Yamaha XSR900 GP 2024 Test: Retro meets modern technology

The Yamaha XSR900 GP 2024 impresses with a powerful 889 cc triple engine, delivering 119 hp at 10,000 rpm and a torque of 93 Nm at 7,000 rpm. The chassis, consisting of fully adjustable KYB components, offers excellent handling and stability. With a weight of 200 kg and a seat height of 835 mm, the machine is well-balanced and allows for precise riding performance. The comprehensive electronic equipment, including cornering ABS, traction control, and quickshifter, contributes to safety and comfort.

The HJC helmets in superhero design, worn by our editors for the Yamaha Supersport motorcycle test, are not only real eye-catchers but also technically advanced. The RPHA 1 and RPHA 12 models offer a perfect combination of safety, comfort, and stylish design. The RPHA 1 is particularly designed for aerodynamics and stability at high speeds, providing excellent protection through its premium materials. The RPHA 12, on the other hand, impresses with its versatile range of use and excellent ventilation, ensuring a pleasant freshness even on longer rides. Both helmets are adorned with striking superhero graphics, making them a special highlight for all comic fans and motorcycle enthusiasts.

For more information, click here: HJC Helmets.

Our editors not only wore the striking HJC helmets during this Yamaha Supersport motorcycle test, but they were also dressed in high-quality motorcycle gear from Segura. Segura is renowned for its combination of classic design and top-notch protection. The tested outfits included sturdy leather jackets, which provide the highest level of safety due to their abrasion-resistant properties and integrated protectors on the shoulders, elbows, and back. Additionally, breathable and weatherproof pants and gloves that offer optimal grip and protection were part of the gear. Segura's motorcycle clothing combines stylish looks with functional details, ensuring that our editors were not only well-protected but also comfortable and fashionable on the road.

For more information, visit: Segura Motorcycle Clothing.

Martin Bauer describes the Yamaha XSR 900 GP as a bike that strongly reminds him of earlier Grand Prix machines, both visually and in terms of riding experience. He emphasizes the sporty riding position, which is still comfortable enough for longer rides. The mirrors mounted on the sides of the handlebars and the cockpit contribute to the feeling of being on a race bike. Another highlight is the nearly 900cc triple engine, which is particularly suitable for street use. The engine offers a wide power band, so you don't have to constantly shift into a specific gear to have enough thrust. The chassis is fully adjustable and provides a good balance between sportiness and comfort. It ensures precise handling and high stability without making the bike overly nervous.

A minor drawback is the ABS regulation, which is set very conservatively and intervenes early, slightly limiting braking performance on dry roads. On the positive side, the quickshifter and blipper are praised for ensuring smooth and precise gear changes. The soundscape of the triple engine is also lauded, as it is less aggressive than that of a four-cylinder. The price of the Yamaha XSR 900 GP is over 15,000 euros, which is not a bargain, but is justified by the technology offered and the special design.

Horvath describes the Yamaha XSR 900 GP as a successful blend of retro aesthetics and modern technology. The well-known CP3 engine from Yamaha also performs excellently in this model. He particularly praises the perfectly functioning quickshifter with blipper. The modern controls and the high-resolution TFT display also contribute to the positive review. A special highlight is the standard cruise control, which enhances comfort on long tours. However, Horvath finds the seating position a bit too stretched, which is not particularly comfortable given his height of 175 cm. Despite this small drawback, he likes the XSR 900 GP very much, as it is an absolutely unique bike that no other manufacturer offers in this form.

First, Alessio highlights the extremely sporty riding position, which is almost at race track level. The modern TFT display also stands out positively, as does the optional Akrapovic exhaust, which produces a pleasant sound that is neither too loud nor too quiet. Alessio describes the chassis of the XSR 900 GP as excellently tuned and a successful compromise between sportiness and comfort, especially on country roads. The CP3 engine, known for a decade, continues to impress him. Particularly at the exit of corners in first and second gear, the engine delivers impressive torque. According to Alessio, the brakes also work very well and could be further optimized for use on the race track. Overall, Alessio finds the Yamaha XSR 900 GP to be a very fun and great bike that delights both sporty riders and country road enthusiasts.

Amelie praises the striking design that catches many eyes and sparks interest. However, she found the handling to be mediocre and the riding position very extreme. She particularly noted the weight on her wrists and the stretched, forward-leaning posture as uncomfortable. The display and gear indicator work flawlessly, but Amelie criticizes the side-angled mirrors, which look cool but are impractical as she has to tilt her head significantly to see anything. This leads to distractions while riding. She also complained that she couldn't wind out the engine fully and had to shift gears frequently, which diminished the riding pleasure. Regarding safety, Amelie felt generally secure but believed that other bikes offer more comfort. She was particularly disappointed with the brakes, which were not as grippy as expected. She had to exert a lot of force to achieve adequate braking, which could be problematic in moments of panic.

As part of the Supersport motorcycle test, a standard tire was used: the Bridgestone S23. This tire is known for its balanced performance and versatility on different road surfaces. The Bridgestone S23 offers reliable traction and stability, both at high speeds and in corners. Its rubber compound and tread design are engineered to ensure even wear and good longevity. This allowed the editors to ride the motorcycles safely and controlled under various conditions, making the Bridgestone S23 a suitable choice for the test.

Here you can find more information: Bridgestone S23 Tire.

Retro Look and Modern Design: The XSR 900 GP combines an appealing retro look with modern technology, drawing many eyes and sparking interest.

Powerful CP3 Engine: Yamaha's well-known CP3 triple engine delivers impressive power and torque, especially in corners and in the mid to upper RPM range. The engine offers a wide usable RPM band and ensures a lot of riding pleasure on the road.

Chassis: The fully adjustable chassis offers a good balance between sportiness and comfort, making it ideal for spirited riding and long tours.

Quickshifter and Blipper: The quickshifter with blipper enables smooth and precise gear changes, enhancing the riding experience.

Modern Controls and TFT Display: The high-resolution TFT display and modern controls are user-friendly and provide all necessary information at a glance.

Standard Cruise Control: The cruise control significantly increases comfort on long tours.

Stability and Agility: The motorcycle offers good stability and agility, leading to precise and safe riding performance.

Uniqueness: The XSR 900 GP is a unique motorcycle that is not offered in this form by any other manufacturer, making it particularly desirable.

Seating Position: The seating position is described as very stretched and forward-leaning, which can be uncomfortable for smaller riders (e.g., those around 175 cm tall). Additionally, a lot of weight is placed on the wrists. Despite the standard cruise control, comfort on long rides is perceived as limited due to the seating position and wrist strain.

Mirror Position: The side-angled mirrors look cool but are impractical, as you have to tilt your head significantly to see anything. This leads to distractions while riding.

Brakes: The braking performance is described as less grippy than expected. Riders feel they need to exert a lot of force to achieve adequate braking, which could be problematic in panic situations.

Price: The motorcycle is relatively expensive, which raises some expectations regarding performance and features that are not fully met.