Screw nostalgia - this is just a great bike: 2024 Yamaha XSR900 GP review

[@bytemegga]

I have never wanted a motorcycle more than this!

[@steveb4666]

This man Rodie does not lie. I just got one of these and it is sensational. It’s definitely for taller riders, I’m 6’5” and my long arms mean no achey wrists

[@snoopy9568]

Well done on another great vid Tim! I walked in to a dealer a few days ago with the intention of test riding an R1 to purchase, and after 20 minutes of riding it realised it wasn't the same as my once owned 2000 R1 and how stupid silly this new version would be for me and my 200km round trip commute every day, or any hope of attaining my '70's. Talk about feeling like a noob! With a tear in my eye and while looking over my shoulder at this gorgeous R1, I was steered towards the salesman's recommendations. An MT-10 (no demo available to ride), an MT-09 and a "Power Grey" XSR 900 GP. Firstly, I have to disagree with you....I was around during the heady days of wild 2 strokes during the '80's and early '90's, and simply put, I find the Legend colour scheme to be triggering memories of my friends with their RD250's, RD350's, and super scary RD500's - not a time or place I ever want to return to. For me, the Power Grey is stealthy and cool, especially with the ex-demo offered to me ($3K AUD cheaper than retail!) having a belly pan installed, smoked windscreen and tail-tidy!. I rode both 900's. Straight off the bat, I hated the MT-09 for its raked up seat-rear shoving me forward over the tank where my hands on the handlebars felt like they were almost in line with my shoulders making me feel cramped, or the airflow thumping me around at anything over 100km/h - just not me I'm afraid. However, swing a leg over the XSR, I was immediately struck by it's seat height and reach to the handle bars. This combination made the bike feel larger than it was but it was super comfortable to me - not too racy, not too touring. It performed just as you described - the boy racer in me emerged and I couldn't help but go nuts on the long and wide highways! It never felt like I was ever not in control or that it was so powerful that eyeballs would be looking out of the back of my head. I could see how this could be my daily commute, as well as a bit of a tourer, and even a fun diversion. One thing you didn't mention which contributes to the increased weight over the MT-09, but equally to the positive feeling of tractability, power delivery to the road, and slight reluctance to wheelie, is the longer swing arm. Ultimately, I'm not to sure about what amounts to be an excellent deal offered to me, as I believe I am changing my thinking towards a more touring option. What turns me off the XSR is, even though aimed at a different market sector, I'd really like the semi-active suspension. That aside, the mirrors are TRULY WOEFUL for any practical use without turning your entire head or for filtering without the danger of gouging someone's paintwork. I also don't like the auto-cancelling indicators that don't work well unless the IMU/ECU detect a 90deg turn (roundabouts confuse the crap out of it) and therefore rely on travelling 200 metres before auto cancelling. Worst of all is the ridiculous 14 litre fuel tank capacity and the commensurately short range. Therefore, after selling me with your personal purchase, I am strongly considering an MT-10SP with all the goodies and aftermarket (big) windscreen installed. However, a late contender I've stumbled across (being a Yamaha fan for years) is a full-house Kawasaki Ninja 1000/1100 SX whose full list of options is super impressive as is the 19 litre tank capacity/range, or the comparatively higher power output of 140Hp/104Kw to the XSR's 117Hp/87Kw - all within the same price ballpark in Australia. Now I've really confused myself! Thanks again!

[@IanTed]

Not suited to my 64 year old back but I am old enough to watch Rainey in his hey day and it sounds great.

[@Gramercy_Stiffs]

I test rode the XSR900 standard three times and was very close to pulling the trigger. But my thoughts were, great bike, does everything pretty well, looks a bit kooky but I kinda like that. But I couldn't commit to it, it just didn't give me much emotional pay off. After waiting to see what the GP version would be like... 100 meters down the road my face hurt I was smiling so much. It just felt special.

[@1100andFortyEight]

It’s worth checking out the Yamaha headlight fairing and seat cowl for the regular XSR900; both are available in Yamaha accessories, they give a similarly 80’s look which is styled around the XSR’s round headlight and cost £956 for both.

