I spent 3000 miles aboard the Yamaha XSR900 GP | Long term test review | MCN

[@tomuxs13]

Fun fact In regards to the orangey looking red colour of the bike, there is a historical reason for it. Marlboro sponsored Yamaha race bikes and McLaren F1 cars in the 1980-90s used a more orange shade of red due to the fact that back then the film cameras, video tape and tv's struggled to display reds correctly, they would look more like burgundy or brownish in print or displayed on colour tv, to avoid such issue the Marlboro colour scheme was adjusted to the bright florescent red (borderline orange) colour as it would look exactly like the Marlboro red once it was broadcast on tv or printed, the XSR900 GP stays true to that colour.

[@markoarkaina8656]

The lower fairing really should be included as standard, not a cost extra.

[@stevenagy88]

It's called value-based pricing. If you want it, you'll get it, regardless of price.

[@Gehan01]

@@stevenagy88 maybe, but it's so cynical releasing an incomplete product that you have to add microtransactions to render whole.

[@fyorbane]

And it doesn't even look quite right with that gap.

[@DianaTheLance]

I’d be considerably less excited about the bike if it didn’t come in a half-faired option. Looks way better without the lower fairing in my opinion

[@djoldschool]

That new Hornet 1000SP will be troubling potential buyers too…

[@nicksokolis6343]

Completely different customer.

[@GC-xy2ec]

No thanks no cruise control 😂

[@laz1go286]

@@nicksokolis6343 True, but imagine for 22K You get a Hornet SP and a 900GP :)) You can do everything on the Honda, and You can go to Coffee shops and meet ups with the Yammi haha

[@KapitanPisoar1]

@@nicksokolis6343 Not really

[@fyorbane]

@@GC-xy2ec Never used to have it on bikes. I never use mine. Unless you are cruising on motorways [not my idea of fun, so I rarely do it] then it is not a must. If you are touring then get a different bike.

[@glenncaukill1320]

I bought one , after 1100 mikes I really like it , better for larger riders , I find the mirrors fine and don’t vibrate. A good looking bike , I’m happy with it , stability is top notch , sounds great too , a nice addition to any collection

[@SagarHingalAI]

Same here, I find it balanced in terms of comfort, mirrors are fine until I have to lane filter traffic. Overall, I am happy too!

[@hiddendragon415]

I'm short and it's way too much of a stretch for me. My MT09 SP is not as pretty but suits me.

[@steved2008]

Nice to see Carl doing so well, he’s a smashing lad.

[@stuartphotography1968]

Love the retro styling of this head turning Yamaha, you both have a great energy and sense of humour. Wishing a Happy New Year and continued success to all at MCN 🥂

[@simmymunchkin]

Definitely needs the full fairing doesn’t look right without it

[@rogerkay8603]

disagree, but each to their own

[@straightup1234]

Agree needs fairing but extra £600 !!!!

[@the_druid0066]

Disagree , I think its looks awesome 👌

[@laz1go286]

@@rogerkay8603 Then number of likes clearly shows that it needs the belly pan so badly..

[@Roxak]

Actually very torn… red/white -> faring, black/grey -> no fairing maybe? 🫣😅

[@SuperDubdude]

Yamaha please bring this to the USA

[@Jacob99174]

Super Dude, heard the fairing kit can be bought? Not certain 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@ericalger5003]

I agree! It won't sell here but it would be nice to see em as a option.

[@churchofbrap876]

​@@Jacob99174nah, Yamaha USA sells none of the cool accessories for these bikes like they get in Europe. Pyramid plastics offers some descent looking stuff, but not full fairing kit like GP has.

[@shershot]

isnt the kit available to purchase? first thing i would do is lose weight and exchange that exhaust

[@laz1go286]

Why don't You get one in the UK, and then ship it over the big puddle?

[@sidwallace6053]

That is with out a shadow of a doubt a thing of beauty

[@clayman1980]

If you say so. I am sure I will be in the minority here, but the design doesn't do anything for me. I have never been a fan of retro looks regardless of what the thing is. But to each their own. I am sure that CP3 is a peach to spin up.

