Yamaha XSR900 GP takes on Donington Park | MCN track test

#yamaha #xsr900gp #trackday
Road Tester, Carl Stevens takes Yamaha's popular XSR900 GP for a spin around Donington Park GP circuit, to find out if the modern retro sportsbike can cut it on track.
Read the bike review here: www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-r...
*INSURANCE QUOTE: 2024 Yamaha XSR900 GP valued at £12,500 and with Bike Trac fitted.
Based on a 56-year-old male engineer, married, licence held for 9 years, 8 years NCB, no claims or convictions, for social, domestic and pleasure use. Bike has a tracker fitted and is garaged with postcode WA10 3JN and annual mileage of 5000 miles.
We'd love to hear your views so get them down in the comment section!
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[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Is this your favourite new sportsbike for 2024? Tell us below 👇

[@magellanicspaceclouds]

It would be a tough choice between this and the R9, but I still don't know if either one is coming stateside.

[@andydavis3668]

Finally, a manufacturer who has realised that chasing numbers is no longer what mainstream riders need or want. Someone here has had the balls to make motorcycling fun again.

[@QuackLoud]

I want this "Gentleman's Sportsbike"! Please import it to the USA. 117 bhp is perfect for us "Gentlemen" whose track days are a little milder now. Just putting this in the garage so I can stare at it would be worth it!

[@brianrainey2739]

....and Canada.

[@snakerb]

Right?! I’m sad that this isn’t coming to the US (or so they say).

[@jirihorsky9600]

Huh, thought it was a worldwide launch, so America gets the short end of the stick again. On one hand, I feel for you. On the other, BWAHAHAHAHA (evil laughter).

[@derekcharlesgrey]

@@snakerbit’s said it will come in 2025

[@ganuvien]

Yeah i've been waiting for this or the R9 to come to US. I missed my 2016 XSR900 and loved the CP3 because to me it's the ultimate street motor with not too much or too little. But I do want fairings for wind protection and sportier ergos for fun riding/track.

[@Secularworld60]

There must have been a few fatalities at that track , ghosts seem to be walking constantly through those doors behind you

[@Poorlybobsdad]

They should do a blue and yellow Gauloise one too 👍🏻

[@magaudion]

Yup. Picked mine up this week. Bloody love it

[@etdbsub0]

Congratulations!! And for clarification, what about the color, it’s orange or red?

[@LambChopRides]

Love this bike, reminds me I really need to borrow one on the UK roads

[@dannyperfect9270]

Flitwick motorcycles in Bedfordshire have a demo bike

[@BRMCaptChaos]

Saw and sat on one last week. I really like it! Great package for the road and odd track day. Looks great in those colours, transforms it from grey. I hope they sell well, more of these, less 200bhp road bikes and the market could react favourably.

[@magellanicspaceclouds]

One of the best looking bikes of our generation. 😍

[@innomoto]

Woohoo, finally the XSR900 GP gets its moment in the spotlight at Donington! 🌞🏁 It's like watching a retired rockstar take the stage again and still rocking it! Loving the 80s vibe-Yamaha really nailed it. Can't wait to see what they cook up with the R9. Keep these videos coming, MCN! 😄

[@seanys]

I already want one. I’m too old and stiff to ride it, but I still want one.

[@doug3011]

I love this bike ..great vid guys

[@creedm3040]

Awesome video! Very well done. Beautiful bike for sure. Best!

[@buster8847]

This so much better with a belly pan than the open engine at bottom

[@susanboucher2116]

Thank God they’ve got rid of the lethal over banding that made track days so terrifying!

[@TheHkluivert]

What is over banding 🧐?

[@susanboucher2116]

Cheap rubber sealant to cover cracks in the tarmac! Totally lethal in the wet!

[@LowQualityPigeon]

This bike has been added to my dream bike list. Even tho it may never be released in my country but still a man can always dream.

[@richguest66]

I was there on my gsxr1100, remember racing a nsr400 all the way home through traffic. Couldn’t believe how quick that Honda was

[@churchofbrap876]

If Yamaha doesn't bring it to the US, I'm Tempted to build my own with the Velocity Moto kit! Would be more comfortable with the standard upright bars.

[@somatyk]

Looks so good. Great review. And subtitles rejoice🙏

[@jimmybh]

Saw one in the flesh for the first time just the other day, wow, it sure is a head turner, and felt comfortable for my 49 year old frame! Be great to see this tested alongside the Ducati 950 Super Sport - I guess it's closest rival as a comfortable sports bike, but isn't a sports tourer! (not far off price wise either compared to the Ducati by the time you have used Yamaha's configurator to spec one up + exhaust)

[@ihorvorontsov7938]

Extra like for the top of that shark helmet❤

[@LordTakkun86]

Since we never going to get this bike in Malaysia. I can only wait for the R9, if it ever come out.

[@iodineclip]

never loose hope !

