Yamaha XSR900 First Ride Review at RevZilla.com

Yamaha XSR900 First Ride Review
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One of the hottest new bikes of 2016 in one of the most enjoyable cities in the world. Sound like fun? Yeah. Lemmy thought so too! So when Yamaha invited him out to California for a first ride review on the newly-unveiled XSR900, it was far more than just a way to escape a rainy Philadelphia Spring.
From the moment that it was simultaneously announced last November in both Milan, Italy and Los Angeles, CA, the 2016 XSR900 has captivated the hearts and minds of avid motorcyclists on multiple continents. Fast and lean, yet all-day comfortable with a signature throwback aesthetic, the XSR900 has garnered rave reviews from top to bottom since moment one. After getting his hands on the bike and putting down a quick 150 miles, Lemmy compiles his thoughts together in this Yamaha XSR900 First Ride Review.
For the full RevZilla video motorcycle review treatment, be sure to stay tuned! There is much more to come on the XSR900 when Lemmy and the team can get some more time on the bike later this year.
Gear Used in This Video:
Simpson Ghost Bandit Helmet
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Roland Sands Cassidy Jacket
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Icon Hooligan Denim Pants
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TCX X-Garage Boots
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Held SR-X Gloves
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Additional footage courtesy of: Yamaha USA and Ducati USA

[@CrazyCanadian5555]

Love your honest reviews keep up the good work.

[@ajmomoho]

Lemmy's reviews are the best on KZbin.

[@davekrukraft9281]

They should rename the company Lemzilla!

[@AmanKhan-ne3gj]

Young ADV

[@JDelta87]

Quality all over this video. You guys seem to be improving with every release 👌

[@powang4073]

The clarity and color calibration of this video is just perfect. It feels like the bike is right in front of me. Great work!

[@Deaco2000]

You guys really are setting the bar for production value on motorcycle media, keep it up!

[@DJMotoVlogs]

Great review as always Lemmy. The XSR 900 is an awesome bike and with the engine from the FZ09 you know this thing is a hoot!

[@MrJacqueslouwvermeul]

Love Lemmy's enthusiasm and general way of speaking to the public. Keep it Rocking big boy!!

[@ToastToGo]

Damn these reviews are killer.

[@cameronanderson6119]

Just picked mine up today, got a solid deal from the dealer, booyah!

[@MrBbs67]

I originally had a Honda Nighthawk 700s, then upgraded to a Kawasaki ZRX 1100 both great bikes in the Universal Japanese Motorcyle category, and no other bike has come along that has really intrigued me since.... UNTIL NOW. Great review, and spot on in terms of how this bike transcends buyer age.

[@EdissonOrtega]

My goodness, the one review I have been waiting forever! (well since it was announced)

[@giff74]

Another great review! You guys are the gold standard these days. I can't wait for the long version. I love the XSR900, it's like they took an FZ-09 and threw an old school look on it. Lemmy is right, lots of different riders should like this bike.

[@AmbassadorZim]

+giff74 thats actually exactly what they did, its the FZ09 frame and engine, just a different look and ABS/TCS

[@arjanluhar]

Always excited for one of Lemmy's reviews.

[@Vv18_._]

whether it was negative or positive for the bike, i knew it was gonna be a good review, bc Lemmy is a bigger dude. i dont wanna see 5'10, 175lb guys everytime. i wanna see big dudes and even small/short guys

[@pinkie5839]

Nice review Lemmy! As a Street Triple R owner this bike is right up my alley....and it is always nice to see a fellow big guy riding something other than a block of iron.

[@dahveed284]

Nice review and excellent video. Production values have really improved in this channel over the years. I'm really interested in this bike. Looking forward to a more exhaustive review coming this summer.

[@melsilva9158]

Nice work Lemmy! I really enjoy watching his work. He always seems so enthusiastic and unpretentious.

[@raudelhernandez4320]

So glad to see a heavy set guy like me ride these bikes; seems like every one out there doing reviews is skinny, when reality is not that. Subscribed!

[@RideByNight]

Lemmy is a champion reviewer.

