Today I’m off to the launch of the new XSR900, which I’m excited about because it theoretically offers the performance of the updated MT-09 (which is very good) without the styling of the updated MT-09 (which is very bad). Whether or not you find the XSR attractive is a different question, but I’m glad to see there’s an styling option because Yamaha’s “900” triple is incredible.
MSRP is $9,999 and it’s offered in two colors: the boring Raven and the wonderful Legend Blue, which is a tribute to Christian Sarron’s Yamaha/Gauloises racer (see above).
Boo.
Yay!
There’s a lot of overlap with the MT-09, but that’s a good thing because the new MT-09 is a wonderful bike to ride. This means the XSR gets several upgrades compared to the old bike – 6-axis IMU, 3.5″ TFT dash, full LED lighting, the bigger 890cc engine, a 5-pound diet, a new die-cast aluminum frame, Yamaha’s SpinForged wheels, bi-directional quickshift…the list goes on and on.
If Sarron’s bike wasn’t cool enough to inspire you, what about Vy and I on a YSR80 with a sidecar in the Yamaha/Galouises livery? Yamaha will accept your pre-orders now.
So, what would you like to know? Check out what Yamaha has to say about their newest bike on their site, then hit me with your questions in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them in my upcoming review, which is embargoed until the 25th.
Also, please pray for me because it’s Vy’s birthday today and I bailed on her to go on this Yamaha launch. Oops.