Yamaha XSR900 Based Neo-Retro Racer Is On The Horizon

In an interesting development emerging from Japan, Yamaha is rumoured to be readying to launch the XSR900 GP edition in 2023. 

The Yamaha XSR900 is a butch neo-retro version of the MT-09 that carries a vintage appeal with its classic design and round headlight. Based on (unofficially rendered) images available, the GP version is a retro racer, complete with Grand Prix-inspired bodywork featuring the iconic Speed Block livery.

What adds credibility to the XSR900 GP edition’s speculation is that Yamaha filed a trademark request in April this year with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) for the rights to the XSR GP name. Last year, Yamaha had overhauled the 2022 iteration of the XSR900, making it lighter, faster and more appealing than before. And now, with a retro sporty bodywork, the GP version is the next logical step to go and should fully deliver on the ‘80s aesthetic.

The XSR900 is powered by the same CP3 899cc liquid-cooled inline-triple as the MT-09, which produces 118.6PS and 93.5Nm. It features Yamaha’s fabled Deltabox frame, suspended on a KYB fork and monoshock. Braking duties are shared between twin discs upfront and a single rear disc with Brembo callipers and dual-channel ABS. Yamaha has used the same SpinForged alloys as the MT-09, which are claimed to be lighter by 700 grams to the traditional ones.

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If the XSR GP indeed becomes a reality, then the motorcycle will be Yamaha’s answer to the growing faired neo-retros in developed markets that includes the Triumph Speed Triple RR, MV Agusta Superveloce, and Honda’s upcoming Hawk 11.

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