Yamaha Has an XSR GP Model on Tap

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A Yamaha XSR GP model will likely be introduced later this year, probably based on the current XSR900 (shown) or XSR700. (Yamaha/)

Yamaha has hit a rich seam with the “MT” range and its vast number of spinoffs—ranging from the Ténéré 700 to the Tracer models and even the R7—but the retro-styled XSR machines are arguably the best of the bunch. The MT line already includes singles, twins, triples, and fours ranging from 125cc to 1,000cc, and most of them have XSR derivatives. While only the XSR700 and XSR900 are sold in the USA, Yamaha makes XSR125 and XSR155 singles for other markets and recently added the XSR125 Legacy to the lineup, with wire wheels and Metzeler Karoo rubber to cater to scrambler fans. Now another XSR is on the way, in the form of the XSR GP.

Related: 2022 Yamaha XSR900 First Look

New documents show trademarks for the “XSR GP” name, but little else in the way of technical specifications. (Yamaha/)

At the moment, there’s not a lot of detail to go on. Yamaha has filed for trademark rights on the “XSR GP” name, to be used on “motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds, three-wheeled motorcycles, three-wheeled motor scooters, three-wheeled mopeds, and parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods” according to the application paperwork. The application was filed on April 21 in Europe, suggesting that whatever the XSR GP is, it will be launched later this year.

Despite the talk of three-wheeled vehicles, it’s pretty unlikely that the XSR GP will have more than two. Yes, Yamaha has previously filed patents for a naked, MT-09-style version of the Niken tilting trike, but such a futuristic concept doesn’t lend itself to the “heritage” range the XSR sits in. Nor would the “GP” tag make much sense on something with its heart so far from the racetrack.

The GP seems likely to follow the current MT-09 SP’s (shown) formula of adding up-spec parts to the base model. (Jeff Allen/)

No, the XSR GP is almost certain to be a two-wheeler, and probably a derivative of one of the existing XSR models—either the XSR700 or XSR900. Yamaha still hasn’t opted to expand the XSR line to 1,000cc, even though a retro-styled version of the MT-10 seems to be a no-brainer as a direct rival to bikes like the Honda CB1000R. We wouldn’t be surprised to see an XSR1000 in the future, but if it happens, it’s likely to be called exactly that, not “XSR GP.”

The most likely candidate for the XSR GP name is a derivative of the XSR900. In the MT range, the 890cc three-cylinder has two distinct variants—the base MT-09 and the higher-spec MT-09 SP. Adding the MT-09 SP components to the XSR900 would be as simple as raiding the existing parts shelves to create a new tier of XSR model. That would mean an XSR900 with an Öhlins shock and DLC-coated KYB fork, and Yamaha would also have the option of using the MT-09′s swingarm (2.2 inches shorter than the XSR900′s) to reduce the wheelbase and sharpen the handling.

Related: 2021 Yamaha MT-09 First Ride

A higher-spec Öhlins shock and a new swingarm will likely appear on the new model. (Jeff Allen/)

There’s also a chance that the “XSR GP” name will actually feature on more than one model—perhaps explaining why the title doesn’t include a number to represent capacity. Yamaha has already launched a range of sportbikes this year to mark its 60th anniversary in GP racing, all featuring white paint, gold wheels, and red “speed block” graphics to hark back to the firm’s old racing colors. Something similar, or even a yellow-and-black speed block scheme to give a Kenny Roberts vibe, seems the obvious route for a retro-style XSR that carries the letters “GP” in its name.

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