The Yamaha XSR 900 Racer: The Sexiest AND Best Performing Modern Retro of All Time?

[@PeSV1000]

Own exactly the same bike, it's just a blast every time I'm on it. Owned about 40 bikes over 40years, including 4 other cp3's. None of those 4 come close to this one. For me atleast the ridingexperience is way, way better than the MT or the Tracer. I'm a sporty rider and this one does it all for me, and with ease. It(s the first time in all those years that I'm not looking somewhere else. Totally underrated and overlooked ! Nice review Kate, cheers !!

[@skaraborgcraft]

Not heard anyone use the word "minging" for years, thumbs up just for that.

[@scout8112]

I really like my Z900RS, but I keep looking at the XSR900.

[@SeanFisk]

I was in the same dilemma. Ended up buying the xsr900 and love it.

[@OtterMachine]

I saw this bike with the same kit at my local dealer, also blacked out, it is absolutely stunning, I would buy it if I could afford it. For now I'll stick with my 2014 MT07, one day is one day 😅

[@cromium1718]

I have the same bike, not with the racer cowl, it just has the mini cowl to tidy up the back of the dash. Absolutely love it and as you say the cockpit feels premium.

[@AjarnSpencer]

My condolences, i have ducatis and mv agustas and harleys, but also an XSR unfortunately but dont ride it after the first 300 kmh was enough to know its a piece of crap, so im back on my ducati monster, nightshift or cafe racer, or the MV agusta brutale 1090, or the harley, or even my enfields, but the yamaha xsr is in the end of my garage, because its crap

[@cromium1718]

@@AjarnSpencer🤣😂

[@landonfolken03]

​@@AjarnSpencer K

[@JohnWalshT]

I have a Blue 23’ and absolutely love it. Just installed a $15 eBay windscreen and honestly, I think it looks better than the racer kit. The racer kit to me tries to make this bike something it’s not and I’m not a fan of that. This bike is not a sport bike, it’s a a factory rat bike with incredible looks and handling and I love it for that.

[@MickH60]

For all intents and purposes, that is a sports bike . I've ridden everything for the last 45 years and it's one of the sportiest bikes I've ever ridden, and I've owned everything including GSXR1100's... Seen the new XSR900GP ? {Same bike with a fairing} Tell me that's not a sports bike...

[@JohnWalshT]

It’s a naked bike with a sports heritage style. The seating and foot position are completely different than a sports bike. I guess if that’s what you want then here you go but personally I like the naked bike look and think it fits the bike much better.

[@kalnwi2023]

It's too powerful for you, better give it to me .

[@bibekjung7404]

GOD ALMIGHTY KABIR 🙏❤

[@robertschulz6660]

Have been riding mine in black since Sep 2022 and have 12,000 km on it. Can't wait to ride her. Veery long time till the 1st of March. So enjoyable to see you like it, too!

[@Theorangeman.]

Cp3 ✅ Fuel guage❌ Performance ✅ Seat comfort ❌ Easy wheelies ✅ 250 miles is sore on the bum❌ Fun factor✅ Useable power✅ Looks✅ Miles per tank 125 maybe✅ Vibration through bars was a killer for me, changed the bar ends and that sorted it. The worst part is the fuel gauge, it has maybe 6 dashes but three of them = to half a tank. I quite often go out thinking i have a full tank and then it drops to half. Best bike I’ve had for the fun factor for sure.

[@UsernameKate]

Love this breakdown!!

[@douglasalexander4348]

You need to understand how they’ve designed the fuel gauge. The segments are not uniform, they diminish in size to match fuel. Never sure why they don’t explain this at dealerships, think Yamaha have done this from 2015. I still use trip meter out of habit as my old cbr just had a red light . Seat is a plank of wood as was my early Tracer, it keeps seat height lower but it’s crap. Fun factor should have two ticks though haha. Oh, and the blue with the yellow and blue hump and fairing looks great in real life but just ok in pics. The XSR is very divisive and annoys Daily Mail readers and Kawa rs riders. Another tick ?

[@c.g.c2067]

What have you done exactly to dampen vibrations? I have the same issues above a certain revs

[@Theorangeman.]