[@TheHkluivert]

Would this be competition for the Ducati Supersport 950 S?

[@tonyw3250]

This would look nice in my shed, sat along with my Yamaha RD350LC

[@dannyperfect9270]

you lucky git

[@trackdaybob]

I've ordered one. 20th July 😊

[@steveb4666]

Me too - 19th July…. Salivating

[@grahamsmith2022]

When they make a 500cc V4 two stroke version I'll be interested.

[@ScarletReflections]

Never going to happen

[@grahamsmith2022]

@@ScarletReflections sad but true.

[@JasonPRitchie]

2 stroke 500 would put this bike to shame.

[@grahamsmith2022]

@@JasonPRitchie and then some.

[@JustBadly]

Yamaha are pulling the R1 (4 cyl) from the EU market because of emissions crap. This is the replacement. Neeves said the paint scheme was a great reason to ride it -- couldnt be any other reason!

[@ishamkader2696]

Yamaha always “Originally Yamaha”💖👍🙏🏽

[@thetonetosser]

Those sliding doors need a bit of maintenance.

[@dannyperfect9270]

The rear cowl on your bike isn't fitted properly. The lugs aren't located correctly, the diagonal line on the side panel should line up exactly. This will damage the sides as-is. Lovely bike, just bought one

[@mickl8212]

The R9 needs to be the triple engine in the R6 chassis.

[@kaysix4838]

Ah looks class,love to see a pepsi Suzuki along side 👌

[@davroshalfbeard8368]

Great looking bike bit pedestrian for my self😂but they well sell shed loads am sure .

[@flatcapcaferacer]

I love the looks of it. It sounds like both of you were impressed by it until you talk about the brakes, suspension, tires and power at least on the track. I think it would be better used on street which is fine with me.

[@kluthage421]

Short shifting the heck outta that thing on track. Rev it out to ~10,500

[@claesnorell8702]

Great looking bike. Could suit me well. One question about the video though… Why do people think the R9 will be based on the same platform? Surely the R9 will replace the R1 and be much more hardcore than the XSR900GP? Does the mythical R9 even get a triple? Does anyone actually know?

[@dannyperfect9270]

people keep saying...'can't wait for the R9'...it'll just be an uncomfortable full on sport bike but without the blistering speed

[@dizzicz]

@@dannyperfect9270 people just don't understand that engine volume has to go up, to meet emission standards. Trying to compare R9 (middle weight) to R1 (superbike) is just stupid. Clearly Yamaha will introduce another engine to match R1. Something around 1200-1300ccm. Anyone can see that with brands like KTM and Ducati.

[@paulred158]

Minor niggle Slightly weird colour grading. Neevsey looks jaundiced and the lovely yammie looks more KTM. Great content though.

[@thecornishbiker9323]

Like this but Really want the r9 in Marlboro colours. Was at that gp too neevsey we all thought nial was gona win.

[@PEZ1514]

The cp3 engine would make a horrible sportsbike. Please people need to stop

[@thecornishbiker9323]

@@PEZ1514 its never gona be a s1000rr but 120bhp in a r1 lookalike bike with a touch of comfort would sell i think. Ad some nostalgia in the paintwork and bingo

[@PEZ1514]

@thecornishbiker9323 my comment has nothing to do with horsepower. Have you ridden an mt09 have you ridden track? The throttle of the cp3 is horrible for track riding.

[@conorallen100]

​@@PEZ1514you know they could put a different throttle tube on it or tune it's fueling different

[@thecornishbiker9323]

@@PEZ1514 i had an mt10sp and i get what you mean about the throttle. Had mine remapped and it cured alot of the issues. But hopefully yamaha work on getting the fueling perfect on the r9 as it will be used in the race bikes from 2025 .

[@pokie6087]

Finally, Yamaha go back to building hardcore bikes

[@stesrad]

probably drop the yolks probably 3 to 5 mm to start ?

[@slipknot5037]

Probably 😂

[@michalewinski9005]

I can’t believe Yamaha is still pushing those old shitty brakes. Especially at that price. P.S. good job Carl, very decent review.

[@dizzicz]

Aren't these brakes same like on R6? They are doing pretty well in SSP and other competitions...

[@michalewinski9005]

@@dizzicz they were pretty decent until abs was added. Old, complicated unit. After cancelling abs, putting in an emulator, braided lines and racing pads they are usable. Like oem Brembos on most modern motorcycles out of the box. Too much hassle.

[@dizzicz]

@@michalewinski9005 I don't know. IMHO 99% of brakes assessment from people, is about braking pads characteristics. Just put there anything what bites and people are blown away, and it doesn't matter how usable that is for riding. And I'm not even counting suspension role for the braking (in this review they at least adjusted it little bit)

[@susanboucher2116]

Where’s the Akrapovic?

