The Middleweight Roadster That Makes 200 Horsepower Look Unnecessary
Modern motorcycles have become spec-sheet monsters, boasting massive power figures and a suite of features. Flagship nakeds and superbikes now make 200 horsepower for fun. Sadly, most riders never get the chance to use their full potential on public roads or weekend sprints. Additionally, these are aggressive, expensive, and tiring to live with. This is where the middleweight roadsters seem like a wise choice. These offer usable power, sharp handling, and relaxed ergonomics, all wrapped underneath a retro silhouette. Here’s one such roadster that makes 200 horsepower feel like overkill.
Why Middleweight Roadsters Are Better For Real-World Fun
While flagship motorcycles give you all the bragging rights you need, the real-world fun is quite limited. An aggressive riding position, paired with unusable power, makes these motorcycles more of a hassle in day-to-day use. This is where the middleweight roadsters shine with their upright ergonomics and power that you can actually use. Moreover, these motorcycles offer plenty of features and tech to add to the convenience and safety of a rider. And all of this paired with a retro design means these motorcycles won’t look dated after just a few years of ownership.
They Also Balance Power And Efficiency
There’s a sweet spot for power, and it usually sits somewhere between 100 and 120 horsepower. That is enough to pin you back in your seat on a clear stretch, or make an overtake without planning it. Engines in this range don’t have to work as hard to make that power, which means they are not under a lot of stress over the long haul. And these engines tend to be more fuel-efficient when compared to a 200 horsepower engine, keeping the running costs lower. Compiling all those points, we end up with one Yamaha roadster that promises to keep you entertained despite having under 120 ponies.
The Yamaha XSR900 Is One Of The Most Fun Roadsters On Sale
The Yamaha XSR900 is the sort of bike that gets all of this right. It carries a retro charm that doesn’t shout for attention, but it gets it anyway. Underneath the retro design language is a thoroughly modern machine that likes to be ridden hard, thanks to the MT-09 derivation. All the bells and whistles that you expect from a modern motorcycle are present. The XSR900 is also reasonably priced at $10,599. All of this combined makes up a motorcycle that is a hoot and a half to ride without being intimidating.
MT-09-Derived Parts Make This A Properly Impressive Machine
A lot of the XSR900’s appeal comes from what it borrows from the MT-09. The engine and the frame both come from one of the best middleweight nakeds on sale, and neither of them was tailored down to match the retro theme. Here are the nitty-gritty details of the same:
CP3 Engine Promises Near-120 HP And 70 LB-FT
Powering the XSR900 is Yamaha’s CP3 engine – an 890cc crossplane inline-triple that has become something of a fan favorite. This engine produces 117 horsepower at 10,000 rpm and 68.6 pound-feet of torque at 7,000 rpm. That power is sent through a six-speed gearbox with an assist and slipper clutch along with a third-generation quickshifter. While you enjoy the ride, you’ll also appreciate the array of rider aids that watch your back. These are also from the MT-09, and they include:
- Lean-sensitive traction control
- Slide control
- Lift control
- Engine brake control
- Cornering ABS.
Aluminum Chassis Pairs Up With Adjustable Suspension
Much like the engine, the XSR900 borrows the aluminum Deltabox frame from the MT-09, paired with a simple aluminum box-section swingarm. The chassis is paired with KYB suspension – 41mm inverted forks up front and a shock at the rear. Both ends have adjustability. Braking is handled by twin 298mm discs up front with a Brembo radial master cylinder and 4-piston calipers and a single 245mm disc at the rear. All discs are mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels.
The Feature List Is Thoroughly Sophisticated
Along with the six-axis IMU acting as a safety net while you thoroughly enjoy the ride, you get a five-inch TFT screen that offers four modes, including a retro-analog style tachometer to match the aesthetic of the motorcycle. The screen also handles navigation through Garmin StreetCross. Yamaha also offers cruise control, which kicks in from 25 mph in third gear. Moreover, you get indicators that cancel themselves with a handy lane-change function, USB-C charging, and all-LED lighting. All of these features combined make up a package that makes the rider’s life easier when riding.
The XSR900 Impresses Against Rivals
The retro roadster class is crowded, but the XSR900 holds its own. Triumph’s Speed Twin 900 is a tempting alternative at $10,745, though it isn’t as sharp and fun as the Yamaha in corners. The BMW R 12 nineT has a lovely boxer engine with shaft drive, but at $17,245, it sits in a completely different price bracket. The closest rival to the XSR900 is the Kawasaki Z900RS, with 115 horsepower and 73 pound-feet of torque from an inline-four engine. But it weighs in at 476 pounds and costs $12,899 – almost $2300 more than the Yamaha. So Team Blue has hit home with its midweight roadster, blending value, performance, and high-end equipment.
Source: Yamaha Motorsports USA
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