This thing absolutely rips, love mine. Fantastic performance for the price. Best part is it's a Yamaha, reliable as they come and will last forever with proper maintenance. I've put 7000 miles on mine with zero issues so far. The only thing it really needs are braided brake lines and a fully adjustable shock.
I suggest Nitron NTR R3 (built for your spec - weight, type of riding, solo or pillion, etc) and HEL braided brake lines. I put them in mine and it's hard to believe it's the same bike.
@@GeolovesGoodvibe it has adjustable preload, rebound and compression on the forks, but is missing compression adjustment on the shock. Only preload and rebound. HS/LS compression adjustment on the fork (like on the MT09 SP) would have also been nice.
Picked one up 2 months ago. Nearly bought a 2023 street, then rode this. A great powerplant, breaks, looks, you name it. Plus it's a platform to turn into different looks. 0 regrets.
I’ve had my brand new xsr for a month yesterday, and we’ve done 2300 miles, all trouble free. I love the way it looks, and the new Yamaha fairing kit makes it look even better, although it is another £1000. The standard exhaust sounds great, which is good, because aftermarket ones are at least a grand!
I think it's mostly the airbox which sounds great not the exhaust itself. But either way, as long as it sounds great to me, while I ride mine (had it since October 22) I am happy :) (and it really does sound great while riding)
I tried the bike at the NEC bike show. I loved, almost, everything about it. The bars/pegs/seat were perfect for me, and much better than the MT09. My advice? Buy, Buy, Buy! Thanks for the vid.
Bought the Blue one in October as a second badass bike to my streetbob done 2k now, love the style looks and go, cp3 sounds great even in stock form, seats a bit hard clutch on 22 plate is noisy at times and steering locks tight but its something i forgive, nothing is perfect, gold wheels mark and scratch easy which is disappointing but unless you get down and really look no one else will see it. Its a bike that will get 60mpg if sensible or not less than 45/50 if you go for it. Its a real gem with the mt-09 power plant, handles great looks great and go as you would want a bike to go, i need no more BHP, i love Torque hence i have the 114 Harley too, both bikes work well for me , and anyone thinking of this XSR just go get it, i love it. You can swap the mirrors from left to right and they go over your hands to reduce overall width as i found they stuck out more than i liked.
thks for this video. First time on your channel, but not last. Easy, friendly, accurate... Keep the good work coming :) and yes this bike IS fun just tried it last Saturday. Cheers!
Absolutely fabulous looking bike, like this a lot. Just a very well rounded and balanced bike Kate 😎😎😎👍......hope you had a fantastic time at the ABR festival too 👍😉
It looks that she had a good time riding it. In my opinion is one of the best looking retro motorcycles. I like the separation of seat from the gas tank.
I appreciate I'm a little late to this video. I'm 5ft 3 and picking one of these up in the coming weeks. I was 90% confident I'd be able to ride it, due to previously owning an 810mm seat height bike (Honda CB650r). Thanks to your in-depth seat height demonstration, that confidence is now 100%. I cannot wait to get riding it myself. Cheers!
I have a 17 XSR9 and its the longest i've ever kept a bike at 6 yrs. Its all about that CP3 engine, its sublime. Had the Tracer 9 before but i think this engine is much better suited to a naked street. I have mixed feelings about the looks of this new XSR, some aspects i like and some i really dislike.
@moto-jeff. Your right, but I decided on the older Tracer. Put on a tiny screen without the panniers and you’ve got a pretty decent bike to thrash round the lanes. Put on a tall all shield, just 4 screws and 5 minutes, clip on panniers and you’ve a pretty decent tourer that’s still exciting round the bends, unlike the old school heavy sport tourers. Not the best at each, but covers a lot of bases, and that cc3 engine is so reliable and addictive in whatever form.
Thanks for the video. Remarks are spot on. I have the ‘2023 XSR900 in Legend Blue. This is the fourth bike I own and also own a 20202 Indian Scout Bobber (I know, apples and oranges) and have ridden a number of other bikes. The XSR is BY FAR my favorite bike to ride so far. The fun factor, performance and - to me - the looks and styling are just off the charts.
A lot of people on the internet seem to find it ugly but mine gets compliments everywhere I go. A fender eliminator makes a huge difference, aesthetically.
Pleased you liked it! I bought the black one but struggled to decide between the two colours as the blue is a fantastic colour - decided on the stealth look in the end.
