First shown as the DB40 Prototype in July, the 2024 Yamaha XSR900GP is now officially revealed. Taking inspiration from and paying homage to Yamaha’s Grand Prix motorcycles, the XR900GP comes with an upper cowling and rear seat cowl resembling the YZR500 race bike of the 80s.
Malaysian fans of the Yamaha FZR and TZR will find the looks of the XSR900GP familiar, down to the cowling mounting using steel tubes and straight brackets supporting the instrument panel. Another engineering and design touch is the single central bolt holding the cowling on, a method much used in race motorcycles of that era.
A quick release beta pin holds the cowling on, the same fastening system used on Yamaha’s race bikes and the first time ever on a production Yamaha motorcycle (FZR750RR OW01 excepted). The XSR900GP comes in a paint scheme taken off Wayne Rainey’s championship winning YZR500 complete with yellow number boards.
A point to note is the rear cowl can be removed, revealing the XSR900 pillion seat underneath. While the XSR900GP retains the same engine as the base model XSR900, the front cowling is not just cosmetic, increasing both acceleration and top speed while ducts on the side panels discharge heat from the radiator.
Adding to the Grand Prix style of the XSR900GP is clip on handlebars while rides footpegs are adjustable to one of two positions, coming from the factory in the ‘Race’ position. The clip on handlebars change the riding position of the XSR900GP slightly, moving the rider further forward and putting more weight on the front wheel.
However, Yamaha has ensured the forward lean of the riding position is not excessive, with a focus on comfort. Offering a balance between sporty road riding and all out track romps, the XSR900 comes with a thicker seat offering more support to the rider.
Inline with the XSR900’s racing heritage, the frame has been tuned to optimise stability in turning. This includes an aluminium steering stem shaft, the only CP3 model in Yamaha’s catalogue to have one.
Suspension is similarly upgraded, with KYB upside-down front forks, fully adjustable for preload, rebound and compression damping. At the rear, a KYB monoshock comes with remote preload adjustment and is hidden from sight to maintain the slim and sporty looks of the rear cowl.
A Brembo radial-mount master brake cylinder and dual callipers and discs stop the front wheel while a single disc and calliper is mounted at the rear. The XSR900GP comes with three riding modes – Sport, Street and Rain – complemented by two custom settings, enabling the rider to manually select their own power and software intervention settings.
Riding aids also include cruise control, an up-and-down quickshifter and new 5-inch full colour TFT display with connectivity to the rider’s smartphone using Yamaha’s MyRide Link app. A USB-C socket is located near the instrument panel for powering the rider’s electronics.
Self-cancelling turn signals are included in the XSR900, with a short press giving three flashes of the signal for lane changes while a long press activates the signal for 15 seconds and when the rider has travelled more than 150 metres. A six-axis Intertial Measurement Unit (IMU) allows for Traction Control System (TCS), Slide Control System (SCS) as well as a front wheel Lift Control System (LIF) and Brake Control System (BC).
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