[@churchofbrap876]

@@1100andFortyEight I wish we could get those in the US, they look very nice 👍

[@MrMikey1703]

I got onto a GS about a year ago, but am seriously considering swapping it out for one of these bikes. The GS is great, but as much as I try not to be, I am a hoon and need a hoonish type bike.

[@PolskaFairplay]

Thanks Tim for this great review!! I paid a deposit for one in Warsaw, Poland 2 weeks ago after a test ride which I was offered by the dealer when I returned from test riding a KTM SAS. I gave this XSR GP 10/10 because it is the best sporty motorcycle I have ever ridden as a tall rider (6'4) for both comfort and excitement. I was blown away. And, even better, it arrived by surprise at the dealership yesterday!! FYI - I also bought an MT10 SP two years ago which I'm using for longer trips:)

[@Druezy]

Really love modern retro designs! They are having a laugh with that options package though!

[@barryrose4850]

My check book is quivering, I think I’ll wait for the sp in yellow speed block colours. Great vid Mr R 🍻

[@timrodierides]

Thank you!

[@thunderkraken]

I’m waiting until the end of year bike shows praying for yellow speed block livery….🙏🏻

[@benjolley4120]

The racer pack includes the tinted screen and a tail tidy, as well as the exhaust and lower fairing. All parts are available serperately too, however. Personally I'm not going to get the exhaust, it doesn't sound any different to the stock exhaust, and the replacement from Akroprovic themselves (silver rather than black) is cheaper, and has a removable cat and baffles in it too. 😉 Definitely getting the lower fairing though! I'm 46, I've got fond memories of watching GP500 bikes "back in the day" with my dad in the 80's and 90's, having a 900 will also mean I can keep up with him on his GSX-S1000GT+ 😂 I love my Triumph Speed 400, but she has no chance against him, haha. Good for a back lane blast though! Thankfully I have room for both bikes! 😂

[@fyorbane]

Great looking bike but the other colour option should have been the Sarron Gauloises blue. Lovely colour that with the gold wheels. Much nicer than boring grey/black.

[@paulmoss9131]

Apparently they're doing a Sarron Gauloises livery for the French market.

[@feloniousmonk5261]

Was hoping you'd cover this one. Mine's being delivered tomorrow :) Great review as always. Cheers!

[@timrodierides]

Oh amazing! You're going to have a lot of fun I think

[@feloniousmonk5261]

@@timrodierides I think so! Friday off work and the forecast is sunny 😀

[@yojimbo21]

A Gretzky shout out? Nice.

[@GadgetyMV]

Love it. I prefer the black and grey, though.

[@timrodierides]

Ooo! It'll certainly be the rarer one

[@glenncaukill1320]

The racer pack also comes with a tail tidy , I like the bike so much I bought one without a test ride . Nice bike , bit wristy at slow speed like all sporty bikes , brakes and handling are excellent, 55mpg . Leg room is good I'm 6 foot 1,

[@Sierra-bw4gm]

What are you talking about, the black and grey is gorgeous 😍

[@bun.touring]

This bike is awesome! Designs cool!

[@sanxi34]

I had to re-watch the first 45 seconds like 5 times before I could move on from that particular shade of blue hahahha

[@timrodierides]

@@sanxi34 😂 not my most professional intro…

[@GC-xy2ec]

Looks like the Yamaha tzr250 of the late eighties Nice review Tim. ❤

[@johndavy8801]

I used to own a MT09 Tracer & that engine is a peach- one of the best in the world of motorcycles. I’m old enough to remember and be a fan of 80’s /90’s racing & I absolutely love this bike,it’s just a shame Yamaha fitted a TFT screen as a Big round rev counter dominating your view & rectangular digital speedo would have been perfect. Just marvellous.

