This bike is special. I mean look at all the details. It‘s almost a boutique bike built by one of the biggest manufacturers in the world. You gotta love that attitude. And that‘s why I really like the brand. Take a good long look Honda!
@@KosmicKitchen Welcome . I actually wish I liked it more than I did but we are all different and you can’t like everything . A good bike but just not me 🤷🏼♂️
Thank you Mike . Disappointed I didn’t take to it nor ride it , with a bit more enthusiasm but it wasn’t to be . Ridden an RC45 and a RC30 since and they both did . 👍
I own a genuine 2016 XSR900 60th Anniversary Ed. and this is the only bike that could tempt me to “upgrade”! Paintwork and body is stunning! 👍🏻 Nice little vid too. Thanks 👍🏻
Another brilliant review and as always you give your honest opinion on the bike. I noticed how you got on the one at the NEC, being much taller and considerably heavier than your good self I've sometimes attempted this technique but with little success and much trepidation.
@@ianhalliwell8604 Thanks Ian . Always enjoy your comments and glad you enjoyed the review . Good bike but just not me . It took me a little while to get comfortable mounting bikes like I do but I find a firm grip on the front brake gives me confidence that the front is secure …👍
Odd how different mounting methods suit different people , I used to do the mounting a horse method when younger , now do the standing on the left peg method , but cannot do the one leg over the seat method ever.
The front and back couldn't be uglier, however I would since while riding I am not going to see them, is definitely a bike to own one. I owned a 2020 XSR900, and I live the engine
Great review again, thanks for that. To be fair I personally think you might have missed the point of this bike a bit, as you compare it to other bikes with more specialized uses. I.e. you'd rather have a sports bike on track, and a touring bike on the road which is understandable if you have the means and the room to keep multiple bikes. To me this bike is more aimed at that goldilocks zone, where someone who keeps only one bike has one that does multiple things reasonably well. Of course there's no such thing as a perfect compromise, but I think it's a good package overall, although I haven't ridden it yet.
I own one , it's feels sportier than you think , like most sports bikes it's not good at going slow through bumpy villages , suspension is surprisingly firm out of the crate . But on an open road with some nice sweeping bends it great. Nice sound while riding, great handling and brakes , plenty of leg room too , I'm 6 ft 1 certainly feels different to my z900rs , w800 and Honda cub😁
@@paulscountry456 I thought that the Tracer 9 GT+ , that has the same engine , was a good road bike . The question with this GP would be about riding position and suspension …
I like your modesty Michael, you should see if you can get your hands on the m1000rr competition! They are surprisingly comfortable to ride for a sportsbike
Another great review albeit a little different with the review being made on track which is a nice change, well done. I love the look of the bike especially in the "Marlboro" colours. I too, agree with you wholeheartedly, about the sitting position which would make it uncomfortable for me as an old git on longer stints on the road. However, the look of the bike shouts out "fun" at me. 😀
@@mikeroberts7701 don’t mind at all . Yes , it is . Kept my SP1 for now and will see if there is interest in the SP2 . Relaxed . It is a nice bike and happy to keep it . Auction is at the NEC on the 10th of November .
As I say , I haven’t ridden it on the road so don’t really know how comfortable it would be on a trip . Fine for little 20 minute sessions but I did sense I would find it hard work in slow traffic or for long . An owner has commented that he agrees which suggests I am not far off the mark but we come in all shapes and sizes 👍
Many riders rode Yamaha bikes in Marlboro colours , including Lawson , Agostini , Kocinski , Roberts ,Cadalora , and McElnea. To suggest that Yamaha has made this bike specifically as a Rainey tribute , brilliant as he was , illogical . No problem with you not liking the review or my style . Each to their own ..👍
I'm 64 I own a 98 R1 a WR450 and a new GP... they all hurt you some more than others...one can even fly...And they will all send you to prison if you are naughty...WHATS THE PROBLEM
@@splodge57 I think the red /white/yellow will be the colour of choice Dave . I thought it was a nicely built bike with some nice features . I suspect it is an “occasional” bike that people will buy for the looks but not actually ride very far ? A bit like the Triumph Thruxton ..🤔
@@michaelmam Heh, was out today on a 2nd gen XSR900 with mate on his GP. We ride most sunny weekends for a few hours, swapping bikes often. I don't know how someone makes an assessment based on a couple of 20min track sessions; it takes me a few thousand km to feel like I know the machine.
@@HaggisPower I normally like to ride a bike a couple of days on various roads and in different circumstances . Although I have ridden the XSR on 3 days , they have all been track and I make it clear that I haven’t ridden it on the road . The comments are my “first Impressions” , the title of the video .. Whilst I actually agree with you that you only really get to understand the intricacies of a bikes characteristics by spending a lot of time on a bike , I do 1000 mile reviews on bikes I own , the majority of the bike reviews published or broadcast are made by people who have spent significantly less time on the bikes than I do . It is a fair point though. More balanced reviews are ones that include long term tests … 👍
Agreed, I've ridden Yamaha all my life, and on my 8th, FZ/FZR-YZF1000, etc, etc, and 2nd R1. That bike leaves me cold. WW-2 Fighter planes engender nostalgia, but if you can, why not fly a modern supersonic jet !?