@@c.g.c2067 evotech performance touring bar ends. Not completely gone but 90 percent better. No more pins an needles put it that way. Ive got the gilles leavers aswell so that makes the bars lighter again.

[@Theorangeman.]

@@douglasalexander4348 ye it really does my head in. Went out for a ride wednesday. Everyone else filled up with fuel. I thought i was ok, by the time i had done 10 miles i was down to two bars

[@Bikersnod]

I’ve never given the XSR range a second thought but there’s something captivating about this Midnight Black Brute! What a menacing looking bike! Great video Kate; keep up the good work 😊

[@AjarnSpencer]

dont! I did and regretted it worst of all the bikes in my stable and i got a lot of bikes man. The XSR is plastic crap

[@kangacrew540]

​@@AjarnSpencerbut you got it? Lol.

[@CC-xu2yz]

@@AjarnSpencer That's, like, your opinion, man. They're all plastic.

[@minimumwrist3546]

@@AjarnSpencerhuh? What year xsr? I have a bunch of bikes and I pick my mt09 over all of them every time. Bikes: rc51, triumph speed triple 1200rr, cb1000rr BE, 390 Duke, 450nk

[@daddio1954]

With Kate riding, it’s like”bike? What bike?” And her accent, sets her aside as even more of a refreshing change. Good Lord. Oh, and nice Yamaha. Just got a T7.

[@UsernameKate]

I appreciate you! 😊 I'm sure you'll love the T7!

[@death2pc]

Exceptional cinematic (and music accompaniment) lead in, time mark 0:34 - 1:38 ....... Beyond words. Muchos thankos. Be safe. Those eternal wet conditions....... Best wishes for a good 2024.

[@churchofbrap876]

Best looking Yamaha in years! And love that triple!

[@rnor3146]

Hello! Many thanks for these journey with you and the XSR900 Racer. This bike has a particular look, sure, modern and retro, that will not please everybody, and sure a certain mood with the 3cyl!!! I appreciate that mix, the sound, and the Yamaha Quality. Have a great continuation, and see you. 😉👍👍👍👌

[@New-age665]

This video is an inspiration to me today. Keep up the good work. May today be a better day than yesterday.👍

[@grumpyrse]

and may tomorrow be a better day than today 🤞

[@tifoutan9743]

okay. You've got yourself a new subscriber . Nice work! (just seen your other video on the same bike)

[@UsernameKate]

Thank you so much!! There is a lot of variety on the channel, 2 vlogs a week so if something isn't to your taste, hopefully the next one will 😊

[@josevi5835]

I own the first gen model in grey and red. Absolutely stunning bike. A real neo retro superbike in terms of engine response, brakes and stability. Running costs are reasonable considering the type of bike that is and the smiles that it provides. I would enhance how nimble and light it is. Love it!

[@MikerWales]

Absolutely love, love, love my black XSR900. It's the first bike I've had that I haven't put a lifespan on (in terms of trying something else). I've fitted heated grips, a tail tidy and crash bungs, and thought I didn't want to add anything else, but the race kit does look great. Totally agree about the steering lock - the only negative thing personally for me about the bike - but then, maybe I notice it once every 3 or 4 rides, so not a huge thing. Oh, and for me, range is typically 150 miles.

[@SigmaJAD]

Interesting comment about lifespan. Me too. I usually keep bikes for 2 years but this one has so many bases covered and the options how you can make it look, makes me think it will be more of a long termer. Came from a Street triple RS. Thought about new model but once I rode this - no contest. Way more character and guts where I want it. What an engine. Looks amazing (in my opinion) too

[@DavidHughes-p3x]

It’s been ages since I’ve watched a review of the XSR 900, it’s such an underrated Bike, yet all the reviews were letting people know what a great bike it is. Great review Kate, I’m glad it’s well thought of throughout the motorcycle media that ride enough bikes to know what’s good and what’s not.

[@AjarnSpencer]

try an MV Agusta Brutale and then comment again

[@amococ2487]

​@AjarnSpencer We get it. You don't like the XSR. But to say the Brutale is better 😂😂 Snatchy throttle, unreliable, way over priced. In fact, due to the price, why would you compare them?