[@Mike_P646]

As a 52 year old with a knackered back,knees, wrists etc,etc it was too uncomfortable for me when I sat on one at the dealership, gorgeous looking bike though, I love Yamaha's range👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

[@benjolley4120]

Mike, it might be worth getting them to drop the pegs to the lower setting, I went to QBS Powersports in Maldon yesterday to try the GP, they were happy to set the pegs to the lower setting for me (my right knee has 2 bolts in it due to a titanium rod in my femur, so I don't have full range on my knee...) my back isn't great either but the bike fit me like a glove with the pegs lowered! I'm going back on Tuesday to put a deposit down! 🎉😅

[@Mike_P646]

@@benjolley4120 I bought the new mt09 mate 👍

[@chorseundgrd]

I traded in my Ducati Supersport for a S1KRR and this bike reminds me a lot of my SS. I love my S1K but I’m over the lack of comfort. This might be a good return to a comfortable street bike for me.

[@yorisalter3733]

It is a nice looking bike, i just hope they do a 90's retro design. Two circle lights, differnt back seat and some brigh colours, take my money

[@photomorti]

Its so pretty. People really think you are driving some very old bike

[@churchofbrap876]

I sorta wish Yamaha would have made it with a bit more upright riding position!!

[@dannyperfect9270]

with the pegs dropped down to the lower position, and the wind against you, it's very comfortablenot extreme at all

[@alechopkins6545]

What a stunning looking bike

[@bobritter7197]

It does rather have the sap rising just in its appearance, doesn't it? I'd feel like a bit of a poseur riding one, though, which is why I'd probably go for the naked, which I really really like. Great review, though. 😃👍✌️

[@timrodierides]

Thank you! I know what you mean...

[@christianburger25]

If this ever comes to the US it may take my money instead of the SuperSport 950S for my next bike. Will be hard to choose as that Ducati is something special.

[@bobmoshersmonsters]

I'm sure it's lovely to ride. I think we're a similar age because I'm also a bit too young to feel nostalgic about the looks. I get that feeling from 90's ducati's like the 916 and 748, as a kid I had posters of them on my wall. The bike that really got my attention growing up was when I kept seeing someone blasting around my local area on a suzuki srad, I thought it was the absolute dogs dangly bits. Whoever that was played a massive role in me becoming a biker, I also blame them for the gsxr's that have always taken a space in my stable for almost 20 years now!

[@dannyperfect9270]

Great review. It's called the Racing Pack BTW (not Legend)

[@timrodierides]

Ah thank you! The Yamaha EU website's bloomin' lied to me then!

[@markstaley5922]

Great review I do like this bike but could I live with it hmmmm pondering 👍

[@FourIntoOne]

"R" clips not split or cotter pins 👌

[@timrodierides]

Thank you! I was hoping there'd be an actual grown up to inform my ramblings haha.

[@DontPanicDear]

That looks absolutely stunning! It’s amazing how cigarettes advertising has transcended the cancer peddling brands! This, JPS and Roughroads. Any more? It had to be some of the most affecting advertising there has ever been 😱

[@RK-bl8uv]

Ollie Reed and Mollie Sugden

[@timrodierides]

Didn't know about Mollie Sugden! Used to love are you being served...

[@Rubbaboots]

It's too bad it doesn't seem like Yamaha has any plans to sell it in Canada, at least as far as i can tell. Either way, it was a great review!

[@bobbydemosthenis3385]

But how do you choose between the xsr mk2 Tracer GT+ and the XSR GP? But all 3 do a different job! Oh yes I know what to do!

[@grenphelps7455]

The one I was looking at yesterday, wasn't orange, it was a bright red, but definitely not orange... one thing though, bloody uncomfortable thing....

[@timrodierides]

It probably is red, but it's that sort of… orangey red 😂 To be honest I argue with my other half all the time about what colours are. So I'm probably colour blind…

[@benjolley4120]

​@@timrodieridesthe one I looked at yesterday was red, but some images it looks more orange-y - I wonder if the preproduction bikes had a slightly different hue? Seems a bit odd to call it legend red otherwise! 😂 Looked at the black and grey a couple of weeks ago while on holiday, got to admit I do like it, probably a bit too stealthy for our roads though when too many car drivers are SMIDSY without being even harder to see! Lol 😮🤣

[@robf1738]

@@timrodierides As you say, red with a hint of orange. It's Marlborough 'Fluorescent Red', as used on race bikes from the 80s/90s. For most that probably means the 500 GP machines - but for me it's the BMW Paris Dakar bikes...

