Yamaha Xsr900 GP, how’s it going? Full of retro charm and fun

Today, in a market dominated by motorcycles that smell of off-road, what sense does it make to produce an 890 cc inline three-cylinder (EU5+ approved)? Commercially, none. Yamaha, however, was courageous, it dared to industrialize a product that has plenty of charm and which, despite having clip-on handlebars, is surprisingly easy to ride. The Xsr900 GP travels against the current and combines quality and exclusivity with its diversity. Price? From 13,499 euros. The shapes and colors of the fairings recall those of the Yamaha 500 two-stroke with which Wayne Rainey put on a show in the World Championship. The details, such as the exposed metal frame to which the fairing is connected, are identical to those of the Superbikes that made the history of the world championship reserved for series derivatives. The headlights are there but you can’t see them and there is a lot of technology under the dress. Multi-map control unit (Street, Sport, Rain), electronic gearbox and traction control, which helps manage 119 HP and 93 Nm. The Xsr 900 GP derives from the latest evolution of the MT-09, however Yamaha has changed the swingarm, which it is longer. As a result, the wheelbase has increased to 1,500 mm and there is more weight on the front end, which has extraordinary directional precision; for this reason, entering corners is pure fun! Many emotions even after having passed the apex point; thanks to an engine that roars badly and pushes hard at medium speeds, without being rude. The only flaw is the transmission: imprecise clutch attachment; gear clutches are a little “rubbery”.