I’ve had one on order since the beginning of February. Finally expecting delivery within a week or two. I love everything about it except the exhaust but luckily that’s an easy fix.
I'm glad that I watched this. I've been off bikes for the last 10 years. My last bike was a Kawasaki ZXR600J2. I've been looking at getting my itch back again and have been looking at the 2023 Triumph 765R and the KTM 890 Duke plus something slightly different the Triumph Tiger 900GT. As being a shorter rider, well the same as you 5.4 29 inch inseam the Yamaha XSR seems to come complete with all the necessary components as standard. For example there is no need to go down the accessory catalogue to get the desired bike. Ie not paying extra for a lower seat or paying fora mechanic to plug a computer into the bike to gain the extra benefits like KTM for example. A good day out at the MCN show next February looking and trying for size the above bikes mentioned should sort things out. One thing for sure is that bikes have certainly moved on since the old Kwacker 600. Great vlog and keep up your great work.
As far as aesthetics go, I haven’t seen one in the flesh as yet so I’ll reserve judgement on that. That seat looks a little unusual but people have told me that when you see it properly then it’s well in proportion. Great vid Kate, I need to ride one of these!
I have one on order, and I was concerned about the seat height since I have a 30"inseam. Thank you for showing the seat height at the end. Very helpful! Good video!
I must admit I like the looks of the previous models of xsr900s, but I love the look of this in its own way, and the sound just makes me want to go straight out and buy 1!
Your review convinced me to add this bike to my stable of 3! What a bike!!! I've sold an mt10 for the same reason. I actually prefer the power delivery of the xsr and can you honestly use 168 HP on the road? ..... No. So thank you so much😊
Hi Kate, had the 2020 Xsr900sp all black with gold accents. Loved the motor. What I did not like was how unsettled it was in cornering with head shakes on exiting. No amount of adjustments fixed it. I sold it. New shape model has it fixed😪. Great review.
No doubt that is one stunning looking bike especially in that blue with gold wheels but imo the tail end seat part let's it down. They should have finished it in the blue. Lovely sound👌
I test rode the xsr and almost brought one it looks absolutely gorgeous if you ask me, the only thing I found a bit of a bugger was it was slightly low for me being 6ft 4 and gave me stiff back after about 25, 30 miles so I opted for the MT 09 sp in the end as its upright position was slightly better for Me plus its got ohlins shock on the rear for the sp. But that blue with gold wheels combo is just to die for in colour scheme whtvanyonecwoukd buy the black is beond me. Great reveiw as usual and the joy on your face is just how I felt riding it. Its almost identical to the mt 09 appart from longer wheelbase and slightly lower on the xsr. And I found the foot pegs a bit more cramped on the xsr having longer legs.
I'm a sicko who also likes the black. I don't mind the blue bits, but really, really not feeling the goldish colours, especially as the forks and wheels are mismatched. Black all day long for me. Each to their own 🤷♂️
@@amococ2487 yeah me too! Love the blue color but the golden bits was a huge mistake, but if instead of gold, they made it silver. That’d be way cooler
Tbh I love the looks of this bike. As much as the previous model has great looks we have to appreciate that retro to each generation will now differ. Some people will think retro as 50s thro to 60s maybe. However we have to realise to some, retro is 60s into the 70s. This bike has that 70s appeal. Admittedly only offering it in blue when released was a bit naff. Would be nice to see a couple more colours added to the xsr range although I'd probably go for the black/grey colourway. Awesome vid btw 👌
@usernamekate, thanks for such a thoughtful and honest review. I think it’s down to the XSR 900 and the Thruxton RS. I would love to hear your thoughts on which you would choose if you had to make a choice between the two given that you have ridden both recently. Keep up the good work too. The videos are fun. 👍🏾
I have a '19 Speed Twin 1200 and a '23 XSR 900. In terms of riding position, I think the Speed Twin is a better comparison-the Thruxton RS has a much more serious set of ergonomics. I very much enjoy both of the bikes, but their power delivery and riding feel are different. The Speed Twin has a really nice rumble from its 270 degree crankshaft layout, has a very fat torque curve, feels like a locomotive when on the gas, but runs out of steam at 7K. The XSR sounds and feels like a turbine, revs to over 10K, and has a bunch of neat electronic goodies (I never thought I'd appreciate cruise control on a motorcycle, but I was wrong!). The clutchless quick shift takes a bit getting used to after 53 years of using a clutch, but it works. The IMU equipped bike offers a big safety net. So, both bikes are a lot of fun and feel fast enough to the rider. I suspect that the XSR is quicker, but in the real world of back roads riding, who cares? Finally, the Triumph has classic twin gauges, while the Yamaha has a neat TFT instrument panel. So, do you want a rumbling twin that looks and feels like the past perfected, or a turbine tripple that has some retro vibe looks but has electronics and a chassis that are firmly in the present?