[@andyins1]

i totally agree with you and riding one is very enjoyable too

[@Jacob99174]

The sun shines too brightly on this thing for any shadows to be cast 👍🏿

[@CU-nz9ud]

It’s too long, looks weird on the move.

[@roadbull74]

I don't like it either, I find it odd they went to so much trouble styling the front half and then just didn't bother with the rear and left the standard XSR tail unit on it.

[@abladerunner831]

Appreciate the insights gleaned from real world daily use and an ex Gp racer peppering the review with deep knowledge and historical context in Neevsy. And Congratulations Carl on your well deserved promotion mate

[@feloniousmonk5261]

1500 miles on mine and I think Carl makes some fair points here. The main thing I'd disagree on is the vibey mirrors, where I've not noticed this at all. Bear in mind though I'm coming from Ducati Supersport 950S that had utterly useless mirrors. On the sizing....I'm 5ft 9 with a bit longer torso than usual for my height and i only just fit due to the reach. It's less comfortable overall than the Ducati, and the brakes are weaker, but on everything else I think the Yamaha is better. Great bike for the road, looks amazing and that cp3 engine is a peach. Thanks for the vid!

[@ONEly-uc4et]

Thank you. Always great reviews at MCN. These long term reviews uncover so much interesting info about living with a bike. Happy new year 🎉

[@yamark02]

The exhausts, on modern bikes are horrendous. The quality of finish doesn't help. Like a, carbuncle on the underside. Triumph can't make a, exhaust that doesn't look like it's been under the sea 10 years, either

[@CU-nz9ud]

The Z900RS has a beautiful exhaust, and sounds good as well. It can be done, but most manufacturers don’t try.

[@jfro5867]

It does polish up really well, it’s stainless, requires a bit of extra tlc though with autosol and a rag.

[@yamark02]

@@jfro5867 Looked at a MT09 recently. 6 months old and the exhaust underneath made the whole bike look tatty. We put up with shoddy finish. All the crap you've to plaster over bikes to stop them corroding.

[@jfro5867]

@@yamark02 yea I know what you mean. Keeping things nice is hard work.

[@ogasi1798]

seeing them in the flesh is nothing like seeing them i video, my mind was blown when i saw it in my yammy dealer - wow what a looker , especially for folk my age who recognise the styling

[@bernardoberner4]

Imagine not liking the looks of this beauty, each to their own I guess, but I for one absolutely love it

[@CU-nz9ud]

It looks unusually long and out of proportion when you see the on track footage. Probably the reason it’s a lazy steerer and uncomfortable. It almost looks like a stretched drag bike.

[@davidivers6261]

​@@CU-nz9ud looks pretty much spot-on in the showroom though, I had a good look at one just the other day

[@dadmadforgot4050]

Lovely bike. Only bike testers think like bike testers. Most riders won’t feel any lack of agility and the stability actually more helpful if riding on the road. Also a near 1000cc bike at 205kg is not heavy.

[@Google_Does_Evil_Now]

Do the wheels look too small, or the fairings too high?

[@divexplore21]

£600 quid for the bottom fairing is an utter piss take, I’ll pass. Great review as always guys. 👍

[@skandix]

Nice review, honesty is the best policy!

[@DailyDrivenBikes_1]

The stock exhaust looks horrible on that bike.

[@subaruwrx3381]

Im 5ft 8 ... I love it ...taking the mirrors of to get it in the lounge room is a pain... the stands too short...if you ride at night you die .(.KANGAROOS )..but at least it doesn't rain every day..for fs put an akky on it...ive got an R1 too I use it for shopping

[@LowQualityPigeon]

Such an amazing bike. I hope yamaha styles their bike this way because this is what we all need. Some old design with modern features. Ahh i wish this bike was in my country, I'd have bought it no doubt.

[@WileyFox01]

Wonder if the shorter swing arm off the old XSR9 would be more appropriate for road and track, some said it was twitchy on the road when pushed.

