ROAD NEWS
XSR900GP UPS THE RETRO GAME
Yamaha pays tribute to the YZR500 racer with a new take on the triple-cylinder XSR900 platform . Meet the ultra-cool XSR900GP . In what is sure to be a contender for the “ Best-looking Bike of 2024 ” title , Yamaha ’ s new XSR900GP has just been revealed , and boy is it a stunner . Based on the XSR900 , the GP adds clip-on handlebars , a fairing designed to resemble the YZR500 grand prix bike and later TZR racers , with a rear cowling to complete the retro racer look . To maintain the race-bike look , the XSR900 ’ s round LED headlamp is replaced by a compact lens module , neatly hidden in the front cowling , creating a sense of unity with the front fairing while maintaining modern illumination levels .
The bodywork is not only a symbol of the past in looks alone , but the method in which it is fixed in position is also inspired by the 1980s , with a tubed fairing brace connecting the cowling to the frame and straight brackets supporting the dash creating a rider ’ s view with a genuine golden era feel .
To emphasise the classic cockpit feeling , the upper fairing stay is supported by a nut structure identical to that used for the original TZ250 . In true racing style , the fairing stay is fastened with a beta pin ( also known as an R-clip ). This is the first time Yamaha has used such a fastening on a massproduced production model for public road use . Yamaha even went as far as finishing the Deltabox-style chassis and swingarm
96 KIWI RIDER