toured on my 2022 MT-09. A windshield and a sheep skin seat cover helps and the taller bars as stock. Fuel range not so much.

[@GazBromley]

What a beautiful bike, real retro, i'd have one if i had the space.

[@dannyperfect9270]

Did you try the foot pegs in the lower position?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

No...

[@janicelongford9203]

@@TheMissendenFlyer Bit remiss of you really, Yamaha have gone to great lengths to make the bike comfortable for the target market, and you should be aware of all the features. I rode one today and I found it perfectly comfortable :)

[@phil4986]

I agree with everything you've said. The headlights need to be modern round ones which thankfully, several models from several manufacturers have.Just makes the bike look better with a big round headlight ( or two) to me. I think i'd rather just have the standard MT09 and put an aftermarket, bar attached fairing on it and maybe some good quality , aftermarket bags.

[@dannyperfect9270]

it's meant to look like a race bike, hence the headlight is 'hiding' in a mock intake

[@RealHooksy]

It’s a retro bike from the 70’s 80’s (?) for blokes my age. Looks great 😎🏍️

[@devilmaycry383]

Saw this beautiful machine at the bike show, though at the time my interest was in the new MT-09 SP. Now, the XSR 900 GP has really grown on me retro modern styling is perfect. I will be taking a look at one soon and have kept my MT-07 for to long now so it's time for a new machine.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Do try an MT09 as well - I know which I prefer ;0)

[@parsivalshorse]

Love the looks.

[@garyhope0103]

Gread review of a fantastic looking retro bike. Totally agree with the two bigger round headlights, but honestly think that's the only thing I would change on it. Unfortunately not a bike I would buy, only because of the riding position as my bones ache enough on their own 😂, but if funds allowed, definitely one I'd have in my garage.

[@fleuger99]

Wonderful review! I love the look of the bike, wish they had the GP model here in the US. Thanks.

[@MotoGuzziMoto]

It is worth a conversation about options to raise the handlebars for a more comfortable riding position. I raised the bars on my Yamaha R7 about 50mm, which was quite tricky requiring complex bars because the clip-ons mounted to the forks below the top triple clamp. On the XSR900 GP, the clip-ons mount above the top triple clamp so will be much easier to find a solution. There is a limit to how high they can be raised though because, as with my R7, if you raise them too much then you start clipping the fairing on full lock. It appears that there is plenty of room on this bike to find a sweet spot though. I can assure anyone considering a bar rise modification, it is worth the trouble and so much nicer to ride.

[@fyorbane]

Velocity-Moto do an RD500 LC body kit for the standard XSR which keeps the high bars so it would be a lot more comfy for us old one's.

[@andrewdyson4255]

On your first video on this machine I was against the looks of it. I now like the looks of the bike. That said at my age my back just wouldn’t last long enough to get the best out of it. I’ll leave it to the younger riders with a younger back muscles. I’ll look on enviously. I’ll make do with your video on it and stick to my touring bikes.

[@UOO303T]

Don't know much about the bike.....but my God its a rite looker

[@rob427ford]

Best review of the GSX 8R. Thank you.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

??

[@robbieracer3294]

Either wrong video or he thinks it looks like the Suzuki lol​@@TheMissendenFlyer

[@Doughboy39]

Excellent review

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you 🙏

[@magaudion]

Great informative vid , Andy . Should have mine next week

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Congratulations and enjoy!

[@RenghisKhan]

Excellent review! Thanks a lot. I'm not gonna buy one as my first bike but I think it looks absolutely gorgeous. I see what you mean regarding the headlights but, as you mentioned, it's taste related. As it is, it gives me 'Iron Man' vibes that I could certainly live with. If I were twenty years younger, I'd buy one in a heartbeat (and learn to live with a sore bum). 😂

[@floydonwheels]

Starting riding in 1988 so the look of this is spot on for that time. Like you say they should have put double headlights on the front, would have completed the 80s/90s look. Front end is only thing that spoils this otherwise great machine 👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Totally agree.....that and the riding position (which quickly got old for me).....

[@IanSixbikes-by6ei]

I applaud Yamaha for manufacturing the XSR GP, it's a fabulous looking retro, it will appeal to those of us who had the pleasure (and pain) of owning RD LC's and TZR's back in the day, if I bought one the only two things I would change would be the exhaust and that plastic monstrosity at the back that holds the number plate, other than that it's a perfect retro.

[@NewburyNick]

There only seemed to be cons at the end, no list of pros. Great review as usual and lovely looking bike. Just need more room in the garage!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Naa not for me - nice bike but way too uncomfortable to ride alas…

[@aceofspades5786]

stunning machine, looks like a bimota

[@scobeno1911]

Your right, two round lights on the front would have looked awesome. Still a cracking bike. I have the same exhaust on my mt09, don’t know what they were thinking, even if it was silver instead of that rusty couloir would be an improvement. Trouble is it’s a one piece exhaust so have to change the whole thing which is expensive.

[@hiddendragon415]

I like the sound of the stock exhaust, not to loud and makes a nice stereo burble.

[@scobeno1911]

@@hiddendragon415 agree… just hideous looking

[@Bazza47]

I have to agree about the headlights, twin round ones would look brilliant and hark back to the FXR series of bikes from the late 80's early 90's. We are spoilt for comfort though as you can tour on a sports bike as I've done it (when I was 30 years younger) on a Fireblade through Spain and had no issues, but wouldn't want to repeat that again now! Taking the hump off would allow you to strap a roll bag to the rear seat too, but I think you'd be stuck with that screen as I can't see how the normal suspects woukd be able to provide an after market version. It does look nice though.

