2015 EICMA: 2016 Yamaha XSR900


Today, Yamaha unveiled the 2016 XSR900, the latest model based on the company’s popular FZ-09 platform. Catering towards riders who want an “authentic and honest” motorcycle, the XSR900 draws its styling inspiration from XS models of the past, with features like a hand-buffed aluminum fuel tank cover (for the Matte Gray color), single round headlight, instrument gauge, and brake light.
Powered by the same 847cc Triple found in the FZ and FJ-09 models, the XSR900 is wrapped in the same aluminum frame and swingarm as those models as well. While the XSR’s design and inspiration might be retro-inspired, the bike still sports some 21st century technology like three-stage traction control (minimum intervention, maximum intervention, and off), ABS, assist and slipper clutch. KYB provides a 41mm fork in front and a single shock in the rear, both adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping.
The rider also sits slightly more rearward on the XSR900 than on the FZ-09, a position Yamaha says is also retro-inspired. The saddle itself is 15mm taller than the FZ-09, and features burgundy stitching.
The XSR900 will be available in Matte Gray/Aluminum and 60th Anniversary Yellow. For the 60th Anniversary Yellow color, the aluminum fuel tank covers are painted in yellow-and-black Yamaha racing livery.
Pricing will be announced in February 2016, and models will be in dealerships beginning in April.
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“Authentic and honest.” Well maybe the tank. What b.s. hype. That huge steering head frame looks terrible. As a whole,ugly,ugly,ugly. Agree with the comments,the FZ-09's cheap price comes with suspension that is bottom feeder junk. Great engine but did they improve the mapping? Yamaha,you can do better.
Did you know this bike has a brake light? Journalism is a dying art.