Looks like similar power to my mates 675R , another fun-bike ,not too-different looks-wise either . Anything that makes you grin-lots , has to be good , my two 'old-yamaha's ' still do it for me . Yamaha and Kawasaki have always produced some very-interesting bikes . Yamaha funded and pushed the development of tyres (the First to do-so ) resulting in the-first 'modern' tyres...they can even make Guitars.... Dave NZ
Hi Kate, it seam's like a really good ride, I had a Tracer 9 a few years ago and loved the flexible triple engine. The XSR though looks wise leaves me a bit cold and confused styling wise, just neither one thing or the other for me personally, it will one of those Marmite bikes I think, but I suppose it's good value for todays silly prices. Thank you.
@@douglasalexander4348 Sorry to disappoint, but I'm on my third BMW , latest one 1250 GS ADV. I do love Honda's though, having a few years gone by, first one being a SS 50 in 1973...
Thanks for a passionate honest review, just what we need to know without the wannabe expert analysis we get from some. Keep them coming. Oh and you've earned yourself a new subscriber for that. Cheers
I was torn between this and the street triple rs but ended up going with the striple. They actually let me test ride it unlike Yamaha where I would have had to go to an event to ride it. Can't say I'm disappointed with my purchase!
@@CraterLakey I have test ridden both bikes twice. the first time was two or so years ago and then again recently. both bikes are really nice. the XSR900 definitely has more low and midrange punch. but there is something about the Triumph I really like. unfortunately I was never able to ride them back to back to really get a clear picture of the differences. but it doesn't matter because I ended up buying a 2017 Ducati 939 Supersport with 2159 km on it. that looks like new. which I like better than both of them. partially because it has a fairing. and just looks so nice. but its also a great bike. but both the triples are lighter and easier to maneuver in slower traffic. they are both really nice bikes and I could be happy with either of them.
@@photographerjonathan nice man good choice. I'm thinking I'm gonna upgrade my ninja 400 to a 636 for the track in the future. Don't really want to take the striple to a track without a fairing.
Thanks, Kate, for the great review. I think the bike looks retro and awesome, but I also think you can see a steampunk vibe that with some wraps in the right places you could really make it a one of kind. Plus with a tune and get all the performance you really would need.
As a new rider in his mid 30's, I was thinking between triumph trident 660 and the xsr 900. I'm assuming no one would think the xsr 900 would be a smart move, but I thought I'd see if anyone was more in support of one vs the other.
You can put it in power mode 3, or 4, and it’s a lot more chilled out. Mode 4 cuts the power down a lot, so you could just use that for a little while, move to mode 3, and onto the others as you get more used to the power.
Looks great, seems like it would be easy and comfortable bike... Interesting how most motorcycle companies are going for that look... Not my favorite but still a great power bike fir the street! Safe riding ✌️
I'm 71 iv got brand.new SXR 125 lv it if I get round to passing my full test its my dream to own SXR 900 triple in the same blue as mine in my opinion its the best bicker performance and value anyone could lv it good review col
Hi Kate - love your reviews. This looks an awesome bike - i'm downsizing from a 1200 GS Adventure. The XSR900 looks like it will be a lot of fun on our Aussie roads. What do you prefer, the Yamaha or the KTM Duke 890R?
With your small size on it, I would guess its mental, I love a Yamaha. Never had a triple, looks good. In my opinion its not retro enough, I'd say its an 80's or early 90's look. If I was at Yamaha I would send its design back a bit. Love the trick bits though
All bikes in the UK should have an imu as standard. Our roads especially in Yorkshire have crumbled so badly it's essential. The potholes are treacherous. Already blown a tyre this year on one as did the car behind me. Long dry spells then a bit of rain and well we all know what that does to corners and roundabouts.