[@garytilley3217]

Great instruments, they don’t go all blurry above 75mph

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Makes a change that doesn’t it!

[@garryclarke-kray4071]

At first i didnt like it but i think ive changed my mind, but i do agree about the headlight, twin lights might have been better

[@canturgan]

You can get right angle air valve adapters.

[@jacobcoetzee3849]

I like the looks, but I agree with you on the headlight. One or two round lights would have been better. I would be tempted, but I would much rather have your Z900RS SE.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Me too!

[@otlndsh]

I am also very annoyed at the asymmetrical lighting. However these new bikes are so good that I made a compromise and so I find myself waiting for my 09SP.

[@bullsfan3705]

I’m too old for the bike, but it looks cool! My son will love it!

[@sevansoft]

Looking at the configurator, the Racer Pack comes with a nicer looking exhaust but it's another £2750. Interestingly it includes the lower fairing section which you've managed to get on your loan machine 🤔 It's definitely nice to look at though 😋

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

A fantastic looking bike mate that you seem to love giving the beans 😂😂😂. I know you were not around at the time “ the retro look got its looks from “ Like Wayne Rainys RZ500 of the Mid 80,s and the RZ500 road legal 2 strokes off the mid 80,s as well . I had the RZ250 2 bagger when I was 17 always wanted the 500. I reckon that’s why so MANY older riders love ❤️ this bike takes them back to a bike that they once had “ or wanted “ ☝️.

[@_AnanasIEgenJuice_]

My new 2023 MV Agusta Superveloce was delivered last Sunday. Id argue that is the perfect retro racer motorcycle. Yamaha has to go back to the table and make their bike look as good as im sure it rides.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Congratulations!

[@DatOldeBiker]

Thanks Mr. Flyer. This style of bike really "floats my boat" what a beauty! Not a good tourer eh? probably not too clever off road either lol. I didn't notice the "Iron Man" frontage until you said so maybe get a matching helmet (too much?) Unfortunately I don't have your 35" ? legs. Great riding with you as always please keep up your great work, I appreciate you. :>)

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you!

[@RealHooksy]

IMO they should’ve made the side panes and pillion seat in white or red to make it more like it does when the cowl is fitted.

[@k.o.486]

Totally Agree with the Dual Headlights! It would have been way better looking with the dual headlights.

[@steveh545]

Not my kind of bike exactly, but if i was loaded, i'd buy one just to look at. I think it's stunning, though do agree with you on the headlights (which are the opposite of retro)

[@drsous6400]

Thx mr flyer, great review 👍

[@drsous6400]

Personally I think Z900 RS is the perfect retro...man do I want one of those :)

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Very welcome

[@mastercylinder1939]

It’s got the look.

[@gdfggggg]

Bloody great review 👏🏻

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you very much!

[@MeAlexSenna]

I’ll definitely get one when they upgraded version gets to Mexico or the US

[@SmittyAZ]

Beautiful! BTW - I'm sure that I missed it, but how many riding jackets do you have in the house and out in the garage?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Enough! :-)

[@SmittyAZ]

@@TheMissendenFlyer 😂I live alone; two double closets and some tubs have about 40 years of M/C clothes. I even have a couple of unworn Air Jordan M/C jackets and if my friends returned the jackets that they borrowed...

[@stuartmoore8002]

There are quite a few luggage options on the yamaha site if you bothered to look.

[@johnharvey4333]

On the subject of lights. I get why the boys & girls at Yamaha did it, that classic race bike look (79 yzr500 & what a look) however I believe they should have saved this look for some limited edition (say XSR GP79 & another colour scheme of white background with red pattern & dark blue highlights...the GP80 "king" Kenny & finally the one your riding which would be the XSR900 Gp 60th Yr edition....covers the yamaha history for MotoGP) Normal road editions would come in a choice of colours (based of classic race liveries) but with restomod twin headlights with halo LED running lights & LED projector beams "both...ON". The only changes the bike needs is lights (in my opinion).

[@travisboam9612]

Another excellent, in depth review. Rarely does anyone discuss night riding capabilities. Sometimes you just need to ride at night and it's not the kind of thing you can determine on a test ride. It definitely is a pretty bike. Pretty nice or pretty ugly depending upon the way you look at it 🤪 The designer of the front end must have worked for DC Comics 😉

[@magicrising]

Not really in depth is it? For instance, I don't anything about the TFT, connectivity, how to lower foot pegs, cruise control, etc...

[@MS-to3gz]

Helpful vid. I just ordered one of these. Used to have the 900RS SE, Lets see if I can live witb the riding position (I found the RS actually a bit too upright for a sporty ride). Could you?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Personally no I couldn't - is a lovely bike though, hope you get on with it....

[@andrzejs6523]

In my opinion most beautiful motorcycle designed for past 3 decades .

[@aps-pictures9335]

Speed awareness course did a lot of good then 😂. Definitely needs a tail tidy and new angled valves. It’s basically Iron Man from the front in that colour!

[@davelawrence594]

I absolutely love the nostalgic hark back to the 80s/90s with this colour scheme + all the bang upto date tech but I can't get my head around the rear end + the pillion seat its absolutely useless & hideous + not a fan of the headlight & i know they have tried to make it look like Wayne Raniey's 500gp but they could have made it a bit more attractive hehe?😬😆🤮 But anyway love that they are bringing the 80s/90s Colour Scheme's back!!😃 Great review as always Andy!!👌🏻👍🏻

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Cheers!