[@dumptrump3788]

I have the very closely related Tracer 9gt & it I have to agree that it is a fantastic combination of frame, suspension, engine & tech & all of this at a very attractive price.

[@bun.touring]

This bike is a crazy good bike! One of the best!

[@creedm3040]

Awesome video! I do like that bike. That is a wonderful engine as well. It is a head turner! Best!

[@Trevster65]

Seriously underrated, motor is a peach.

[@bikesenginespedalsstuff2361]

Have the same bike with the kit and love it. 140-150 miles on a tank on a run, 125-130 a day in wales. So right about the seat and lock but the most annoying is the factory heated grip control through the thumb wheel on the right.

[@UsernameKate]

Ah!! Interesting, I couldn't comment on that as this one doesn't have the heated grips fitted :)

[@stuarthall8105]

Fantastic presentation, very insightful review and you are a natural on camera…. Hope you make mainstream soon

[@UsernameKate]

Stuart 😊 that's too kind!

[@jimjones6106]

There is no mainstream this is it 😊 🙄👍

[@JJPelszynski]

Awesome to finally see fresh XSR content! Leave it to Kate to bring the goods 😎 Such an incredible bike!! Lucky to have gotten mine when I did.. still extremely hard to find here in the US apparently.

[@churchofbrap876]

My dealer finally got 2 of the blue ones just recently. Anybody know how we can get this fairing and seat cowl in the US??

[@mandalore024]

@@churchofbrap876 From what I’ve learned, neither are available in the US at this time. You’d have to source one from overseas.

[@waynep4256]

I'm surprised you haven't treated your self to one. 😊 cracking vid yet again. 👍😊

[@knifetoucher]

That cowl really transforms the bike. It took it from a 7/10 in aesthetics to a 10/10 imo

[@mikepilling7989]

Very reminiscent of the TRX850 looks wise. thanks for the review Kate, it has rekindled my excitement for my TRX, but not for the Trough ofBowland in the winter 😊

[@robertchapman6795]

As a former TRX owner, the black tank, like Kate is riding here made me think TRX. But also the design theory behind the bike is similar. Good observation. The TRX was MUCH greater than the sum of it’s parts!

[@BhupendraKatara-l8k]

Beautiful videos 😍♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🔥🔥🔥🔥👏👏👏👌👌👌👌👌👌👌🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄⛄⛄ merry Christmas

[@UsernameKate]

Thank you very much

[@Hellothere-xc5ph]

Getting my 2024 XSR900 in March this year. Been waiting for it since January last year seeing as I’ve been on my A2 and haven’t been able to get it until this year. Can’t wait 💯

[@mandalore024]

Great review! I agree on all points. I’m really enjoying my XSR; even more than I did my R6.

[@NorthEastFPV]

Nice to see this bike review , I have the same bike with the extra seat cowl and fairing getting delivered on the 8th of jan ,,,,looking forward to getting out on the sexy machine ... Great review 👍👍

[@simondemetriou7750]

The headlight fairing and seat cowl finish the bike off a treat! I really like the black, but I had a 1988 TZR250 back in the day in that Gauloises blue and gold so the nostalgia of the other scheme is off the charts for me! I need a fun bike for weekend touring duty so I’ll have to stick with my not quite as sexy Tracer 9 tho 😂

[@mandalore024]

I fell in love with the blue and gold at first sight. Even more so when I saw it in person. When the sunlight hits it, I get all kinds of hot and bothered. 😂

[@gw2891]

Love it especially in those Marlboro colours.

[@simonwait3664]

I purchased my first little XSR125 from Paddock Motorcycles. Really good people, decent service and would highly recommend. Great content as always Kate 👍🏻

[@Brettmotorcycles]

I wish they would sell the 125 in the states …all 125s do well here ugh

[@TonyChance-xq5vg]

Love the way it looks with that mini fairing and in black

[@WinternSpring]

Beautiful motorbike! Wish I had one just like this in the states.