[@scottpiligram18]

his review is so butterly smooth and clean..i like it!!

[@lilyuen]

Lemmy makes the review feel so uplifting. Even with his subjective opinion about styling that other people may not agree with. Lemmy would make an awesome high school teacher for mechanics or something.

[@Blindspotnj]

Killer review! I just picked up a 2016 in silver,Ive had lots of bikes but this covers all the bases for me. I also own a Triumph Bobber. I’ve ordered the 60th anniversary yellow gas tank panels, and fenders to get that color I love ,tail tidy and bar end mirrors. Thanks for a great review

[@richardedwards8648]

I'm a 40 something and I bought one of the first ones my dealer had. I love UJM bikes and I'm glad Yamaha has brought it back in a way better way than Honda did it with the CB1100. This bike hauls and is super comfortable. Love this bike and I don't mind that I have to change a few cosmetic things. I customize every bike I own anyway.

[@JustJesseOfficial]

I'm gonna be getting a permit soon and I'm super interested in this bike. It seems really stable, calm until you piss it off. I hope to see the full review later this summer.

[@CycleCruza]

Looks like a 70's bike. Imo, FZ-09 looks better. The big question: Is the suspension better than the FZ-09?

[@RevZilla]

+CycleCruza Lemmy hasn't ridden an FZ-09 yet, but Yamaha claims the XSR's suspension is different than the FZ-09's. Hopefully that means it's better. -DrewZilla

[@CycleCruza]

RevZilla Thanks for the reply!

[@hammar324]

When you said aesthetics I thought you were going to mention that the swingarm looks way too modern and out of place on a "classic bike" but that's because it was lifted straight from the FZ-09 along with the frame. But you can't really complain, that's part of the reason it's so cheap, because it's an FZ-09 with a cafe conversion kit done to it.

[@LASadvgrrl]

I really am interested in this bike..Love the Ducati and would love a scarmbler with knobbies as a fun second bike..nice job Lemmy

[@johnhalloran1234]

soo like your reviews lemmy you put your heart and soul in it and make it fun cheers from scotland

[@awesomo9262]

you make some damn entertaining reviews i really enjoyed it :)

[@the8jrfan]

Yay Lemmy!!!!

[@patstevo]

This is shot really well, love the quality. Awesome work

[@arnomaas6452]

Lemmy , your review as always is spot on !

[@planedr]

Lemmy was spot on with the demographics it's aimed at. I'm 50 and I want to trade my Street Triple in for one of these. I have my Harley for when I feel 50 and my Triumph for when I feel 20. My buddy has an MT-09(FZ-09) and being the same basic bike, except without the fueling issues. I've ridden his and an XSR and I like the XSR better. It looks better and runs better. The suspension felt the same to me.

[@seanord]

Yeah, Lemmy is pretty great. Keep the good coverage coming, nice job.

[@schlooonginator1227]

God I want this machine. As a complete motorbike noob,this appeals to me much more than the traditional "classc" bikes by Harley, Triumph and Ducati. Am I right in the assumption that the non Japanese brands have a more "cult" like loyal following within this segment? I am assuming so hearing about the abundant after market for those bikes. While I do admit the other bikes have a more authentic vintage style and a more older style too, this bike really appeals to me. Somehow I never imagined a Japanese bike ever being "classic" but looking at the older Yams and seeing this I really like the look of both and think they simply pulled it off perfectly. I mean, the thing is a beast! What bike in the vintage class could ever approach this thing even with thousands in afer market? I like sleeper muscle cars and this bike is like that, a sleeper, at first glance it looks mellow but really look and you see a wolf in sheeps clothing, love it.

[@Goshujinsama01]

still waiting on that full review :D good work guys

[@RevZilla]

Lemmy is busy putting the miles on it! -DrewZilla

[@Tware8100]

PLEASE DO A FULL DUCATI XDIAVEL REVIEW. Love Lemmy's way of reviewing bikes.

[@mikhailtessier1]

Really hope you guys will do some more videos on the xsr900! some part videos would be awesome as there aren't really any on youtube yet.

