Anyone ride a XSR900?

R

retrojax

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Hey all,

Been riding for about two years now, learning the curves with my Yammie R3. I'm looking to upgrade to a "forever bike", and have a few options in mind, and sort of narrowed it down to two prospects:

Honda CB650R
Yamaha XSR900

I'm leaning towards the 900 because of it's multiple ride modes, traction control, and the price-point (since it's been around longer...I can find cheaper used bikes).
However videos I'm watching keep stating "this bike is wild!"...so I'm not sure if I'm getting more bike than I can handle. Other than that, curious on the communities thoughts on the two...maintaince? aftermarket? Comfort? Fun factor?

I'd be mostly using it for leisure, and potentially commuting to work (once a week, on casual Fridays, if/when we end up going back), and rides up to the country on the weekends
 
Few of us actually get a “forever bike”. More likely a for now bike.

The 900 is a lot of bike but also with the nanny controls shouldn’t be too crazy. Regardless it’s the nut job behind the bars that makes the difference.


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retrojax said:
Hey all,

Been riding for about two years now, learning the curves with my Yammie R3. I'm looking to upgrade to a "forever bike", and have a few options in mind, and sort of narrowed it down to two prospects:

Honda CB650R
Yamaha XSR900

I'm leaning towards the 900 because of it's multiple ride modes, traction control, and the price-point (since it's been around longer...I can find cheaper used bikes).
However videos I'm watching keep stating "this bike is wild!"...so I'm not sure if I'm getting more bike than I can handle. Other than that, curious on the communities thoughts on the two...maintaince? aftermarket? Comfort? Fun factor?

I'd be mostly using it for leisure, and potentially commuting to work (once a week, on casual Fridays, if/when we end up going back), and rides up to the country on the weekends
Click to expand...

There's no such thing as a 'forever bike' you'll always be looking at the latest and greatest

I would strongly suggest the xsr900 over the *insert bland honda inline 4*

Its always like that, if you're not a complete retard and have some experience you'll be fine with the triple, yes its really powerful, and wild(translation: Fun), but after a few rides you'll get used to it

Maintenance is easy, its a yamaha not a ducati, aftermarket is probably large as its a popular bike, fun factor is high because...yamaha triple, comfort is also high

Edit: I will say I went from a cbr500 to an fz09 and I was used to meat fisting the throttle and not much happening, cant really do that with that bike, its ride by wire and its very powerful and kind of twitchy, so you'll have to learn to finesse the throttle smoothly, unless you want some intense wheelies or the bike to drop you on your back
 
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Prepare for launch....with either. :eek: ;) Take it easy initially.
The Honda a bit tamer but as stated use the nanny controls for a while.
Ergos might be the decider for longer rides. Honda's often have adjustable seats.
Maybe find a forum for each and ask the actual riders. Nice to look forward to.
 
do you want a faired sport bike or a retro style naked brawler? They aren't very comparable.

The Yammy will put a grin on your face with the acceleration if that's what you're after. Leave the Traction Control on and you will limit some mishaps if you make an error in judgement with the throttle, but try to remember to give the bike some respect.
 
ya, what he said, get the yamaha and ride like your life depends on it :cool:

... 2 years, you sure you are ready? what does your insurance provider say
 
just keep the 900 in b mode or w/e it is and you should be fine to get used to it, if you ask me there's no way that 650 can compare to the 900, you going to have to rev that one out whereas the 900 is a torque beast
 
I was feeling confident that the “retard proof” electronic controls would be ample to keep me grounded, until I got to Trails comment hahaha.
I think I’m ready...insurance is actually decent @ 149$/month. The Cb650r is similar @ 150. (3rd party only)

good to know about the Throttle though, albeit I thought putting it into “rain” mode would help prevent a wheelie. Nonetheless, I’m pretty decent with my fingers (ask my girlfriend ?), but just never dealt with so much power before lol
 
Evoex said:
do you want a faired sport bike or a retro style naked brawler? They aren't very comparable.

The Yammy will put a grin on your face with the acceleration if that's what you're after. Leave the Traction Control on and you will limit some mishaps if you make an error in judgement with the throttle, but try to remember to give the bike some respect.
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Honestly - a “modern” retro naked. XSR has that look with the added Benefits of that triple...and similarly priced as the Cb650r, seems like a better bang for buck with the yammie
bigpoppa said:
There's no such thing as a 'forever bike' you'll always be looking at the latest and greatest

I would strongly suggest the xsr900 over the *insert bland honda inline 4*

Its always like that, if you're not a complete retard and have some experience you'll be fine with the triple, yes its really powerful, and wild(translation: Fun), but after a few rides you'll get used to it

Maintenance is easy, its a yamaha not a ducati, aftermarket is probably large as its a popular bike, fun factor is high because...yamaha triple, comfort is also high

Edit: I will say I went from a cbr500 to an fz09 and I was used to meat fisting the throttle and not much happening, cant really do that with that bike, its ride by wire and its very powerful and kind of twitchy, so you'll have to learn to finesse the throttle smoothly, unless you want some intense wheelies or the bike to drop you on your back
Click to expand...
Definitely way too much of a wuss to wheelie lol. Maybe in the future.
I’m not too retarded, although I am totally ? ?? With GME right now, so maybe I am a little retarded!
 
retrojax said:
. Nonetheless, I’m pretty decent with my fingers (ask my girlfriend ), but just never dealt with so much power before lol
Click to expand...