[@laz1go286]

Fantastic bit of kit, but it desperately needs the belly pan and the GP style full exhaust system..

[@cruze86]

So perfect frame and so perfect the focal length. Loved it.

[@yahoodlums]

It's so gorgeous. The belly pan should be included as stock. A classic!

[@BajkerRajder]

Great reiew, thanks for that, I don't know if it was mentioned how tall you are, but many of the negative points you mention are related to your height. I am 180cm tall and have no issues with comfort or the mirrors either

[@SportRider3000]

The take away : not good for short riders. Change the pads and lines. Change the tires. Drop the front end slightly. Reflash the ECU and add exhaust. Stop complaining about stock bikes lol.

[@Russell_and_Rosko]

If only it had analog dials...I love pretty much everything else 🦬

[@Mason_van_Bike]

The big iPad screen really kills the retro vibe. The fake dial on the screen just feels so poseur too.

[@midlife-crysis]

There is a tumour under the bike. I think it used to be an exhaust box… 😂

[@davidwood974]

Beautiful bike, thank you for the review!

[@paulfowler6665]

Ive seen photos of this bike in colour like the old FZRs snd TZR250 and it looks amazing. Sadly these colours are not coming to the UK. As the owner of a TZR as soon as this bike was available to test ride I had one. Sadly it was really uncomfortable, the fairing didn't do much in the way of wind protection, the mirrors were useless, it looks odd with the pillion cover off, felt heavy to turn in corners, has weird long pillion pegs and has a hideous exhaust. Having said all that if the new colours do make their way to the UK id still be tempted to buy one.

[@timmythetimeisnearXRP]

If I had one of these in my garage I would be in my sleeping bag next to my baby.

[@siraff4461]

Apart from the colour being slightly off (just do it right and let it fade) the only thing I'm not keen on is that manky exhaust. It looks like its run over an old dustbin and some is still stuck underneath. Its a bike. Its highly unlikely to do high mileage and already used massively less carbon to build/recycle anyway - along with the lower damage to roads and all the rest. The difference in pollution even if every bike had zero emissions controls would be unmeasurable in the grand scheme of things so why bother?

[@TheSlagwerker]

I agree with many of the comments. I've never had a problem with removing/refitting the seat cowl. It's two allen bolts. Rear tail tidy comment is specific to the R&G brand. I've fitted the Evotech which is plug and play, easy to fit.

[@SuperbikeDesign]

great bikes

[@61greybeard]

Great review of a interesting bike also Michael and Carl are great together my favourite motorcycle journalist double act 😁👍👍

[@wakajawaka44]

I had a XSR 900 2023 and the bar end mirrors were superb! Perhaps it’s the clip on bars?

[@BladeRicsi]

This is an awesome looking bike, maybe i sign up for a test ride. Is the ABS switchable?

[@paulketchupwitheverything767]

It is absolutely a stunning bike and it's good to see a new retro sportsbike and not another adventure type machine. I've seen one XSR 900 on the road and I thought it sounded very muted, which might just be all we can expect these days. Many of the gadgets like riding modes, cruise control and sat nav don't interest me and sound like expensive things to replace or maintain. Maybe my opinion would change if I had a go with them. I still have a 2003 900cc 3 cylinder bike that I've owned since new and the performance figures of mine are similar or a bit better. My bike is also on the more stable side, more of a sports tourer and with twin headlamps. It is starting to look retro! It would be difficult to justify spending £12K on a XSR 900 just for the smiles it would give me looking at it in the garage.

[@DR-lg6xr]

21:45 and 24:27 in.... the finish quality on rear caliper and around engine and foot pegs looks atrocious on a 3.5 k mile bike

[@RuiSantosManatim]

Thought I was the only one who noticed. Kinda worrisome if to be ridden year round and not a garage queen.