[@RicardoR5]

Man Lemmy has that thing inm him that makes people like other people, he's a nice bloke, make more videos with him

[@M3RRIH3W13]

I'm in my 50's, I loved UJM bikes. UJM's were easy to maintain, cheap, plentiful, and user friendly. This bike adds nice tech, wheels, and suspension for reasonably cheap. A lot of UJM riders are eBay masters stockpiling parts for their favorite bikes. I'm fine with 115 hp on a light naked bike. I think the manufacturer that goes full UJM at the lowest price point, will win this new segment.

[@Kaspurr84]

I'm keeping my eyes on Honda to hopefully re-launch the CB1100 with some tweaks for 2017, it was discontinued in 2014 but rumors are it's coming back. Loved that bike but the 2013 introduction showed it needed some improvement here and there. Like dual side exhaust being standard instead of an option on the 2014.. But no denying the sound and feel of an air/oil cooled inline 4 is some true heritage

[@guyowen9727]

Your videos are the best on KZbin. Thanks

[@ram1959]

always love the lemmy reviews!!!

[@karimbonneau7747]

We need a motorcycle show with Lemmy and Ryan f9!

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

Karim Bonneau From your mouth to god’s ear...

[@stevecummings3228]

As usual your review is awesome! Way better the Motorcycle.com or MotoUSA. Keep it up!

[@HoldFastFilms]

Love that exhaust! Is that standard?

[@Kaspurr84]

Yes

[@crossofintimidation]

I was thinking of getting an FZ-07, but after seeing and hearing this bike, I am reconsidering.

[@ClurieHyden]

It sounds like you guys are using a new microphone! It just doesn't sound like the Lemmy I'm use to hearing!

[@charged]

I'd actually applaud Yamaha for using parts bin turns and tails on this bike. Don't spend any development money on those parts (and pass the cost on to the customer) because those always the first parts anyone replaces and customizes on these types of bike.

[@T0BBi94]

Lemmy looked soo happy in the beginning! :D

[@Ladon68]

As soon as I get back from JRTC, this bike is mine!

[@Martijn00095]

i love the way his GoPro camera keeps disappearing and reappearing on the helmet....

[@recpro7847]

We just got ours on the floor today. Feels good, but as with the FZ10, the parts bin thing is apparent.

[@huskynu13]

Lemmy, you look so happy in this haha Please tell me you guys are going to put the new 2016 MV Agusta Brutale 800 through its paces.

[@RevZilla]

+Herling David Romero Adrianza There are a ton of bikes we'd like to review, so it's possible the MV could be among them. -DrewZilla

[@Arill0]

Looks like my Honda 919 on paper. Guess Honda was ahead of its time in 2002-2007.

[@KT-nl7rp]

Yamaha has always kept a couple retro UJM's in it's line-up. Thinking of the XJR1300

[@daithilacha1]

Biggest problem with the Honda was its bland looks and modest HP output, less even than this smaller engine Yamaha. It kind of felt like it lacked character in a typical Honda way, though it performed efficiently and was reliable. Kind of like a typical Honda product.

[@EverythingisFire]

Awesome to see you at the "Midway" there too :)

[@FuzzyScaredyCat]

The only thing I don't like on these modern interpretations of classic styled bikes is the single digital clock. I like my retros with dual clocks and I like them analogue

[@vinny6935]

This is an excellent review of this bike - thank you!

[@adammccurdy7481]

Been waiting for this one!

[@calablanca]

Good fun, but the Minion look scares me a bit. This triple is blast. Good choice

[@Motoadventurespr]

super cool review Lemmy. Thanks

[@latinleon85]

After seeing this and a bit of digging on the internet I realized that in Europe they have the xsr700 (fz07) but with that look. I want that!

[@cesarr5006]

Reminds of of a BMW R Ninety! Great bike hopefully I get to test this one...

