Yamaha XSR900 Review | Best Value For Money Retro 2023?

Is the new Yamaha XSR900 the best value for money retro motorcycle in 2023? An 80's style inspired bike, the Yamaha XSR900 packs a punch in the performance department, yet retains some lovely classic styling.
In competition with the Kawasaki Z900RS and Triumph Speed Twin, the XSR900 looks like great value for money.
A retro hooligan machine! Packed with modern technology and Yamaha's brilliant CP3 triple engine, it sure looks like great value for money.
#yamahaxsr900 #yamahaxsr #xsr900 #retromotorcycle
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[@matthewward7457]

I love the Yamaha XSRs because they’re not Retro they’re NeoRetro. I want the additional tech and like the LEDs and electronic display.

[@redangrevival]

Yup agreed, great mixture of modern tech with retro styling 👌

[@JJPelszynski]

Yes! Yes! Loads of Bang and I think that’s what sold me on it. It’s a little more of a hooligan machine compared to the very beautiful Z900rs. Plus Yamaha threw in cruise control which I use quite a bit on our long straight Florida highways. Great review Red!

[@redangrevival]

Thanks I appreciate it and glad you enjoyed the review 😁 Yes it has loads of Bang for Buck!! Hooligan retro

[@timmytaco5594]

Finally a non biased level headed review. Following.

[@redangrevival]

Thanks glad you enjoyed the review 👍 Welcome to the channel

[@WolfgangVonKempelen838]

It is even better looking in the fantastic yamaha blue. I saw it in the shop the other day and my eyes were glued on the bike

[@redangrevival]

👍 I agree, just love it in the blue spec. So nice

[@JC-UTube]

I personally own the bike 🏍️ and I absolutely love it. But thank you for your honest review, especially on the negatives of the bike vis-à-vis other models. That is helpful information. Please keep the videos coming.

[@redangrevival]

It is a great bike and I hope you continue to enjoy it 👍 Thanks glad you enjoyed the video

[@markhall3434]

yep, got the 2023 Blue/gold.. couldn't be happier with it.. I prefer form over function.. the blacked out engine and frame. Quick Shifter and cruise control plus IMU functions is the kicker.. three cylinders is about perfect, 4 cylinders is quite a bit wider but doesn't require a balance shaft.

[@billzeitzmann1585]

Spot on review. Covering all the important points without all the unnecessary BS.

[@redangrevival]

Many thanks I appreciate it 👍

[@hmoosawi]

The bick looks brilliant, Thanks for the review

[@redangrevival]

👍

[@MTBrider26]

Love the Yamaha team blue over the black, but the black does hide that massive frame by blending it in somewhat. When is the next tour series coming?

[@redangrevival]

Same I love the blue spec 👍 Things are a bit up in the air at the moment! I have a current work commitment, so may have to take a few weeks off of YT 😔

[@MTBrider26]

@@redangrevival can't wait. Really love your tours. Your easy friendly style of chatting makes for great viewing. That and the scenery. Keep up the great work. Your efforts are appreciated.

[@redangrevival]

@@MTBrider26 Thanks so much I appreciate it 👍

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Definitely one of my favourite engines! 😍

[@redangrevival]

It is a riot of an engine 👌

[@JohnTheBodge]

Test rode the XSR900 in 2020 when I was looking for a Fazer 1000 replacement. The bike was so sharp (in sports mode - had fewer modes then and round clock) and the performance was awesome. However, it was also the most uncomfortable bike I've ever ridden (since 1996). I was actually in pain after half an hour and struggled to get off it after the ride of 1 hour. Had it not been for that i would have got it instantly, instead of the Street Scrambler I ended up getting.

[@josevi5835]

I own the 2016 model, purchased it in 2021. Love the bike, it looks gorgeous while being discrete. Nice quality (better than the second generation?) and pretty light. The engine is... brutal! Very, very torquey and lively. By the way, incredible economical engine, I make 3,7 liter per 100 km. Brakes are phenomenal and suspension feels too stiff. The late and the seat hight are my only complaints. Great value for money.