[@m000gles]

I ride approx. 230 kms (kilometres, divide by 1.6 for miles) on a full tank. I think the looks are marmite, but I love marmite. However, it’s the whole package, the riding position, the stability in turns, the pitbull of a motor, the brakes and the tech, that make this a real treat to ride. I just wish the TFT was something more to look at, but shouldn’t I be looking at the road? Great review Ms Kate!

[@DaBinChe]

can't wait till this comes state side, really want a GP

[@frankvanleeuwen2943]

Love the GT version...back in the day i had an TRX 850...

[@markfranks1329]

A fabulous bike that no one here in the UK back then would touch with a barge pole because of it's strange engine configuration.(270° crank). Now? You can't move because of them. Everyone's, 'Oooh, Ahhh! Just love that 270 crank!'🤦‍♂️

[@SigmaJAD]

Thought about this kit. But going for S2 Concept clip ons and seat cowl instead. I like the minimal look with drop bsrs

[@mandalore024]

I’m going for the S2 cowl also. It seems to “stretch” the lines of that back seat a bit so it looks more streamlined and less blocky.

[@SigmaJAD]

@@mandalore024 I also like the look of it better than the official

[@gordonwallin2368]

Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.

[@UsernameKate]

🥰🥰

[@joelfigueroa1309]

one of the only things I'm jealous of the british for is their selection in bikes.

[@UsernameKate]

We are lucky in that respect!

[@amococ2487]

Not our food? 🤔

[@AndySmith4501]

A great ladies bike. Easy going, small and light. No need for hubby to park it up for you.

[@UsernameKate]

So which colour did you get?

[@AdamT1983]

Hi again Mr Misogyny wave 👋.

[@AndySmith4501]

@@AdamT1983 Not at all. There are men's bikes and women's bikes. Women can't handle high performance machinery. This is just fact. How many ladies have you seen on the racing podiums collecting their winners medals.

[@AdamT1983]

You strike me as a man with an issue with his own masculinity? Did mummy not love you as a child? Did this make you dislike women? I know plenty of very capable women riders who run rings around many blokes. Regardless stop being a tit and go watch naked mud wrestling to feel manly 💪

[@Theorangeman.]

I think someone got his arse beat by a bird on a bike and ever since hes on one, what a wet wipe

[@veeken777]

I tested on the same day 3bikes. XSR900 , MT09sp , Ducati Scrambler Icon. For practical everyday commuting I chose the Scrambler. XSR900 was too harsh on comfort, MT09SP was too loud n thirsty, and the Duke was slower, but boy what a nimble torque monster it is.

[@andyjota8906]

My family is from Garstang and my Grandad used to take me all round there when I where a likle Lancashire lad my uncle had a house in Scorton Trough Rd and Harris end is where all their ashes are scattered I must get back up there lovely video

[@stephensmith6599]

Sweet ride.

[@wylyecoyote]

That’s o lovely bike Kate, that GP looks so good though, that would be the one for me 😍

[@juans3728]

Were you at the WDC in London on the second day?

[@UsernameKate]

WDC? What's that's sorry?

[@paulbudford]

Love the looks. 👌

[@Volksplane1]

Just bought one after your video Kate.

[@UsernameKate]

Do you love it?!.

[@Volksplane1]

Good choice thanks Kate..You can choose me next one. Ha! @@UsernameKate

[@miguelcosta530]

I really like this kit but for me I would have to set it in red and white which are the new colors for 2024 thanks for sharing

[@UsernameKate]

I saw those colours yesterday on the website and was already thinking about it with this kit on !!

[@miguelcosta530]

@@UsernameKate I'm also in love I was very happy when I saw your video because I thought the kitt was only for the Japanese market, thank you Kate

[@martinehulme8743]

Love it, really nice, shall go have a sit on one... Fab ride, happy new year 🎉

[@stevecade857]

The XSR with a Velocity Moto RD500 kit on it is the the one.

[@UsernameKate]

Oooh thats a lovely kit!!

