Yamaha’s roots: a glimpse into the past.
Yamaha is not just any motorcycle brand. It’s a brand deeply rooted in the history of motorcycle racing. Starting with the YA-1, which won the Mount Fuji Ascent Race just days after Yamaha was founded in 1955, Yamaha has made its mark on race tracks around the world. The XSR900 GP is a blend of that rich racing history and the technological advances of today.
XSR900 GP: The reflection of an era
When you look at the XSR900 GP, you can feel the presence of Yamaha’s legendary race bikes from the 1980s and 1990s. Yet it retains its character as a traditional roadster. The XSR900 GP is not just a simple motorcycle. -It is an embodiment of Yamaha’s racing history combined with cutting-edge technology.
Technological advances: The journey from the Deltabox frame to today.
One of the most significant advances in racing motorcycle development was the introduction of the Deltabox frame. This innovative frame was first used in the YZR500 OW61 Grand Prix motorcycle in 1982, offering riders an unprecedented riding experience. Just three years later, the Deltabox frame found its way into a production model: the TZR250. Today, four decades later, the Deltabox frame remains a central element of many Yamaha motorcycles, including the XSR900 GP.
Design: A touch of yesterday with the technologies of today.
The XSR900 GP conveys a deep sense of nostalgia with its front fairing inspired by the 1980s. It incorporates elements from the Grand Prix era as well as production bikes from the late 1980s and early 1990s. But it’s not just about aesthetics. The XSR900 GP’s special front fairing offers improved aerodynamic characteristics that increase both acceleration and top speed.
A sportier riding experience
The Yamaha XSR900 GP presents a racing-style clip-on handlebar that creates a sportier riding experience. This alters the seating position, shifting the rider further forward, which contributes to a more precise and race-like feel. But despite this sporty stance, a thicker, more supportive seat ensures that comfort is not compromised. Die-cast aluminum footpegs offer two adjustable positions, with the upper position emphasizing a sportier riding position.
Structural adjustments for precision
To accommodate the change in weight distribution due to the front seating position, parts of the XSR900 GP’s frame have been adjusted. This increases cornering stability, while the rear of the frame has been strengthened compared to the XSR900. Added to this is an aluminum steering head, which increases stiffness in the steering head area. The combination of lightweight Spinforged wheels and new Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires provides precise control.
State-of-the-art technology in action
The XSR900 GP features state-of-the-art suspension and braking components. A fully adjustable KYB upside-down telescopic fork and rear suspension with a KYB strut that is virtually invisible provide an optimal riding experience. A front Brembo master cylinder and optimized brake lines highlight the bike’s performance.
Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) allows riders to customize engine performance characteristics and assistance systems. There are three preset riding modes and two customizable settings, all operable via the MyRide app.
Cockpit and connectivity
The retro cockpit features a 5-inch TFT color display with various display themes. Thanks to the Communication Control Unit (CCU), riders can connect their smartphone and answer calls, listen to music and use the Garmin StreetCross navigation system. A USB Type-C port provides the ability to charge external devices.
Newly developed handlebar switches allow riders to access various functions of the motorcycle. An additional Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) function responds to sudden braking to alert traffic behind the motorcycle.
Advanced 6-axis IMU
The six-axis IMU comes directly from the Yamaha R1’s electronic systems and controls a number of electronic assistance systems. In addition, the XSR900 GP is the first Sport Heritage model to feature the third-generation Quick Shift system, which enables clutchless upshifts and downshifts and improves handling.
With these upgrades, the XSR900 GP ensures that it is at the forefront of both technology and riding experience without forgetting its historic roots.
Color palette: an ode to racing legends
The XSR900 GP’s choice of color is no accident. The paint scheme is reminiscent of the Yamaha Grand Prix colors of the 1980s and early 1990s worn by riders like Wayne Rainey. The authentic yellow race number plates add an extra historic touch to the bike.
Availability and price
Offered in Legend Red and Power Grey from April 2024, the XSR900 GP has not yet been announced as to price.
Conclusion
The Yamaha XSR900 GP combines Yamaha’s historic racing heritage of the 1980s and 1990s with cutting-edge technology and design. With features such as the Deltabox frame, 6-axis IMU and Yamaha Ride Control System, it is technologically up to date. At the same time, its design pays homage to Yamaha’s racing history with special colors and details. Available from April 2024, the XSR900 GP combines the past and future in motorcycle design. The price is yet to be announced.
Technical highlights
- Distinctive design reminiscent of the Grand Prix racing motorcycles of the 1980s and 1990s
- New 5-inch TFT color display with connectivity
- High quality, fully adjustable KYB front and rear suspension elements
- Redesigned clip-on handlebars and handlebar switches
- Deltabox frame with optimized stiffness
- Comfortable seat, new side panels and removable seat cover
- Footpegs with new design and positioning
- Yamaha Ride Control YRC and 6 axis IMU
- Cruise Control System, third-generation Quick Shift System and anti-hopping clutchHighly developed, high-torque 890 cc CP3 engine
- Yamaha Spinforged wheels with Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires
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