[@bernieman4]

so unfortunate that Yamaha is not selling this bike in the USA :(

[@yojimbo21]

Dual headlights would make this a perfect bike.

[@meanlotti9452]

How have you got your bottom faring 😢

[@timrodierides]

It's a Yamaha UK press bike - is there a big backorder for them?

[@meanlotti9452]

@@timrodierides came unpainted and got recalled

[@johnhiggins2656]

bring us 2 stroke 500cc tzr please yamaha

[@timhaslum7461]

Hi tim do you think i should trade my Diavel V4 in for the XSR900GP ?

[@timrodierides]

Hell no. The XSR is utterly brilliant, but the Diavel V4 is nuts. Unless the Diavel's proving too uncomfortable for your spine!

[@timhaslum7461]

The comfort is great on the Diavel and it goes like a bat out of hell it out drags everything 😆😆😆

[@brucekendall52]

I suspect you missed out a great deal when two stroke 500 GP bikes were the rage.Cheers.

[@timrodierides]

I suspect so too!

[@James-ze3vt]

If IRON MAN doesn't ride that in the next film then yamaha have missed a trick

[@therealquaid1694]

Iron man sucks

[@Dan-56]

As an old fart, this bike is truly lust worthy! Unfortunately it’s not yet available in the US 🤨. What’s up with that Yamaha 🤔???

[@inked-96]

I have a 24 XSR900, took a GP out, and found it hellish on my wrists after a couple of hours 😂. I wasn't keen on the bulbous front end with the tiny light, I know it's a throwback.. but I'm too young to know. The silver frame and paint job is gorgeous mind. I'm sure it'll make many owners happy, and that's all that matters ❤.

[@moto_matt]

Just makes me want them to get on and make the R9 with that engine, and similar ergos, but with modern bodywork. That retro look does nothing for me. If it still has to be "retro" then circa 2006 M1 styling would be fine! 😄

[@cliveomahoney4096]

Fabulous bike. Surprisingly tall.....for me. Anachronistic - Time out of place? Sorry to nit-pick and all that, innit!?!!!

[@gerryryan2302]

I want one …almost perfect and I don’t like sports bikes ..go figure

[@davidday8692]

Needs the R1 engine.

[@timrodierides]

@@davidday8692 the engine that’s just been killed off for not meeting latest emissions regs? 😜

[@davidday8692]

@@timrodierides Yes, expanding the market for that sweet engine would maybe make it worth the investment to make it comply.

[@sivanm2130]

Ok, but why not just ride an old gixxer with Helibars

[@niospartan]

Why did they ruin the headlight. It's great besides that baby cyclops eye

[@docbrockyt]

USA is left out of the fun. :(

[@BrianMarcus-nz7cs]

That's because Trump getting lected ,,,, spoiling everyone's funny 🦕🦩🦆🤺🤺🦕🐒

[@chrishall9625]

Rediculous money with that extra fairing tho... 😮

[@jimzenglish1]

Air bukkake 😂😂😂

[@simonbeal2148]

am i really the only person who thinks it looks like a dogs dinner 🤣

[@MrDeepseadweller]

No, I’m with you, but I think we’re in the minority. I think it looks horrible

[@Pommo70]

It looks bloody hideous! That cyclops light 🤮🤮🤮

[@milantomic7048]

I'm with you but color scheme is top notch

[@shvy100]

​@Pommo70 thats not a cyclops! that's a permanent twitched eyes my xsr900 with the turn lights plus are a cyclops

[@omgitsabloodyandroid5161]

Me too. Looks like Iron Man at the front

[@helgejohan3604]

Hate the underfairing🤮looks much better without (cafe racer✊🔥)