[@JoeGo101]

I want the mt-10 why oh why do we get stuck with the bike that doesn't have that r1 sound 😒 I'm sure this bike is great but I want that mt-10

[@RevZilla]

+JoeGo101 Once dealers sell down the rest of the 2015 FZ1 models, Yamaha might bring over the MT-10 (FZ-10). Perhaps it'll arrive for 2017. -DrewZilla

[@like2dislike634]

+RevZilla can US customers import bikes from Canada? Delivery date for wildlings is in June past The Wall in The North :D

[@j.whiting7177]

Everyone loves Lemmy!

[@nominalvelocity]

I never could understand why Yamaha went all team blue a while back. Yamaha yellow and the classic speed block pattern is where it's at.

[@EverythingisFire]

You should do a review on the Yamaha-"Bolt" in the mean time, Lemmy!

[@kobayashimaru8114]

I really want this to be my next bike

[@nazhif1]

Really can't decide which I love more. The Duc Scrambler or the Yamaha. The Duc has a brilliant V twin & well it's a Duc. The Yamaha is a better bike to live with everyday & probably cheaper in the long run

[@cameronanderson6119]

+nazhif1 Yamaha, all the way.

[@ShadowPilot]

Every time I watch one of these reviews, I want a a new bike.... dammit.

[@MrAnders1976]

always great reviews.. and this dude has great on screen presence..

[@jonstallard4298]

Lemmy, good review bro!

[@nn.4410]

Would love to see Lemmy review the Yamaha Bolt XV950! He did a great review on the Sportster, the Bolt should be no problem

[@RevZilla]

Perhaps we will! -DrewZilla

[@nn.4410]

RevZilla is A-W-E-S-O-M-E !

[@jax1079]

It's for me. My wife doesn't want me to have a sport bike, I'm not in love with my Triumph Speedmaster, and I need to split the difference. And I'm partial to Cafe Racers. And I'm tall. And I want one. Now.

[@AdamSVT]

I really like this bike.. great starting point..

[@nathanielclark8725]

"you got your 20 somethings, your 40's middle aged crowd, and your 60+" im 17 and rocking a triumph sprint 1050 sport touring motorcycle baby haha

[@JefersonRV3]

It looks lighter than fz09 is it true? Can't Imagine how freaking cool will be the wheelies, riding it hard on a highway... is it good for cornering?

[@RevZilla]

+JefersonRV3 The FZ-09 is 414 lbs. wet, while the XSR900 is 430 lbs. wet. That means the XSR is heavier. As for cornering, I think you can tell that Lemmy was having a blast in the twisties. -DrewZilla

[@JefersonRV3]

Nice! Thank you! I love your reviews!!

[@AUSTIN_RIDES]

been listing over one of these although I have the retro bike before a making retro bikes were cool kawasaki zrx 1200 and I love it

[@avaritiaetsuperbia]

Hey Lemmy- how tall are you? I'm 6'3" and trying to figure out if this things worth me going into a dealership for or not.

[@RevZilla]

+Kingshuk Mukherjee Lemmy's just around 6'0" tall. At 6'3" your knees may be a bit long for the tank cutouts, but it's still worth sitting on one to see for yourself. -DrewZilla

[@StateLE55]

Yamaha certainly knocked off the ducati scrambler, just look at the gauge, the overall look, there are some goods here though, 30 extra hp, dual front brake rotors, the bad, cannot shutoff abs unless you manually remove a fuse, but i guess you could wire up a switch. I'm wondering how this would do off road with some dirt tires. Definitely fits taller bigger people, I am 5'7" and I consider the ducati scrambler a perfect fit, the XSR 900 would be a bit tall for me, also I would consider a monster 821 before i would this. Just seems an attempt by Yamaha to get into the Hipster dollars, but with 116hp = dead hipsters. XSR 900 is Definitely not a first bike to learn on.

[@gauravm90]

Fine piece of craft

[@MJT-DA]

This is awesome! now all yamaha has to do is drop their r6 give it the triple engine and make it a 680cc bike that tuned to rev high! It will be light weight, bit more torque and be skinner!

[@prashanthk9]

Hey lemmy..which one do u think will win a retro bike shootout between the new triumph street twin and yamaha xsr 900?

