Thoughts on the 2021 Yamaha XSR900?

[greenmonster]

My son is thinking about getting this bike . He has a Harley 883 but wants to make a switch. I honestly don’t know this bike so I’d be interested to to hear your thoughts. Is there a better bike out there for the money? Is there anyone out there with this bike or an older version that could speak to the realibility? Performance? Handling?

 

[Frisco]

It’s an awesome bike! The triple motor (shares with MT-09, FJ-09, and XSR) is a peach. Much more powerful than that 883, so be careful. Reliable, and a terrific value to boot. :thumbup

 

[Gabe]

My son is thinking about getting this bike . He has a Harley 883 but wants to make a switch. I honestly don’t know this bike so I’d be interested to to hear your thoughts. Is there a better bike out there for the money? Is there anyone out there with this bike or an older version that could speak to the realibility? Performance? Handling?

Better bike for the money? Sure, especially if you buy used. But for a new bike it's really hard to beat. It's Japanese, so value, reliability, cheap maint, decent handling (about 7000% better than an 883) and arm-ripping power is all yours for less than H-D prices.

I actually wrote a column about this a while back!

https://www.motorcycle.com/features/skidmarks-dollars-per-power.html

 

[cjymiller]

Yep go with the XSR900 - its a ripper. Get a used one. No reason to buy new as they haven't updated it since it came out.

 

[Gary856]

You simply couldn't tell if you would like a bike based on performance numbers alone, and you need to read between the lines of reviews carefully.

I recently rented a FJ-09 for a day, rode it 250 miles, but I wasn't sold on its famed motor, which is shared among FZ-09, FJ-09 and XSR900. Yeah it's powerful when revved up, it's thrilling charging up freeway on ramps, and it has instantaneous passing power at freeway speed, but it's buzzy and it feels busy. At low rpm, it has a hollow feeling (no torque) similar to I4s, in contrast to the fat, down low torque you get on bigger twins. So, consider your riding style and whether you like this type of engine characteristics.

 

[davidji]

You simply couldn't tell if you would like a bike based on performance numbers alone, and you need to read between the lines of reviews carefully.

I recently rented a FJ-09 for a day, rode it 250 miles, but I wasn't sold on its famed motor, which is shared among FZ-09, FJ-09 and XSR900. Yeah it's powerful when revved up, it's thrilling charging up the freeway on ramps, and it has instantaneous passing power at freeway speed, but it's buzzy and it feels busy. At low rpm, it has a hollow feeling (no torque) similar to I4s, in contrast to the fat, down low torque you get on bigger twins. So, consider your riding style and whether you like this type of engine characteristics.

That highlights an advantage of buying Japanese bikes used: easier to try before you buy. Did you rent a 2021? Major updates for the FZ 09 for 2021. Dunno how many of those are in the FJ 09 & XSR 900.

 

[greenmonster]

Thanks guys, I agree you can a lot more for the money buying used, we’ll see

 

[GPzPop]

I love mine (2016)
plusses:
motor- good low, mid, top end power
handles pretty good
electronic rider assists - fly by wire trottle with several mode settings, abs, slipper clutch
does not look like a squashed bug

minusses:
fuel range- gas tank is pretty small steel tank under the fancy aluminum tank covers , although coming from the harley it will seem like a gold wing,
suspension is a little bit bargain basement
wind protection - it is a naked bike after all

did I mention the awesome motor ?

 

[Hank Wong]

Love that triple motor!

I couldn't get over the fuse box on the gas tank look. So I bought the Kawi Z900 instead of the Yami triple. hindsight, I wish I had bought the Yamaha.

 

[WWWobble]

Love that triple motor!

I couldn't get over the fuse box on the gas tank look. So I bought the Kawi Z900 instead of the Yami triple. hindsight, I wish I had bought the Yamaha.

If I may... Which Kawi 9, and why the hindsight wish for the Yam?

 

[NoTraffic]

My son is thinking about getting this bike . He has a Harley 883 but wants to make a switch. I honestly don’t know this bike so I’d be interested to to hear your thoughts. Is there a better bike out there for the money? Is there anyone out there with this bike or an older version that could speak to the realibility? Performance? Handling?

Also ask your son if he would consider the FZ09, differently styling but of course same motor. There are vastly more aftermarket parts designed for the FZ vs. the XSR so just something to consider if he wanted to modify it in any way. I love my FZ.

 

[GPzPop]

Also ask your son if he would consider the FZ09, differently styling but of course same motor. There are vastly more aftermarket parts designed for the FZ vs. the XSR so just something to consider if he wanted to modify it in any way. I love my FZ.

most anything motor / performance related will fit either

all the same platform with different clothes

 

[greenmonster]

All great thoughts

 

[Hank Wong]

If I may... Which Kawi 9, and why the hindsight wish for the Yam?

I have the 2019 Kawasaki Z900. The hindsight is the front suspension. There isn't an easy emulator type solution out there for the Kawasaki. According to Race Tech, re-doing the kawi forks is labor intensive and the labor cost involved would make it not cost effective against a set of drop in cartridges.

 

[WWWobble]

I have the 2019 Kawasaki Z900. The hindsight is the front suspension. There isn't an easy emulator type solution out there for the Kawasaki. According to Race Tech, re-doing the kawi forks is labor intensive and the labor cost involved would make it not cost effective against a set of drop in cartridges.

Ah, understand. Thanks for the response.

 

[Johndicezx9]

Pretty cool kit available for it....

 

[Blankpage]

Hopefully some sensible manufacturer puts the final nail in the coffin of the minimal tail section styling before it spreads any further.

 

[bobl]

Hopefully some sensible manufacturer puts the final nail in the coffin of the minimal tail section styling before it spreads any further.

I'm with you. Those bikes remind of an AMC Gremlin.

 

[jmillington]

Here's a pic of my 2017 FZ-09 setup for sport touring. It has Andreani fork cartridges and an Ohlins shock.