@@billybattsshinebox8559 Rode it like a road bike . Easy enough to use all the width at a track day and they were gone by the next session, when the rain cleared . The bike didn’t really inspire me..
Well you do have to squint 😂 I know what you mean though . Marlborough colours suggest they want to play off their racing heritage. It is a retro tribute road bike . The new R9 , when it arrives , will be the more track focused version .. 👍
This bike is special. I mean look at all the details. It‘s almost a boutique bike built by one of the biggest manufacturers in the world. You gotta love that attitude. And that‘s why I really like the brand. Take a good long look Honda!
Great 🚲 and great video 👍
Looking forward to seeing the new R9!
Superb audio quality.
Many thanks for this review, it is refreshing to hear genuine impressions instead of marketing talk.
@@KosmicKitchen Welcome . I actually wish I liked it more than I did but we are all different and you can’t like everything . A good bike but just not me 🤷🏼♂️
It's definitely a bike that grows on you when you own one , you need a thousand miles to get to know it , I love mine 👍
@@glenncaukill1320 rode it 3 times but all on track . My view might change if I rode one on the road …
Great review with an honest appraisal. Not all bikes 'light ones fire'. Keep up the good work
Thank you Mike . Disappointed I didn’t take to it nor ride it , with a bit more enthusiasm but it wasn’t to be . Ridden an RC45 and a RC30 since and they both did . 👍
I own a genuine 2016 XSR900 60th Anniversary Ed. and this is the only bike that could tempt me to “upgrade”! Paintwork and body is stunning! 👍🏻 Nice little vid too. Thanks 👍🏻
@@TheGreatestBeyonder Great looking bike in my opinion . Saw one out and about on my travels today . Looked great . Two up too 👍
Love the gray 👍
A good review, I have one . I agree with your points about comfort and firm suspension, it is better the faster you go 👍
Thank you Glenn . Always great to hear from real owners . 👍
@@michaelmam my other bikes are sit up and beg so fancied something a little different. So different to my z900rs se
@@glenncaukill1320I agree . Very different feel and riding position to our Retro RS SE’s … 👍
Love the grey colour scheme. This look rad rather than white.
Really sad this isn’t hitting the US market.. if money was abundant I’d definitely have to have one imported
Another great video Mike, awesome 👍👍👍
Glad you enjoyed it 👍
Waiting for the R9 >_>
Looking forward to seeing it 👍
Another brilliant review and as always you give your honest opinion on the bike. I noticed how you got on the one at the NEC, being much taller and considerably heavier than your good self I've sometimes attempted this technique but with little success and much trepidation.
@@ianhalliwell8604 Thanks Ian . Always enjoy your comments and glad you enjoyed the review . Good bike but just not me .
It took me a little while to get comfortable mounting bikes like I do but I find a firm grip on the front brake gives me confidence that the front is secure …👍
Odd how different mounting methods suit different people , I used to do the mounting a horse method when younger , now do the standing on the left peg method , but cannot do the one leg over the seat method ever.
The front and back couldn't be uglier, however I would since while riding I am not going to see them, is definitely a bike to own one. I owned a 2020 XSR900, and I live the engine
just loved the bike.
Great review again, thanks for that. To be fair I personally think you might have missed the point of this bike a bit, as you compare it to other bikes with more specialized uses. I.e. you'd rather have a sports bike on track, and a touring bike on the road which is understandable if you have the means and the room to keep multiple bikes. To me this bike is more aimed at that goldilocks zone, where someone who keeps only one bike has one that does multiple things reasonably well. Of course there's no such thing as a perfect compromise, but I think it's a good package overall, although I haven't ridden it yet.
Ride one ..
I own one , it's feels sportier than you think , like most sports bikes it's not good at going slow through bumpy villages , suspension is surprisingly firm out of the crate . But on an open road with some nice sweeping bends it great. Nice sound while riding, great handling and brakes , plenty of leg room too , I'm 6 ft 1 certainly feels different to my z900rs , w800 and Honda cub😁
That would perfect for the street,triples like Triumph are great broad power and linear compared to other configurations.
@@paulscountry456 I thought that the Tracer 9 GT+ , that has the same engine , was a good road bike . The question with this GP would be about riding position and suspension …
I like your modesty Michael, you should see if you can get your hands on the m1000rr competition! They are surprisingly comfortable to ride for a sportsbike
@@JustForRita I had a S1000RR and changed it last year for the M1000R , which I like . Too fast for a naked bike of course but very amusing..