[@RevZilla]

+prashanthk8 Those two bikes are for two different riders. The Street Twin has less power and is ideal for newer riders. The XSR900 is a true sport bike with more power for experienced riders. -DrewZilla

[@YZFR1000]

All the cons are a plus because mods are just half the fun

[@StuHNomadBiker]

It's a modern day RD350Lc !!! Awesome !

[@derose2026]

Where has Anthony been lol.. My fav part is at the beginning when watch, decide and ride is crammed together in half a second

[@RevZilla]

+derose2026 Don't worry, Anthony's still here! (kzbin.info/www/bejne/qavMnXhspcR2o6c) As we continue to grow, you'll also see our experts Lemmy and Spurgeon assist Anthony in bringing you even more great videos detailing the best products for you and your bike. -DrewZilla

[@DesertRider760]

Hey Lemmy, How do you like that helmet?

[@WanderingBeast]

Should totally scambler it- really hoping for the 700cc tenere

[@RevZilla]

+Wandering Beast So are we! I just hope they can keep the weight down. -DrewZilla

[@robtbomba3491]

Easily- and quickly-accessible fuse box ... NOT a bad thing. Nice review, and it looks like a nice bike, especially if being a contortionist isn't required or necessary.

[@mjr4314]

Would love to see Street Twin vs. this one. Same CC, Yamaha has more HP, but Street Twin has more torque I think? Curious to see which one is seen as better.

[@RevZilla]

+Mark Rothermel The XSR900 has about 65 lb-ft of torque compared to the Street Twin's 59, but the Street Twin makes its peak torque at a low 3,200 RPM. The XSR definitely has more horsepower, as the Street Twin makes 55 HP max at 5,900 RPM compared to the XSR's roughly 115 HP. The XSR also weighs less. -DrewZilla

[@mjr4314]

+RevZilla Wow. Time to trade in my Street Twin? Actually, I really like the torque at the low RPM of the Street Twin. You never feel like you are in the wrong gear. Lighter than the Street Twin? Wow, this must be quite a bike. Interesting to not have Spurgeon review both. Nothing against Lemmy, though...

[@jace2wheel762]

it's an fz09 with a different cluster and headlight. so yamaha is trying to cash in on the same exact bike. twice. come on July.....fz (MT)10 north American release!

[@buzzluxx1042]

Great review!

[@Kodreanu23]

Great review! Thanks :)

[@mrmenan6450]

Great review :)

[@funkymunky]

Gorgeous bike.

[@ozpain1]

And this is the other bike I am looking at other than the iron 883....love this style too, but what's your opinion on this one for a first bike?

[@RevZilla]

The XSR900 is definitely not a good first bike. It has a lot of power and is better for experienced riders. I really would recommend starting on a small cruiser such as the Iron 883 or a light 300-class bike like the R3, Ninja 300, or CBR300R. -DrewZilla

[@ozpain1]

Thanks for the input! Yes, I've been hearing that this one isn't for newbs. I'll perhaps stick with the iron. It seems much slower in other videos too so most likely a better option

[@david_lauw]

Nice review

[@IcantBeTamed1]

Hi I love hardly davidsons can you do some more of those reviews

[@DustyCowdog]

How about a comparison with BMW R 9 T? Nice Video!

[@RevZilla]

+DustyCowdog Lemmy hasn't review an R nineT yet, but if he does, he'd likely compare it to the XSR900. -DrewZilla

[@starcrafttom]

who did they built if for lemmy? Me I am the 50 year old that grew up on kz 650-1000 and cb750 fours that misses a standard bike that PERFORMS. I am the guy that loves the looks ( and possible looks) of the cb1100 but cant understand why the hell they detuned it in to a sluggish cruiser. I want the tech and PERFORMANCE of a modern bike in a old school look with out being treated by the manufacture as to old to cut a corner with out hurting myself. I hope this bike preforms like a modern street bike and that kawaski takes notice. take the wc650 and shove it and give me a modern preforming kz 1000 in a look a that does not resemble a rear end collision.

[@RevZilla]

+Tom Elliott This bike is for you then. It has the retro look but is thoroughly modern in technology and performance. -DrewZilla