[@redangrevival]

👌 they are great bikes for sure and this new model is even better! Proven track record with the engine as well. Enjoy the ride

[@hurtadoaviles]

Excellent video. Thanks!

[@redangrevival]

Thanks really glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@howardfreedman4289]

Great review as always. Thanks. Does it have the 6-axis IMU with all the lean angle safety as with the MT09?

[@JJPelszynski]

It does indeed 👍

[@redangrevival]

Many thanks 👍 Yes it does

[@howardfreedman4289]

@@redangrevival Tanx!

[@williamtaylor874]

hi just sharing mental health week ! cheers bro .

[@redangrevival]

Thanks for sharing and all the best to you. 🙌

[@2WheelsGood.01]

I got the 23' XSR in the blue colorway about 3 weeks ago, not sure why I'm still watching reviews lol. I love the styling too, even the seat that everyone hates, it totally goes in line with the neo-classic styling. It is a tiny bit down on quality, but there has to be some value engineering for the price, and I'm ok with some plasticky trim here and there.

[@redangrevival]

A great choice and colour spec 👍 Haha never any harm in enjoying your bike on screen as well!!

[@giela5737]

I am collecting 1 next week in that stunning blue. I own a yamaha 1 cilinder xt600, a 2 cilinder T7 WR, and the 3 cilinder is on its way. I hope i like that one too 😅. I will customise the bike to my style! Good review. Drive safe!

[@redangrevival]

👌 a great edition to your fleet! I am sure you will love it, the CP3 triple is a brilliant engine. Many thanks and the same to you

[@josevi5835]

That three cylinder engine is a blast, I would say that it is even _too beefy_ I own the 2016 XSR 900 model.

[@jmlupoludowicy1239]

Nice bike but retro it ain’t. The Kawasaki Z900RS is retro done right. Cracking review, as always! Cheers, Lupo

[@redangrevival]

Thanks Lupo, really glad you enjoyed the review 👍 I am inclined to agree with you! It is struggling to squeeze into the retro segment. Great bike though. Especially in the blue paint scheme. Cheers

[@ruptureswithreality]

I think it looks great, like a crashed Bol d'Or race bike from the late 80's, especially in the blue and gold!

[@redangrevival]

Love the blue and gold spec 👌

[@ruptureswithreality]

​@@redangrevivalalso it looks like the old Yamaha France GP bikes from around the same time. I just love the take on the theme.. it's a bit early 90's rave/squat party, while the z900rs is representative of an earlier era.

[@unconditioned_ride]

Sports Heritage was the Yamaha class name when they introduced the 2016 model, I had a 2017 one and it was a beauty for 18 months, quick, agile and a smooth power delivery. Good review but I think the original had better design cues.

[@redangrevival]

Thanks glad you enjoyed the review 👍 Fair enough, the original was a great design as well. I personally like this 80's inspired design, very masculine style! Cool bike

[@ruffleschips9055]

As always, enjoyed your video. I'm still waiting for a mid size motorcycle with a belt drive or shaft drive. I just don't want an oily chain to sling oil all over me and my $13,000 motorcycle.

[@bigkidz007]

Your suppose to use wax, not oil, on a street motorcycle. Oil is for off-road use bikes.

[@redangrevival]

BMW RNINE T

[@rdrg7362]

Guzzi

[@anxiousappliance]

The 60s called and wants their chain back.

[@johnbelculf5441]

DITTO, WHERE ARE THE 1250 TO 1600 CC CRUISERS THATWOULD BE PERFECT MID SIZE BAGGER

[@Milehi6h]

Thanks for mentioning your height and seat size. I'm coming from a 2020 xsr900 and noticed the seat was lower than previous gen. I'm 6' tall with 32" inseam. How would that be?

[@redangrevival]

I think that would fit well 👍

[@josevi5835]

I own a 2016 model and seat hight is 830 mm, a little tall for me (1,71 m). New model has lower seat.