@michaelmam haha yes, it can easily become a one way ticket to prison food as you say😂
Another great review albeit a little different with the review being made on track which is a nice change, well done. I love the look of the bike especially in the "Marlboro" colours. I too, agree with you wholeheartedly, about the sitting position which would make it uncomfortable for me as an old git on longer stints on the road. However, the look of the bike shouts out "fun" at me. 😀
@@julianroberts9757 Great looking bike for sure . Seen a few about now . Always attracting a crowd . ..👍
Hi. Hope you don't mind me asking but is your SP2 up for auction? Great videos.
@@mikeroberts7701 don’t mind at all . Yes , it is . Kept my SP1 for now and will see if there is interest in the SP2 . Relaxed . It is a nice bike and happy to keep it . Auction is at the NEC on the 10th of November .
I see they are not bothering with shock linkages on this bike, shame its all bargain basement with new bikes these days
Good review !
@@stuwhite1969 Well spotted .. and thank you . 👍
It is a mistake to not make the Faired XSR more popular and bring a R9 right after.
Very likely that Europe got the XSR900GP first because North America is getting the R9 first.
Anybody know why they chose not to sell it in the US market when there’s clearly an interest?
Look fabulous. Some other channels, eg MCN?, saying a little bit wristy but not uncomfortable. inclined to believe you more.
As I say , I haven’t ridden it on the road so don’t really know how comfortable it would be on a trip . Fine for little 20 minute sessions but I did sense I would find it hard work in slow traffic or for long . An owner has commented that he agrees which suggests I am not far off the mark but we come in all shapes and sizes 👍
Wayne Rainey edition for the talker who doesn’t know who that is.
Many riders rode Yamaha bikes in Marlboro colours , including Lawson , Agostini , Kocinski , Roberts ,Cadalora , and McElnea. To suggest that Yamaha has made this bike specifically as a Rainey tribute , brilliant as he was , illogical . No problem with you not liking the review or my style . Each to their own ..👍
Why is this bike not available in the USA? 😢
@@notsureonthisusername3319 Didn’t know it wasn’t ! Ask Yamaha dealers ? Be interesting to know..
Been there done that and wouldn't go back
Lovely looking bike but not for a seventy year old like me.
@@ZZR1200ZX Definitely not built for comfort ..👍
I have a custom seat . I don’t go far these days.
MT07 my good sir.
I'm 64 I own a 98 R1 a WR450 and a new GP... they all hurt you some more than others...one can even fly...And they will all send you to prison if you are naughty...WHATS THE PROBLEM
@@subaruwrx3381 😂 No problem this end . Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment . Have fun 👍
I don't think they will sell many in that colour. Nice bike but with a cheap built down to a price look.
@@splodge57 I think the red /white/yellow will be the colour of choice Dave . I thought it was a nicely built bike with some nice features .
I suspect it is an “occasional” bike that people will buy for the looks but not actually ride very far ? A bit like the Triumph Thruxton ..🤔
I agree but the Thruxton sure looks better built, finished and has a much greater attention to detail. IMO the Yamaha looks far from a £12000+ bike.
@@splodge57 Pretty sure this dynamically a lot better than the Thruxton.
@@michaelmam Heh, was out today on a 2nd gen XSR900 with mate on his GP. We ride most sunny weekends for a few hours, swapping bikes often. I don't know how someone makes an assessment based on a couple of 20min track sessions; it takes me a few thousand km to feel like I know the machine.
@@HaggisPower I normally like to ride a bike a couple of days on various roads and in different circumstances . Although I have ridden the XSR on 3 days , they have all been track and I make it clear that I haven’t ridden it on the road . The comments are my “first Impressions” , the title of the video ..
Whilst I actually agree with you that you only really get to understand the intricacies of a bikes characteristics by spending a lot of time on a bike , I do 1000 mile reviews on bikes I own , the majority of the bike reviews published or broadcast are made by people who have spent significantly less time on the bikes than I do . It is a fair point though. More balanced reviews are ones that include long term tests … 👍
I must be one of the few people that don't like the looks at all. Sorry those who love it, but it does nothing for me at all.
@@craiggarrett26 Don’t worry , I am one of the few who doesn’t like how it rides 🤷🏼♂️😂
Agreed, I've ridden Yamaha all my life, and on my 8th, FZ/FZR-YZF1000, etc, etc, and 2nd R1. That bike leaves me cold. WW-2 Fighter planes engender nostalgia, but if you can, why not fly a modern supersonic jet !?
the face is messed up
@@Gosick02 seems to divide opinions .
Errr kame here for a KTT big fin Velocette ,,, 🦩🦕🤺
@@BrianMarcus-nz7cs 🤷🏼♂️
Wtf yamaha bring these to America
Loved ya chicken strips
@@billybattsshinebox8559 Rode it like a road bike . Easy enough to use all the width at a track day and they were gone by the next session, when the rain cleared . The bike didn’t really inspire me..
I dont like the looks , i dont see a gp bike in it
Well you do have to squint 😂 I know what you mean though . Marlborough colours suggest they want to play off their racing heritage. It is a retro tribute road bike . The new R9 , when it arrives , will be the more track focused version .. 👍