[@splodge5714]

So where's the road test?🥱

[@girishs1755]

tourers have now overflowed onto the track now i suppose

[@kaw7513]

I wonder how it compares with new CBR600RR on track🤔🤔

[@Terraceview]

It will get completely destroyed by the CBR.

[@ericalger5003]

I think Yamaha should bring it to the USA market and see if it sells. My gut says it would be a flop but who knows. It's a good looking bike but performance wise it seems it might be a bit boring.

[@churchofbrap876]

Trust me, these bikes are anything but boring. I have the previous version, with Graves exhaust, ECU tune and filter. It's an amazing engine and one of my all time favorites.

[@ericalger5003]

@churchofbrap876 I have a 2021 Ninja 1000SX, and some would say IT is boring 😴. I am too old, broken up, and arthritic for a new ZX10R.

[@future62]

I want an R9.... just put this engine in an R6 and drop the price a bit

[@fizzy49cc]

7.5/10 solid effort Sat on one recently & liked it straight away (comfy for ageing fatties who still like sports bikes -ME). It reminded me of a mid 80's GPX600/750 (surprise, surprise) you could probably tour on it. I (mostly) like the looks. Very brave of Yamaha & sorely needed as an alternative to current minging sports bikes. Except. (deep breath) The tailpiece looks odd/tacked on/unfinished/ my mates streetfighter etc. The belly pan/fairing panel gap is laughable, perhaps they are going for the "I binned it qualifying for pole" look. Also I've never gelled with the MT09 engine & actually prefer the MT07. Although admittedly only after a 1hr test ride on each bike. So for me I'd like a 750/800 R7 (R8? not a Renault) with the riding position & headlamp from the GP. In Lucky Strike colours (oops). C'mon Suzuki where's GSX8-Schwantz (see what I did there) or even a Randy Monster rep. (tenuous I know) Randy Elefant just sounds wrong.

[@chrisbellamy2927]

i think its a sheep in wolfs clothing. the fact it was holding all the bikes up behind him says this is the case , r.i.p fzr exup.

[@trackdaybob]

Like any trackday, it says more about the rider than the bike.

[@dannyperfect9270]

@@trackdaybob It was Neeves overtaking

[@rafaperez6849]

Subtítulos spain

[@paulfowler7618]

Rode on on the road and found it really uncomfortable and the fairing didn't offer much to protect me from the wind. 🤔

[@mojomania101]

So it's not fast enough to be a sports bike. Just looking the part. What we'd call a cafe racer then.

[@dannyperfect9270]

Isn't 156 mph enough for the road... 0-60 3.4 secs? This is what people want....litre bikes are just too much nowadays for most people

[@KB-yj5xp]

I just don't like the headlight, wish it had 2 round lights instead, but looks like an awesome bike.b

[@chasebelcher7932]

Enough with rehasing old styling. The old folks who will enjoy this for what it used to be are few and far between.

[@BrianMcCann421]

Shame it's not a polished frame and swingarm, instead it's just silver paint, such a shame

[@Bunter1815]

1:53 lol

[@etdbsub0]

It’s orange or red?

[@paulhope3401]

Was thinking the same... in other footage and pics it looks a bit less orange.

[@HeyAddieImTojo]

It’s kinda fluo red in reality. Looks good in the sun👍🏻

[@1100andFortyEight]

It’s red, the colour balance in this video is off. For reference, the onboard shots looking back at the rider show a true red on both his Union Jack helmet and the bike’s fairing.

[@dombower]

Someone needs to sort out camera white balance

[@brianrainey2739]

Evidently they used to paint the race bikes and cars orange so they would appear as Marlboro red when on TV.

[@pax1980]

Sounds like you guys are giving it a lot of leeway in it's faults. Honestly, the suspension is NOT up to the task, there is no way around it no matter how many excuses you give it. A gentlemen's sportbike? That is kind of laughable really. Its nothing more than an aesthetic piece and a stop gap until the r9 shows up.

[@MrDeepseadweller]

I just can’t understand how people think this bike is beautiful. Guess I’m in the minority

[@andrewg4412]

A lot of people are very nostalgic. I had a lot of old 90's sporty bikes so I'd be very keen if it wasn't so expensive

[@ljj808]

You’re not - it looks shite

[@urbanstrencan]

Love the looks but simply don't like Yamaha 😅

[@ljj808]

Although all the mags are gooey about this, the XSR range was supposed to be a Retro “road” bike. Judging by how many bikes overtook Carl, this is clearly not fast enough for a track, so it’s not a “GP” bike of any kind. Its looks can only appeal to those who enjoyed Racing in the 80s, and as such I can’t see Yamaha selling many. The “Racers” will be waiting for the R9. The Retro crowd will be wishing Yamaha still made the original XSR900. I had one, and am about to buy an Abarth (with flat bars) - THAT’S a Retro bike for the road IMHO. Triumph stopped making the Thruxton due (presumably) due to lack of demand, so maybe the whole “racing” Retros thing is dead anyway ?