2020 Yamaha XSR900 Preview

Yamaha’s XSR900 blends classic style, high performance, and lots of tech.

Yamaha announced the return of its XSR900 in its Sport Heritage family of motorcycles for the 2020 model year. Sport Heritage models follow Yamaha’s “Faster Sons” design philosophy that blends classic styling with modern powertrain and chassis technology for a sport-standard bike with performance and character.

Yamaha’s 2020 XSR900 blends sportbike tech and performance with retro styling.Yamaha

Yamaha's XSR900 takes the same classic style of its smaller-displacement stablemate but packs it with an 847cc inline-triple engine. The 900 improves upon the 700 not only with displacement but with a more performance-oriented chassis that includes an inverted fork, rebound-adjustable rear shock, and aluminum frame. The XSR900 also features such trackday icons as ride-by-wire YCC-T engine control, adjustable D-Mode throttle response, and an adjustable traction control system. The 900 is also available in the new Radical White/Rapid Red paint scheme, but the additional power and features bring the MSRP up to $9,499.

The heart of the XSR900 is its 847cc inline-triple powerplant derived from the FZ-09.Yamaha

The XSR900’s powerplant is based on the venerable FZ-09 and features Yamaha’s Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) for precise throttle control. Yamaha’s D-Mode allows the rider to adjust engine tune and character while riding to one of three preset modes. A mode gives a sportier throttle response in low and mid rpm ranges while B mode gives a softer throttle response; STD covers everyday riding needs in most conditions. The XSR900 also has three traction control modes: Mode 1 for minimal intervention, mode 2 for maximum intervention, and “Off” for no traction control at all. Astute readers might notice uneven intake funnels on the XSR900, which are designed that way on purpose for max torque and throttle response across the rpm range.

Yamaha D-Mode provides three preset, user-selectable throttle modes so riders can tailor their riding based on skill and road conditions.Yamaha

Unlike its XSR700 sibling, the XSR900 features a narrow aluminum frame with sport-oriented geometry. The conventional fork on the 700 gets swapped for a preload- and rebound-adjustable inverted fork with 5.4 inches of travel while the rear shock retains the same 5.1 inches of travel but receives the addition of rebound damping. ABS comes standard on both XSR models, but the 900 gets larger disc brakes up front and sportier tires.

The XSR900’s 56.7-inch wheelbase and sporty rake and trail figures should make for a spirited-riding motorcycle.Yamaha

Both XSR models feature a new round LCD panel gauge with digital tachometer, speedometer, eco mode indicator, ambient and coolant temperature, fuel gauge, and trip computer functions. Instant and average fuel consumption and a fuel reserve meter add to the traditional tripmeter functions. The XSR900’s gauge adds TCS and D-Mode indicators to the list of functions. The XSR900 will begin arriving at dealerships this November.

A 41mm inverted front end leads the way with 5.4 inches of travel and both preload and rebound adjustability.Yamaha

2020 Yamaha XSR900 Specifications

PRICE $9,499
ENGINE 847cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled inline-three; 12-valve
BORE x STROKE 78.0 x 59.1mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 11.5:1
FUEL DELIVERY Yamaha Fuel Injection w/ YCC-T
CLUTCH Wet, multiplate assist and slipper; cable actuation
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE 6-speed/chain
FRAME Aluminum
FRONT SUSPENSION 41mm inverted fork, adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping; 5.4-in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION Single shock, adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping; 5.1-in. travel
FRONT BRAKE Radial-mount 4-piston calipers, dual 298mm discs w/ ABS
REAR BRAKE 245mm disc w/ ABS
WHEELS, FRONT/REAR 10-spoke cast aluminum; 17-in. / 17-in.
TIRES, FRONT/REAR TBD; 120/70ZR-17 / 180/55ZR-17
RAKE/TRAIL 25.0°/4.1 in.
WHEELBASE 56.7 in.
SEAT HEIGHT 32.7 in.
FUEL CAPACITY 3.7 gal.
CLAIMED CURB WEIGHT 430 lb.
WARRANTY 1 year limited factory warranty
AVAILABLE November 2019
CONTACT https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/
Three traction control modes help keep the XSR900 hooked up, though one of the modes is simply “Off.”Yamaha
A gear-driven counterbalancer on the front of the motor keeps the vibrations down and the comfort factor up.Yamaha
That classic round Yamaha taillight is all LED.Yamaha
The round headlight with aluminum ears sports the classic look of an old XS-series Yamaha.Yamaha
A six-speed transmission, assist-and-slipper clutch, and chain drive the lightweight aluminum 10-spoke rear wheel.Yamaha
Rear suspension comes by way of a monoshock with 5.1 inches of travel. A bonus over the XR700: The 900’s rear shock features both preload and rebound adjustability.Yamaha
That Radical White/Rapid Red paint scheme is new for 2020 and graces both the XSR900 and XSR700 models.Yamaha
The all-digital LCD gauge has all the usual features plus rider mode and fuel consumption information.Yamaha
A pair of 298mm brake discs and four-piston calipers provide stopping power up front. ABS is standard on both XSR900 and XSR700 models.Yamaha