[@nicholasjarrold8649]

Hi Kate I think I’d prefer the mt09 to myself but I do agree with black and red hints go well and even white mixed in I also like a white bike with hints of black and red like the new r1 has I believe correct me if I’m wrong and I can imagine what it’s like having to piss around with cameras and drones while making these videos I appreciate the hard work you all do last thing don’t know if you remember I was a Ktm rider and I’ve now changed both for a triumph rocket 3gt 2023 chrome edition some of that is down to your videos whe you 3 girls tested them great videos as always keep up the good work ride safe take care 👍👋

[@SigmaJAD]

The only thing I find a bit annoying is the screen menu wheel control. But, rarely have to use it so ....

[@UsernameKate]

I find that a general Yamaha thing haha

[@chrissbanks6931]

Kompliment für dieses Video. Es ist auch eine schöne Maschine. In schwarz richtig top. Super Teil für die Landstraße. Die Fahrerin passt auch gut dazu. Mit Packtasche kann man auch auf Reisen gehen. Grüße aus Germany.

[@UsernameKate]

Vielen Dank für Ihren Kommentar. Ich freue mich, dass dir das Motorrad und das Video gefallen :)

[@diegofenner1333]

my dream bike, just raw, without the race kit esthetics. Unfortunately Yamaha does not sell it in Brasil.

[@UsernameKate]

Boo!

[@NicTheRip]

Damm that is a sexy bike. Great video!

[@Chrisuk-xg6tz]

My bike turns heads,and stomachs,Its a 1st gen ktm gt...I love it,and it loves me!...❤

[@crocksontherocksify]

I had a 2016 Kenny Roberts yellow Xsr for a cpl years and loved her.. Biggest mistake of all the bikes I've had was selling her.😢 Great vlog Kate. Not sure on the looks of this one but agree the most fun bike you'll get.. Happy New year x

[@mikep.9371]

Nice to see that you didn't need studded tires front 'n back to get a test ride in. Old fart around here likes to try to ride every month but had another 8 inches of snow fall.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

what windshield is this ?? nice cover on the tft ! nice to see a 2 up riding review. . need that fairing for sure !

[@adiohead]

Looks much better with the racer kit. I do like the GP with the lower fairing. Wish they'd bring back the garage metal colour from the original.

[@jfro5867]

I like it, a lot. Just bought one. Nuff said.

[@charlieb3497]

You’re a class act Kate 🤙 love the XSR 900 but my black Triumph Speed Triple is keeper 😎 ps Kate the Trough of Bowland is a secret 🤫

[@teampunisherairsoftuk3748]

Subscribed, love the bike, hate the kit added, but following to see review on the new Suzuki R. Great film, well made, good review.

[@tomtilley3162]

that bike looks like it came from the film mad max lol looks awsome. great video as usual

[@davideccles1617]

I’ve had three Tracer 900 it is a cracking engine 😊

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

can you add handlebar risers with the slight angle on the frame ?

[@KennethSwaby-j9d]

Cool review, Kate. 👏👏👏

[@HalfdeadRider]

The first gen XSR 900's were nice looking bikes, more recent versions not so much, this isn't for me either but is an obvious improvement.

[@anxiousappliance]

IMO This version is a beauty with or without the fairing.

[@beverleynorth4914]

How much buffeting does the front fairing take off? Chest? Head?

[@stuartvorster4911]

Thats like a Porche 911, so ugly it is actually Beautiful, so my kind of design & bike. When i look at it, it immediately takes me back to Bike mag in the late 70's so that must be a good thing. Thanks, you caught my attention with that & revved my nostalgia strings for a moment. You do a really good review. Thank you! Cape Town, South Africa

[@UsernameKate]

Thanks Stuart! Glad you enjoyed it! Happy new year 🎉

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

excellent review; great bike. So many options that i can't justify paying $4,000 more for a triumhp tiger gt pro, for a few more options.

[@Fonseca.M]

Still yet to test ride the XSR900, after this video I think I'm heading to Yamaha to grab the keys and hit the roads! 😃

[@caseycooper8631]

Really like the jacket you're wearing in this video 😊 what brand is it?

[@UsernameKate]

It's an engine hawk ladies jacket but I wouldn't recommend it because although it looks amazing, I have to tape up the bottom zip everytime I ride or else it scratches the hell outta tanks unfortunately!!