[@alexhammett1212]

@@DR-lg6xr Yamaha build quality is like this. My 24 plate R1M was a lemon but not for quality issues as it happens... They took off all the electronics package and telemetry due to some new EU directives and didn't tell any customers that had ordered bikes until they were delivered. Then refused to compensate or remediate, instead offering some third party non integrated solution that wasn't covered under warranty

[@spartanx169x]

This is what happens when you leave a bike outside night after night and or riding it in the rain on a regular basis. The rear brake disk has rust on it. He has been riding a lot in the rain. Pretty sure this is in the UK, so no surprise. I have yet to find any bike that can withstand the elements for months at a time.

[@Spider_Gooch]

So excited to hear about how amazing this motorcycle is, that I can’t buy (US)

[@HughSheehy]

Garage wood? Is that the new term?

[@splodge57]

Well it is an 80's styled bike.😂

[@brianglendenning1632]

44 Teeth have used the term “Casey Boner”…

[@PolskaFairplay]

For taller riders, this bike is perfect. Super comfortable and the bar end mirrors are excellent. Prefer riding this to my MT10SP

[@DentalPark76]

Diferences between XSR900 GP and MT10SP. Why do you prefer XSR900 GP ? Thanks

[@nickrider5220]

Adjustable zero offset clipons would make it more comfortable...it's the sort of bike a few changes would make a big difference.

[@xpantz]

Really nice looking bike, I do like it. It is loaded with features but falls short in a few key areas. So close but leaves you wanting.

[@metalheartmachine]

The headlight is probably the biggest problem importing to the USA.

[@tuck7570]

Look at exhaust box half year and it looks like it's come out of a canal have yamaha use old bake beans tins to make it Yamaha saving money or not thinking about it,

[@kingamani]

Honda is even worse now

[@RobertJones-pm3zk]

Probably assume most will change it out for a real exhaust anyways

[@wakajawaka44]

The optional Akrapovic exhaust does look nice on this bike IMO. But extra 1650 pounds!

[@andysmith8031]

I reckon they know that most people are just gonna change the exhaust anyway.

[@djoldschool]

Motorcycle manufacturers are building ‘std’ and higher spec versions of their bikes in the knowledge that most people spending 10-11k will spring for another 1500-2k to have a nice exhaust, better suspension, TFT etc. It’s almost like having the additional software trial (a la KTM) and feels a little tedious. Saying that, I love this bike and will be thinking about buying one in 2025 (probably with the extras🙈).

[@tom30]

It's a crime that this bike is not available in the USA.

[@spartanx169x]

If they sold them as shown in the video, they would not be able to keep them in stock.

[@Pompomgrenade]

😮 ridiculous that we're not getting it in the US

[@odysseyxcycle]

Is 3gs long term?

[@shadowred1980]

Next years bike will have the tzr250 style colour scheme available. It was on the stand at ecmia, but very few covered it. I had a 2017 xsr900 new, the finish on parts started to look poor in less than 6 months. See the exhaust on this bike as an example.

[@RobertJones-pm3zk]

I had the 2016 XSR900 and it was always tip top until it found its way underneath a BMW SUV. Miss that bike every day

[@MrKamechan]

The exhaust looks like rubbish....but what other parts looked rough? Yamaha touts the paint and finish quality of this bike...

[@PDCRed]

The corrosion on that exhaust!

[@adiohead]

It would be the first thing to go for me.

[@alrightdave6135]

It's just discolouration, not corrosion

[@NabGer]

Love this bike and wish we could get the state side But I wish Yamaha would have made the lower fairing cover more of the engine. Make it the same length as the upper portion

[@_authentlc_]

22:32 😆 it's true.. pillion's position turns out to be 'sitting over', I felt the same on hayabusa

[@garyives1218]

Don't know. Would have to see one up close. Looks like a giant YSR50 I think, which is hilarious.

[@rogerkay8603]

I'd have one tomorrow but I'd have to sell my Velocity Moto 900LC and I'll never willingly do that. Fuel tank size is a frustration though and 100 miles before looking for a fill up can piss off your touring buddies.

[@Motorep146]

Another awesome motorcycle we can't get stateside!

[@MrKamechan]

All these videos really rub it in, too.

[@jimiangeles2784]

tbf we won't get the R1 anymore so I think you're doing alright.