[@tomstockell9481]

Nice video - though you mentioned CP3 ( engine ? ) several times but for the unfamiliar like myself, you didnt really explain it ....

[@redangrevival]

Thanks 👍 Basically it is Yamaha's well tried and trusted triple engine. Refined over the years. Brilliant motor

[@tomstockell9481]

@@redangrevival Right thanks keep up the great vids

[@josevi5835]

Crossplane three cylinder engine. A brilliant engine with a peculiar cylinder ignition order.

[@doubleyoudee]

U compare xsr 900 with Speed Twin 1200 in one scene… and which is quicker? You say „this is quicker“ but which? Triumph ST or xsr? Thx

[@redangrevival]

XSR 900 is quicker 👍

[@dougiequick1]

Funny how different reviewers focus on differernt things as most important. Now for me bikes in this catagory its all about performance in numbers and it is significantly lighter than the z900 ...nicer paint on the zed dont cut it! I'll that the lighter bike everytime. I dont even get worrying over looks beyond a glance I am not buying motorcycles to stand around looking at them or for other people too look at I want to RIDE! The only really disapointing thing to me is Yamaha failing to offer an SP version. But IF they every finally show up in local shops here in California and I dont have to be raped on the price I recon to buy one and upgrade the suspension the exhaust and a tune....and some kind of windscreen or cafe fairing maybe idk I would just buy the MTSP but it has the short swing arm....I thought about installing the XSR/Tracer longer arm but it is not only 1200 bucks but who knows how much that would screw up something else or if other linkage etc might be needed

[@redangrevival]

For sure it is a fantastic bike to ride. I just prefer the overall package of the Z900

[@TheOriginalCoda]

Comparing to the Z900RS - I test rode both bikes, and I definitely feel that the Yamaha is the better bike in stock trim, but they both need new rear shocks. The suspension on both bikes is way too harsh and needs a lot of dialling back for british roads (did I say 'roads'? I meant 'vehicular assault courses') which affects the handling detrimentally. If I do buy an XSR it will be with a shock from Ohlins or Nitron.

[@redangrevival]

I think they are both great bikes, I just personally prefer the overall package of the Z990RS. The XSR is a fantastic riders bike though 👍 Yup some. nice aftermarket suspension would definitely help on both bikes

[@Corkoth55]

I only rode the z900rs at a demo day (really rare where I live) and am still more in love with the looks & tech of the xsr900... Any other thoughts you'd add?

[@neiljarvis8911]

So which would it be if given a choice between XSR700 or XSR900?

[@redangrevival]

XSR900 for me 😁

[@c.g.c2067]

Got a second hand one four weeks ago and find it very well made, very powerfull, superb handling but the brakes are not as good as the ones on the Street Triple. What I particularly dislike are the handlebar vibration above a certain revs; maybe it's just my right arm...

[@redangrevival]

They are great fun bikes, and perform really well. But yes the quality is not quite up there with the Triumphs

[@c.g.c2067]

@@redangrevival Mechanical quality is definitely at the level of Triumph, if not better. Take a look closely ho many pieces the Japanese use in mechanics compared to European manifactures. The Japanese approach is to design tons of small very neat componentry and make it work perfectly. As quality and assembly I reckon is very good.

[@redangrevival]

@@c.g.c2067 Yes I agree mechanically. I more meant touch points and overall finish, the Triumph feels better

[@c.g.c2067]

@@redangrevival Finish wise Triumphs classic line are very well made although under the carpet the tend to hide the dust... 😂

[@redangrevival]

@@c.g.c2067 Very ture!

[@phildaniels1214]

I love the seat, it's so 1980's but the number plate hanger looks agricultural...

[@redangrevival]

Yup I love the 80’s styling 👌

[@gryphongryph]

I don’t think you can compare it with the Kawasaki, totally different customer for these bikes, one I a classic bike, the other is a hooligan bike with top electronics and mostly driven as a sport bike instead of just enjoying a lazy afternoon on the Kawasaki!

