Inspired by Wayne Rainey’s three World Championships in the 500cc GP class as the 1990s dawned, the retro-modern Yamaha XSR900 dons a new identity—café racer, with a nod to vintage Grand Prix motorcycle racing. The new 2024 Yamaha XSR900 GP is only confirmed for Europe, so far, but the overseas announcements often signal motorcycles also destined for the United States.
The most striking change to the XSR900 is the addition of a fairing and the significant rethinking of the ergonomics, including the addition of clip-ons. The good news for those who won’t take the 2024 Yamaha XSR900 GP to the racetrack is that the clip-ons are mounted above the top triple clamp, so the riding position is not extreme. The two-position adjustable footpegs can give the rider sportier ergos with more cornering clearance, or a setup focused on comfort. Additionally, the seat gets more padding—raising it an inch—and offers more support. A removable seat cover is standard, as are bar-end mirrors. The weight of the GP is 16 pounds more than the standard XSR900.
With the change in weight distribution and the focus on a sporting ride, Yamaha has also updated the chassis. The frame is stiffer to enhance turning stability, and the subframe has been beefed up. An aluminum steering stem has been added to the mix to improve front end feel while turning and braking. Newly released Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires are mounted on spin-forged aluminum wheels. The inverted KYB fork is fully adjustable, while the shock has only spring-preload adjustability. The master cylinder for the front calipers is a radial Brembo unit.
Although the 2024 Yamaha XSR900 GP has a retro look, it also has modern electronics. There are three IMU-informed ride modes—Sport, Street, and Rain—and they are supplemented by two rider-configurable modes that can be programmed on the bike or wirelessly via Yamaha’s MyRide app on a smartphone or tablet.
The GP also has a five-inch TFT display that is fully integrated with your smartphone via Bluetooth, and that includes turn-by-turn navigation by Garmin’s StreetCross navigation system. New switchgear controls what you see on the screen. There’s also a powered USB Type C outlet near the dash.
Carried-over features include the 890cc CP3 motor, an aluminum twin-spar frame, a quickshifter for the six-speed transmission, and a clutch with assist and slipper functions. Accessories include an Akrapovič exhaust system, a sportier license plate holder, and suspension lowering linkage.
The 2024 Yamaha XSR900 GP is available in the Rainey-inspired Legend Red or the stealthy two-tone Power Grey.
2024 Yamaha XSR900 GP Specs
ENGINE
Type: CP3 inline 3-cylinder
Displacement: 890cc
Bore x stroke 78.0 x 62.1mm
Maximum power: 94 horsepower @ 9000 rpm
Maximum torque: 69 ft-lbs @ 7000 rpm
Compression ratio: 11.5:1
Valvetrain: DOHC, four valves per cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed;
Clutch: Wet multiplate w/ assist-and-slipper functions
Final drive: Chain
CHASSIS
Frame: Twin-spar die-cast aluminum
Front suspension; travel: Rebound-damping and spring-preload adjustable 41mm inverted fork; 5.1 inches
Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted rebound-damping and spring-preload adjustable remote-reservoir shock; 5.2 inches
Tires: Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23
Front tire: 120/70 x 17
Rear: 180/55 x 17
Front: 298mm discs w/ radially mounted calipers and radial master cylinder
Rear: 245mm disc
ABS: Standard
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
Wheelbase 59.1 inches
Rake: 25.3 degrees
Trail: 4.3 inches
Seat height 32.9 in
Fuel capacity 3.7 gallons
Estimated fuel consumption: 47 mpg
Curb weight: 441 pounds
Colors: Legend Red; Power Grey
2024 Yamaha XSR900 GP Price: £TBA MSRP
2024 Yamaha XSR900 GP Photo Gallery