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

any issues with that small roller wheeel for tft page turning ? Its does not look robust !

[@robertschulz6660]

It is absolutely robust, but it is not really user-friendly. Honestly, I hate it. Joystick would be so much more comfortable.

[@SeanFisk]

Does the cafe fairing add any wind protection? Thanks

[@Rojalita21]

Got the fairing for mine as soon as became available. For me, better looking than the MT-09. Brave to go out in those conditions on S22s 😊

[@UsernameKate]

The vlogging grind don't stoppp! Had no moments thankfully but I just wobbled round.

[@artiehall7708]

What music is that, starting around the 35 sec mark? (Nice vid, BTW.)

[@dwahnaslowdown8887]

The kit transforms the appearance. I wouldn't give it a second glance before. BTW, I clicked on the link to Paddock; the page opens and I can see the images but it's like there's a gray overlay and nothing is clickable. Edit: I briefly saw words at the bottom which said something like, "waiting for skukacalculator" ??? Something Paddock's website is trying to do that my browser won't allow perhaps.

[@UsernameKate]

Looks lovely doesn't it!! And thank you, I'll take a look at it ASAP 😊

[@UsernameKate]

Ahh, I think that might be the case as I've tried it on my desktop and Mike's phone and it opens there 👍

[@SgtDuster]

I rode the XSR when it came out during a Yamaha test ride day. The one with the retro, round cluster. IIRC, I felt cramped on it (I'm only 5' 9") back then, did they change the ergonomics on this version a little bit?

[@MercilessGuitar151]

The Z900 cafe still looks better, but this is an improvement though.

[@faizjimjali8031]

So nice, I might interested this xsr. how can I contact to know details about this bike?

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

the display shows gear, speed , rpm in big letters. and a small gass guage ?

[@TerribleUsernameAmirite]

Think you can also get Ohlins shocks on these as a factory option, hope you’ll get to review one with those fitted

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

they should have allot more room for keyrings so not to scratch the tanks etc. Perhaps a 3rd party cup area ??

[@justmejohn773]

I'll never be able to say build quality again crocodile, from now on it is put togetherness. 😃🐊

[@UsernameKate]

🤣🤣

[@peteh9173]

Great review, thanks. What heated kit are you using? Cheers

[@UsernameKate]

Hey Pete, I'm using Keis this winter. So far, it's very good! (not on their payroll btw!)

[@marcbrasse747]

Mike’s was right in his Christmas messages. Todays Yamaha’s are also not my thing in the looks department. I’d sooner go for the Street Triple. Yamaha know it and trie to tempt me with the GP. I’ve always loved the half fairing theme so they are slowly getting there but if a low capacity Street Triple would get the RR half fairing? Sheesh!

[@yamaharider8014]

When Yamaha changed the XSR900 seat from a relatively flat style to the current one, I lost interest. Some have said that the padding is thin as well. The XSR700 has a flat seat but no cruise control😒....😺

[@haxan6663]

Looks a lot better than the standard.

[@JJPelszynski]

I usually try and fill up at 110 miles and the light will come on at about 120mi. I’ve gone another 20 miles beyond that.

[@DaveVaughan2004]

That’s a smart looking machine. It looks great in the black 👌

[@DarnellLedsingerII]

How would you compare the XSR900 to the thruxton rs? Which do you prefer?

[@DrJSkellington]

Thanks for the review! I own one as well and I can confirm everything you said. How's the racer cowl changing the wind blast? Does it actually deflect some wind?

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

no suspension modes to dial in ? i know it has all else you could want !

[@formernorcal2530]

Like black, love blue

[@anthonypowell3186]

Great video Kate but you didn’t mention whether the racer kit offers any wind protection which I personally was interested to know. Any improvement vs the naked?

[@UsernameKate]

Makes a difference on the motorway imo but you don't really notice it elsewhere.

[@churchofbrap876]

If it's anything like the fairing on the Kawi Z900RS Cafe, it puts the wind right at your helmet. I installed an MRA windscreen on mine that deflects the wind up a bit.