[@MrKamechan]

@jimiangeles2784 the R1 is a hard core sportbike which is quite a bit more expensive. Really, it's for the track. The GP is much more streetable IMHO. And cheaper to insure.

[@jimiangeles2784]

@@MrKamechan amazingly I know what an R1 is, the point was that the US gets bikes we don't and vice versa.

[@MrKamechan]

@@jimiangeles2784 apples and oranges. Different machines. Different categories. You're not getting the R1 because they don't sell enough to make updating the emissions worthwhile. On the other hand, we're not getting the XSRGP on some Yamaha executive's whim. Comprehend the distinction?

[@alexerioeduardo2844]

Saw this at the nec show a few months ago and it was one of the highlights. So so pretty but it sounds like a bit of a let down dynamically.

[@SportsterS2021]

My mirrors are spot on I'm 6ft no movement what so ever However this is after checking the torque setting for the bar ends they were not tight

[@perpelle]

My old zx-9r -03 did 60 uk mpg (0.44-0.47 L/10km) when cruising above the speed limit on the street.

[@splodge57]

Now that was a great bike.

[@perpelle]

@splodge57 Arguably the R1 was a better sports bike but imo the kawa was better at everything else. Did loooong European trips on that thing.

[@CU-nz9ud]

Loved my 9R

[@splodge57]

The 2001 zx9r was one of the best road bikes I've ever owned. Should've kept it.

[@chubbyrayne4296]

I really wanted one until i sat on one, at 5'9 the stretch to the bars was just too far for me. Visually i want one but the MT09 fits me better.

[@cecilwilson5442]

Strange choice of head light considering some people who ride all year would have an issue,,but rest is Awesome and be happy to own one 😊,☘️☘️☘️ from Northern Ireland

[@davidmcvey7091]

Hopefully, Suzuki have a Lucky Strike equivalent in development.

[@vitalic_drms]

stock exhaust looks stupid

[@churchofbrap876]

Everybody replaces it anyway

[@cookinsdabest]

why is this not in usa???

[@adrianng986]

250cc - Green plate with white numbers

[@MuadDib74]

MCN should do a readers'/viewers' poll for how many people with bikes actually have a garage that they can admire their bike in....I feel left out every time they talk about it....!

[@paulfowler6665]

I have several bikes sadly no garage 😐

[@spartanx169x]

No way I would own a bike if I didn't have a garage to keep one in and work on it in.

[@midlife-crysis]

Would never buy one with only the half fairing. Or with the original exhaust box.

[@straightup1234]

Lower fairing £600, exhaust £1000 😢😢

[@ewganhoff]

My 2017 cb650f with 17 litre tank could have the fuel light on in under 100 miles if you were really caning it at high revs. It needed caning too because the midrange was was utter pish.

[@Kurlach]

At least if you have one you can store another motorbike between those panel gaps.

[@YouShallNotKnow-w9l]

Comparing the track performance against R1 and those 1000cc is kinda rubbish. Like....if you would feel the need to compare do so with an R6 perhaps.

[@blahblahblah3330]

Definitely DOESN'T need the lower fairing, looks great without one!

[@chrispenuliar2893]

Again, how has Yamaha North America not brought these over yet? At this rate we'll have to wait 25 years.

[@LeeTillbury]

Lovely bike, however, I think it will lose sales to the R9.

[@davidivers6261]

Disagree, different market. R9 is a proper sports bike, XSR900GP is for those of us over 45 with a nostalgia kick

[@fredvonjupiter6061]

Did a testride on this. Wanted it to be perfect. And it nearly was, but the clip-ons were a bit too far forward for me. Not too low, just too far. :-(

[@axelgerard9876]

In this video: -not as fast as a thousand cc four -brakes aren't as good as european prestige brands -manlet whinges about not being able to reach the bars -manlet whinges about not being able to wriggle around with a booster seat -manlet whinges about the passenger accomodations being taller than him Maybe you should have gotten someone more appropriately sized to the bike to test it..

