2024 Yamaha XSR900 GP First Look

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Europe sees all the good stuff first, including the new 2024 Yamaha XSR900 GP. (Yamaha Motor Europe/)

It’s a long-standing truism that nostalgia sells, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the motorcycling world, where special editions are rolled out seemingly monthly in homages to a manufacturer’s past golden eras. The latest in that string of celebratory models is Yamaha’s new XSR900 GP, which trades on Team Blue’s racing successes of the 1980s and ‘90s with a stunning retro-flavored livery that’s underpinned by some of the brand’s most modern technology.

Based on the standard XSR900 from Yamaha’s Sport Heritage line, the new GP variant also carries over the welcome updates the 2022 base model received, including refreshed styling, more responsive chassis, and new IMU-enable rider aids.

The standard XSR900’s 890cc CP3 engine carries over to the 2024 GP variant unchanged, though Yamaha says the GP’s front cowling increases top speed. (Yamaha Motor Europe/)

According to Yamaha, “the aim was not to create a replica, but instead release a model that pays the utmost respect to the past, while holding its own with the latest in performance and technology.”

On the new GP, respect to the past means inspiration from 1980s GP racers in the form of a new squared-off cowl that now fits a square LED unit (instead of the round one on standard XSRs), but with a firm emphasis on also improving aerodynamics. The YZR-inspired fairing and seat hump might evoke warm memories of the Golden Era of Grand Prix racing but Yamaha doubles down on the XSR900 GP with a wholly recognizable color scheme made famous by the likes of Wayne Rainey (who’s featured on the promo video) and Eddie Lawson, the former of whom bagged the 1990, 1991, and 1992 500cc World Championships on a red-and-white YZR500. Authentic number boards on both front and rear cowlings further tie in the racing connection.

Related: 2022 Yamaha XSR900 First Ride

The Deltabox-style frame on the GP is tuned to improve stability in turning and front end feedback, says Yamaha. (Yamaha Motor Europe/)

In keeping with the modern performance aspect, you’ll see virtually no changes to the powertrain, with output and gear ratio from the 890cc CP3 triple in the standard XSR900 carrying unchanged. That means the same 78.0 x 61.1mm bore and stroke, 11.5:1 compression ratio, and a claimed 117 hp at 10,000 rpm, but Yamaha says the front cowling structure of the XSR900 GP increases both acceleration and top speed while the ducts on the side panels work to discharge heart from the radiator to maximize cooling.

R1-derived six-axis IMU enables a full suite of electronic rider aids; settings can be accessed from the 5-inch TFT display. (Yamaha Motor Europe/)

Carrying the load, of course, is a stiffer Deltabox chassis (which coincidentally debuted on the 1982 Yamaha YZR500) finished in silver and tuned to improve stability, with the retro bodywork also covering a slew of up-to-date technology like integrated riding modes and an extensive electronics package. A six-axis IMU enables various rider aids like lean-sensitive traction control, ABS, wheelie control, and morel. A new 5-inch TFT screen allows access to the three preset riding modes including Sport, Street, and Rain, along with two custom modes as well as letting you pair your smartphone. Cruise control, an assist and slipper clutch, and Yamaha’s third-generation two-way quickshifter come standard. In short, you’ll see nearly all the updates we welcomed on the standard 2022 XSR900 during our First Ride last year, but dressed up to the nines.

Related: Yamaha XSR900 DB40 Prototype

The 2024 XSR900 GP will also be available in this Power Grey color; no pricing has been announced as yet. (Yamaha Motor Europe/)

Further distinguishing the GP from the standard XSR900 are revised ergos, with clip-on bars set above the top yoke for a more pronounced rider crouch and relocated (and adjustable) footpegs to accommodate the new position. You also get the same spin-forged 17-inch wheels, inverted, fully adjustable KYB fork, and remote tuned, adjustable KYB rear shock as well as dual-caliper Brembo braking components found on the base model.

The “ultimate Sport Heritage model.” If you’re a die-hard 1980s GP fan, it comes close. (Yamaha Motor Europe/)

Although the 2024 XSR900 GP is currently only available in Europe, no pricing has been announced as yet. We do know Yamaha will offer the GP in two color options: the Legend Red as well as the more subdued Power Grey.

There is hope, too, that the XSR900 GP may yet come to our shores; Yamaha US hasn’t released the entirety of its 2024 line.

2024 Yamaha XSR900 GP Specs (Europe)

MSRP:	N/A
Engine:	DOHC, liquid-cooled, inline three-cylinder; 12 valves
Displacement:	890cc
Bore x Stroke:	78.0 x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio:	11.5:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/chain
Claimed Horsepower:	117 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Claimed Torque:	68.6 lb.-ft. @ 7,000 rpm
Fuel System:	Fuel injection w/ YCC-T
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate, slip and assist
Engine Management/Ignition:	Transistor-controlled ignition
Transmission/Final drive:	6-speed/chain
Frame:	Control-filled die-cast aluminum
Front Suspension:	KYB 41mm USD fork; fully adjustable, 5.1 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	KYB monoshock, preload and rebound adjustable; 5.2 in. travel
Front Brake:	4-piston calipers, dual 298mm discs w/ ABS
Rear Brake:	1-piston caliper, 245mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Spin-forged aluminum
Tires, Front/Rear:	120/70ZR-17 / 180/55ZR-17 (Tubeless)
Rake/Trail:	25.3°/4.3 in.
Wheelbase:	59.1 in.
Ground Clearance:	5.7 in.
Seat Height:	32.9 in.
Fuel Capacity:	3.7 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight:	441 lb.
Contact:	yamaha-motor.eu

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