Yamaha XSR 900 GP – Look Like an Old Time Racer
Yamaha goes retro flavour for a new version of the triple-power bike with the 2024 XSR 900 GP.
Nostalgia is a captivating force, but with the Yamaha XSR900 GP, one might wonder who exactly is feeling nostalgic. This bike pays homage to the legendary Yamaha racers of the 1980s, including Wayne Rainey, who famously rode the YZR500 in strikingly similar colors, securing victories during that iconic era. The design resonates, featuring designated spots for your favorite racing number on both the front fairing and behind the seat. The XSR900 GP makes a commendable effort to revitalize the XSR, which, despite being on the market for over a decade, remains an exceptional ride equipped with one of the finest engines in the street bike arena—the 889cc inline triple.
You get that classic aesthetic, which is fantastic, and it’s worth noting that this retro charm is merely skin deep—an advantage, since the riding dynamics of a 1980s race bike may not suit everyone. Beneath its vintage-inspired exterior lies a wealth of modern motorcycle features (as highlighted by Yamaha):
- New 5-inch full-colour TFT display with connectivity
- High grade fully adjustable front and rear KYB suspension
- Newly designed clip-on handlebars and handlebar switches
- Deltabox-style chassis with increased rigidity
- Revised, 80s-inspired main seat, new side covers and removable seat cover
- New style footpegs and positioning
- Yamaha Ride Control YRC and 6-axis IMU
- Cruise control, third-gen Quick Shift System and A&S Clutch
- Sophisticated EU5+ high-torque 890cc CP3 engine
- Yamaha Spinforged wheels fitted with Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tyres
However, for die-hard Wayne Rainey fans, there’s a slight disappointment: there’s currently no indication that the XSR900 GP will be available in Canada.