[@metalheartmachine]

I hope this would herald a return to intelligent design that will stand the test of time, and leave the angular, pointy look common all across manufacturers that looks dated and frankly embarrassing to be caught riding.

[@martinburka9712]

I'm probably a total exception, but I don't know anyone else who doesn't like tail tidy as much as I do... Simply not, on any bike. Otherwise this is a great bike, except for the exhaust, its (optical) condition is terrible and a shame for Yamaha.

[@britfrog]

a marmite bike like the TRX850, i wonder if yamaha are happy with the number of sales?

[@MrKamechan]

Is it true that there are XSR gp's sitting on dealership floors unsold in Britain?

[@churchofbrap876]

It's winter

[@urbanstrencan]

Looks so good, but for me still Husqvarna Svarpilen 801 is the best bike ❤❤.

[@paulmckell7726]

Naughty gap between fairing lower and upper .Tommy Tickle

[@BIGGIEsmalls13]

Devil's advocate: the seat unit is visually unresolved, and the visual line where the lower fairing abuts the upper fairing is proportionately clumsey.

[@PRiOR.SialKOT.COMPANY]

Sir we manufacture motorcycle jacket if you allow me to show you my samples

[@MrKamechan]

This bike isn't 'stupidly expensive' but it isn't exactly cheap, either! I'm saving a decent amount of $$ because Yamaha is not selling this model in North America 👍👍👍

[@Markycarandbikestuff]

When the review started i guessed maybe about 10-11K, was surprised at 12.5K, so if you were to buy the lower fairing too (which it really needs) it'd be over 13K, like you say not cheap, i'll maybe wait a few years and get a used one.

[@MrKamechan]

@Markycarandbikestuff it needs the lower fairing and an exhaust, (-which should include an ecu flash). Also some paint protection film, and billet engine covers for me, too. A pretty penny for a bike I don't need in any practical sense. I want it because it's cool....and fast enough.

[@dorstefan]

Carl is breaking the fourth wall too much. After the introductions are made you should stop looking into the camera too often.

[@ktkace]

seat and tank is sadly more function than form, not comfortable or spacy at all imho...

[@bobbyclark7423]

Such a shame it wasnt around the 120-140bhp

[@adiohead]

Mirrors and exhaust needs changing.

[@johnschmidt1675]

I feel Yamaha has lost their way on our side of the pond. No special models of the T7 or this version of the XSR available to us.

[@christyrer9530]

The last thing I would want is everyone staring at me. Just me?

[@churchofbrap876]

Disappointed Yamaha didn't bring it to the US for 2025. Hopefully 2026??

[@jfro5867]

How much performance do we need, on the road? Sub 7 sec to 100mph. Come on guys. You can’t have everything for this money.

[@jimamizzi1]

Sounds like it’s not going to sell. Good review but why don’t you mention the engine configuration, is it a twin?

[@helgejohan3604]

Hate the full fairing😩looks much better without..

[@CU-nz9ud]

It looks too long watching the riding on track scenes…..kind of out of proportion, and build quality looks Suss. think it’s close for Yamaha, but no cigar.

[@ogofog9120]

Looks gorgeous apart from that awful exhaust

[@siraff4461]

I don;t know why but it looks very much like some of the old midi-moto's you used to be able to buy. Well ignoring scale of course.

[@jm252]

Similar power to the ZX6R and CBR600RR....... Whats the point?

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

Because people like different things? I have a 636, I'd like one of these as well.

[@jm252]

@@Bow-to-the-absurd I have a Fireblade but would like an R1 as well....lol...

[@adiohead]

CP3 character is amazing. Torque throughout the range!

[@jm252]

@@adiohead Interesting point... However my Blade is 1kg heavier than the R9 and produces 189bhp and 84.1 lb-ft.. This is why I could never go back to a triple. Dont get me wrong as I have had a few big Ducati twins so I know what torque is and I get the CP3 is not too bad. but once you have had a 1 litre sports bike its hard to downsize. I have tried and end up going back to the sportsbike! Passed my test 40 years ago and have had pretty much all the big superbikes!