[@redangrevival]

Yes, however I think the Kawasaki would give the Yamaha a good run for its money though!

[@toddparsons2980]

Looks great.

[@redangrevival]

I love the design

[@Neil_Llewellyn]

The XSR is great bike but its not really a retro bike. Now if it was a modern RD :) but I suppose you could argue that its a modern SRX rather than a parts bin Frankenstein

[@sherifhamdy9229]

How do you compare it with the older XSR 900

[@redangrevival]

To be honest I have never ridden the older model! Looks wise I prefer this newer model. Of course the engine is pretty much the same. More tech on this newer model though.

[@anxiousappliance]

You can look at it without crying

[@helgejohan3604]

Older look better and more comfortable ✊🔥

[@milodebruin4821]

The problem with calling it retro is we immediately think retro doesn't apply to the 80s. It's also the best bang for buck in terms of servicing.

[@redangrevival]

Yes I think retro might be pushing it! Whatever we call it I like the styling 👍

[@denisg4288]

Hi Angus I like this bike but personally don’t really see anything retro about it. I think Honda push it too far with allegedly Neo Retro and this is of the same ilk. Anyway, for what it is, a different take on the MT09 it is cool in its own right. Regards Den

[@redangrevival]

Hey Den, I actually agree with you somewhat! I think it is more on the modern side than the retro for sure. I do really like the 80's inspired design though

[@oliverk6449]

I actually find myself considering the XSR vs the new Triumph STRS, Although styling wise they are very different, engine/performance seem similar. Having ridden both how do they compare for you?

[@josevi5835]

I have not tried the Triumph. I own a XSR 900 2016 model. The Yamaha is very nimble (195 kg), brakes are plenty of power, suspenssion very sporty and stiff and the engine seems to me that is an absolute gem. Service costs and consumption are pretty reasonable (60 mpg at legal speeds) and had cero issues in three years and 15.000 km. If the new generation increases consumption economy, includes cruise control and improves the awesome torque and performance of the "old" engine... that bike must be a blast. Try it before buying it becasuse my only complain (the stiffness of the suspenssion) could be an inconvenient for you if the new model did not solve that drawback. However, the bike is fabulous and the driving is addictive. I am not sure if the Triumph can beat Yamaha model.

[@redangrevival]

I think the new Street Triple RS is the best naked bike on the market today! Top qualtiy in every department. The XSR is great, but doesn't feel in the same league as the Triumph to me

[@morri03]

I think just putting an end can in is waste of time if you aren’t going to get rid of the heavy ugly, cat and headers.

[@BarnettSpeedSuzukiThou]

They look nice with an RD bodykit.. see banditman vlog.

[@fyorbane]

That is the previous XSR model.

[@BarnettSpeedSuzukiThou]

@@fyorbane yeah sorry didn't point that out thanks. The later one wouldnt/couldn't work as well.

[@oclv110sl]

This or street triple?

[@redangrevival]

Street Triple 😁

[@carlosvejar3938]

The black is gorgeous. Shame Yamaha only gave it one year.

[@carlosvejar3938]

Actual question here now. What about the regular Kawasaki z900 compared to this?

[@redangrevival]

That would be interesting! I suspect Yamaha performs better dynamically, but I still prefer the Kawasaki

[@carlosvejar3938]

@@redangrevival that is my feeling as well. Thank you for your response

[@jackpearson5889]

How would you compare this to the XSR700?

[@redangrevival]

Much faster! I think the 700 is great for fun road riding. The 900 is a much more serious ride

[@jackpearson5889]

Thanks! Just not sure if I should get the 700 or the 900 as a first bike. I really like the black and gold 700!

[@redangrevival]

@@jackpearson5889 I would go 700 personally

[@jackpearson5889]

@@redangrevival Thanks for the advice!

[@Pfannkuchenkanone]

​@@jackpearson5889XSR700 might have less power but is still tons of fun trust me.

[@NilsKHillier]

Does anyone have an idea how well it would fit someone at 6'4?