I would add the new factory seat hump to it, if it was mine……..other than that I love the looks, especially in that colour scheme, coz I had a 1989 TZR250 in the same Galouise cigarettes colour scheme! Very nostalgic for me 😍
Maybe you should ride the previous model and do a comparison. I've mentioned in a previous comment on one of your videos that I own a 2017 XSR900 Abarth (second owner) and love the bike, but wouldn't also mind having the new model in my garage too (come on Lottery!). So a side-by-side comparison video would be great, to hear your thoughts and impressions on the 'old vs the new'. I'm torn between the Black vs Blue - not a big fan of the Gold bling.
I really enjoyed the first generation CP3 powertrain when I owned a 2015 FJ-09 (Tracer outside of North America):. I'm seriously considering the MT-09 SP as a second bike. I like the looks of the XSR over the MT, with the exception of that hideous seat. I think I'll go for the MT-09 SP for the upgrades and more relaxed seating position.
Personally not keen on the styling which is a real shame as everything else is perfect. Perfect power, triple engine that wants to fly, adjustable suspension, electronic everything and the price is right. Just needed to be a modern naked bike and would be considering selling my BMW F900R to get one. As always great review thanks.
S2 Concept provide a lot,of aftermarket parts for this bike. Not too keen on their Screen/cowl but eyes are on the clipons and seat cowl. Way cheaper than Yamaha official merch.
Hey there Kate. Great work as usual!! I guess I don’t understand the difference between the MT09 and this bike. It seems a big over lap. Are there really any significant differences?
@boblynch7535. First, demo them both, don’t rely on reviewer’s opinions. You’ll prefer one over the other, get that one. A little insight, the mt09 feels more super Moto, bars closer to you. Same absolutely ripping engine and chassis. It’s all about ergos, I preferred the XSR riding position, you might not, we’re all different.
As good as the yammy sounds Im still am going for Honda Hornet, hopefully delivery in August. £3000 more than the Honda but with a few more gadgets just doesn't warrant the extra money. If money was no object then maybe,but great vid as usual Kate, look forward to the next offering,👍😀
I just think that for the money, the yammie is well worth it over the Honda, which if you look at it closely, the steel frame looks awful compared to the perimeter frame of the Yamaha. The Engine is bigger with an extra cylinder, and what Kate did not mention is the Yamaha has cruise control as Standard
I own a XSR900, 2016 model. The difference between an inline two and an inline three is huge. Bigger than the difference between an inline three ans an inline four. The XSR900 engine is absolutely superb. However, the new Hornet should be a fantastic bike too, that Honda looks much better in the flesh.
Hi 👋 Kate, Oops 😬 I did it again…I fell in love. Not with this bike but with her newborn sister, the red and white GP. Oh-my-God! She isn’t a bike, she is a doll house on two wheels. Mamma Mia how cute she is. But ✋ given that I wouldn't want to lose my pants by exchanging the KTM and that if they fix it for me, it's still a great bike, you who have ridden them all 2 (not the GP, but this one in the video, which is essentially the same bike) which do you prefer? I think that brakes and suspensions are definitely better my ones… and probably the engine too. According to you, Is the 3 cylinder ready and smilemaker like 890R? Do you think you’re going to try it (the gp 900)next spring? I also would like to know if sport low handlebar and its slightly hunched over riding position is manageable for a differently young person as me. I’ m already dreaming of some mods as two 2stroke look alike side mufflers instead of the central underbelly one. Thank you in advance. Have a nice week
Hi, I rode this bike about 3 weeks ago, And Its amazing. But for me it is not for me, I have a big feet so shifting Is very hard for me... my boots can not fit there. But riding this bike Is really enjoy.
Hi Kate, nice looking bike and undoubtedly quick but too much for me (in my mid 60's) and too much tech, what i would like to know is did you have a ride on the XSR 700 which would be much more me, if you did what are your thoughts?
Nonsense my friend. I am in my 60's and I have an Aprilia 1100V4 Tuono. It is bonkers fast but an absolute hoot to ride and has a sound track to die for. I might get one of these Yam's - in the blue of course and fit that gorgeous Velocity- Moto RD500LC body kit to it. You are not too old. Trust me.
Nonsense my friend. I am in my 60's and I have an Aprilia 1100V4 Tuono. It is bonkers fast but an absolute hoot to ride and has a sound track to die for. I might get one of these Yam's - in the blue of course and fit that gorgeous Velocity- Moto RD500LC body kit to it. You are not too old. Trust me.