Cheeky bastard eh,
Although the XSR900 has that lovely triple, and as noted above, there is no forever bike, at least for the vast majority. Usually just applies to people who buy a bike and then it becomes a forever garage queen. If you're riding, you will likely be interested in change, more importantly the upgrades. But just most.
Alternatively to either of these, the XSR700 is also available, similar aesthetic, twin instead of triple, same nannies, similar grunt with less top end from what I know. Far more forgiving apparently too.
I'm currently on a FZ09 for the past couple seasons, it's a hoot. The XSR900 has the same, with different tuning, engine of great fun.
But count this as another vote for team blue.


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retrojax said:
I was feeling confident that the “retard proof” electronic controls would be ample to keep me grounded, until I got to Trails comment hahaha.
I think I’m ready...insurance is actually decent @ 149$/month. The Cb650r is similar @ 150. (3rd party only)

good to know about the Throttle though, albeit I thought putting it into “rain” mode would help prevent a wheelie. Nonetheless, I’m pretty decent with my fingers (ask my girlfriend ?), but just never dealt with so much power before lol
Click to expand...
Traction Control level 2 will keep the front wheel down on power wheelies. But if you`re doing clutch ups, then nothing can save you.
 
retrojax said:
Definitely way too much of a wuss to wheelie lol. Maybe in the future.
I’m not too retarded, although I am totally ? ?? With GME right now, so maybe I am a little retarded!
Click to expand...
Let's put it this way, if you pin the throttle in any mode from a stop, or chop the throttle off then back on in first gear that front wheel is going to come up. This is where Traction Control 2 comes into play, the bike will detect the front wheel trying to come up then it's going to cut the engine power until the wheel comes back down, then it will give you the power back. It's all done very seamless and very quickly, but that's how the front end will stay down.

If you use Traction Control level 1 or turn it off, well...don't do it.

you have 3 current/former owners of that engine here. Feel free to ask questions.
 
Evoex said:
Let's put it this way, if you pin the throttle in any mode from a stop, or chop the throttle off then back on in first gear that front wheel is going to come up. This is where Traction Control 2 comes into play, the bike will detect the front wheel trying to come up then it's going to cut the engine power until the wheel comes back down, then it will give you the power back. It's all done very seamless and very quickly, but that's how the front end will stay down.

If you use Traction Control level 1 or turn it off, well...don't do it.

you have 3 current/former owners of that engine here. Feel free to ask questions.
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Ah - thanks. Wasn't aware that's how the traction control helps keep it down.

In that case - is it a silly idea to learn on "rain" mode to get a handle of the bike, then "graduate" up to standard? I'm confident I don't need the power of the 900...but the different ride modes, and traction control, mixed with the price of the 900, has me leaning towards the 900 over the 700.

How much different would it be than my Yammie R3? I would imagine if I just ensure I do smooth accelerations I should be fine, but will that potential power have any issues when it comes to maneuverability of the bike? Am I likely to loose traction while taking a corner?
 
retrojax said:
In that case - is it a silly idea to learn on "rain" mode to get a handle of the bike, then "graduate" up to standard?
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No

retrojax said:
How much different would it be than my Yammie R3? I would imagine if I just ensure I do smooth accelerations I should be fine, but will that potential power have any issues when it comes to maneuverability of the bike? Am I likely to loose traction while taking a corner?
Click to expand...
You'll get used to it after a while, smooth throttle is always good, especially in sketch conditions(rain, gravel etc)
 
retrojax said:
Ah - thanks. Wasn't aware that's how the traction control helps keep it down.

In that case - is it a silly idea to learn on "rain" mode to get a handle of the bike, then "graduate" up to standard? I'm confident I don't need the power of the 900...but the different ride modes, and traction control, mixed with the price of the 900, has me leaning towards the 900 over the 700.

How much different would it be than my Yammie R3? I would imagine if I just ensure I do smooth accelerations I should be fine, but will that potential power have any issues when it comes to maneuverability of the bike? Am I likely to loose traction while taking a corner?
Click to expand...
start in B and move up to STD (Standard) when you feel comfortable with it. A mode is un necessary and not enjoyable for city traffic.

Well to put things in perspective you're talking about jumping from about 30ish hp to about 120. The difference is going to be huge.

Btw i did the same jump R3->FZ09.
 
Evoex said:
A mode is un necessary and not enjoyable for city traffic.
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haha good times, even the tiniest tar snakes makes it want to come up in A mode :ROFLMAO:
 
Moving from an R3 to an XSR900 is a big jump. Like mentioned above, stay in 'B' mode for a while and leave the traction control on. The bike is incredibly smooth and can be ridden slowly, but the keyword with the 900 is restraint. The danger comes from you, not the bike. If you are male and under 25, be really honest with yourself about your level of aggression.

You simply cannot hold the throttle fully open in first gear without the front wheel coming off the ground. The traction/wheelie control means that you won't loop it, but you can still end up going very fast, very quickly. At least the lack of a fairing does mean that the wind will try to rip you off the bike as a reminder when you get to impound speeds.

It really is a great bike, but some things to keep in mind:
- Max fuel range is about 250km, and the seat sucks. It's not a touring bike.
- The tank is covered by aluminum panels, so magnetic tank bags won't work. The fuel cap is offset to the right, so those nifty tankbags that lock on to the fuel cap ring will be shifted to one side and look stupid.
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