[@redangrevival]

I think that could be close. Worth sitting on one in a showroom for sure

[@wltrlg]

Its at least a bike that stands out from a design perspective (good or bad, that is subjective). I don't think the term or "retro" or "heritage" is appropriate for this modern hooligan bike just because is has a round headlight.🙂

[@redangrevival]

I really like the bike, but yes "retro" is a tad far! I do like the 80's style design though 👍

[@volt8684]

Doesn’t look like a retro at all imo. That engine is best on planet I think. I just dont need that much poke on uk roads. I like all rounder bikes and think this like many others is niche

[@redangrevival]

I am inclined to agree really! It is pushing it a bit to call it retro. I do like the 80's styling though 👌 Such a fantastic engine, really works in all formats

[@garethtemple6242]

I love the retro genre, and I don't doubt this is a great bike to ride, with a marvelous engine... however the looks don't really do it for me. It didn't really pull off the retro look, and looks too much like a modern bike trying but failing to jump on the retro bandwagon. Kawasaki and Triumph have manage to build bikes which are drop dead gorgeous to look at as well as being good to ride. The Yamaha had only managed one of those two. Personally, it's the Triumph Speed Twin for me. Great review as usual.

[@redangrevival]

I agree it is not the best looking retro, however I do like the 80's styling of it. I personally like the Kawasaki Z900RS the best! The Yamaha rides great though 👍 Cheers

[@morri03]

It’s not really a retro bike. It’s a modern naked with a call back to some styling cues of the past. The Kawasaki is a retro bike

[@512460]

Dude I saw thumbnail and thought this was spite

[@ianhalliwell8604]

It might hit the spot of being a decent bike but it's no retro that's for sure, the Z900RS for me, less tec, let's cluttered styling and so much better style wise.

[@redangrevival]

I agree, I much prefer the Z900. Stunning bike and top quality

[@Sinister_fartbox]

But it’s a Kawasaki so that’s a no for most people

[@sereneturmoil]

Sorry but the Z900RS looks worse and offers significantly less in the way of tech for notably more money. Kawasaki needs to keep up with the times in that just because a bike looks old doesn't mean it needs to forego modern tech and amenities. Having ridden the XSR-900 but only having sat on the Z900RS I would take the XSR-900 every day of the week for both looks and ability. Oh, and save about 20% while doing so.

[@redangrevival]

Personal preferences I guess!

[@SigmaJAD]

I disagree with your point about quality. Plastic? Yeah the switchgear is (as they all are). The rest of the bike? Pared down and metallic in all the right places. The Kawasaki has added metal bits cause its reminiscing an older era? Complete with horrid chrome. Apart from that good ride and review

[@redangrevival]

Thanks glad you enjoyed the review. I don't know, I got the feeling the Kawasaki is bit better build quality. Yamaha is not bad but not the best of the bunch

[@Motoboo_Marine]

There's nothing retro whatsoever about this bike. I don't think that's a bad thing, but it's a modern sport naked in every sense.

[@redangrevival]

I am inclined to agree actually! Like the design non the less though

[@anxiousappliance]

Tend to agree - but the seat... and if it was really 80s, wouldn't the headlight be rectangular? Round is so dullsville.

[@christophereaves7108]

Definitely nit the best looking retro. The z900 has that. But I have the tracer 9gt and this engine is a peach

[@redangrevival]

Completely agree, the Z900 is a stunner 😁 The CP3 is a mega engine, and works in all its current bikes

[@helgejohan3604]

Xsr 900 are 20kg lighter and has a more agresive modes✊🔥

[@zestytest]

I like the brand but the styling is just dreadful.

[@Mancastle]

the exhaust pipes look all brown and rusty and its brand new

[@redangrevival]

They are designed to look like that, sort of matt black

[@1990-t1j]

Nice bike spoiled by the colour here.

[@redangrevival]

I agree, the blue spec wins hands down 👍

[@Ralf916]

Whoever comes up with a comfort seat may help the sales somewhat.

[@redangrevival]

I am sure there will be one on the market somewhere