Motorcycle specifications YamahaXSR 900 GP 2026 King Kenny in the rear-view mirror

After generating a great deal of enthusiasm, tinged with a healthy dose of nostalgia, the XSR 900 GP continues to titillate the retro-sport mood, this time with a special tribute to Kenny Roberts.
THE "King" Kenny, the first American to win a GP, an iconic figure with 3 world titles in his pocket who rode for Yamaha for 13 years.

After being introduced to the market in Wayne Rayney's colors, the sportbike is offered in 2026 in the magnificent "Legend Yellow" color and its emblematic "Speedblocks" - a decoration that the manufacturer likes to use during its celebrations, as seen on the Yamaha R1 60th, also the 50th anniversary model, as well as the big wave of models in the 2016 range(SR 400 / XJR 1300 / XSR 700 / XSR 900 / XJR 1300 Racer / YZ 450 F / YZ 250 F / XV 950 Racer).

An old-time R9

" What have they done? They took aYZR 500, cut off the lower fairing and mixed with an XSR until a hybrid-temporal creature came out growling?!? "
Pretty much, yes, that's what happened. The surprising XSR 900 GP brings the 80-90 era of Yamaha Grand Prix back to life.

The clash! It's a different kind of sports bike, with a very different temperament from an R1 or R7 (what antipodes!). At first glance, it looks like a Yard Built preparation. With its vintage, racing face and virtually no headlights, the bike stands out even before it's explained. It's as if a fairing found at the bottom of a barn had fallen in love with an XSR 900 sleeping near the workshop. More aerodynamic, the XSR 900 GP would offer better top speed.

An era that transcends connoisseurs

The choice of color is a real eye-opener. Here too, Yam' likes to delve into its past. After the Gauloises-style XSR 900, this machine comes in the colors of King Roberts or Marlboro, with big yellow number plates. To keep the racing prototype look as unobtrusive as possible, its face hides a compact lens module between its teeth.

In addition to a design that spans half a century, the XSR 900 GP makes other nods to machines of other ages. Its frame is not black but metal-colored (except on the Roberts), as on all perimeter-framed sports bikes of the last century, before the YZF-R7 750 and YZF-R1 1000 made black fashionable. The seat is thicker, because yes, sportbikes used to be comfortable. There's also a tubular fork-head reinforcement that rests on the front of the fuel tank, and Zeus-type fasteners to hold the trim panels under the seat. Already present on the standard XSR 900, these are ideal for quick disassembly and totally unnecessary for a road bike. The seat cover, on the other hand, can be cleverly removed to reveal the entire saddle for a passenger. The rear buckle has been reinforced.

The XSR 900 GP breathes in the past, while the engine breathes out its watts with the latest technology. The 3-cylinder CP3 always makes its users happy, and it will do the same here, with its generous trunk, 119 hp and 9.5 mkg of torque. A grunt and power that go perfectly with this type of cafra.
As with the XSR 900 roadster, the GP version features fully adjustable Kayaba suspension, lightweight SpinForged rims, a Brembo radial master cylinder, Up&Down shifter (albeit third-generation), and a new, more powerful and more powerful rear suspension.Down shifter (but 3rd generation), five riding modes (3 pre-programmed + 2 customizable), traction, glide, engine braking and wheeling controls, an IMU that influences riding aids, cruise control and cornering ABS. Just about everything you'd find on an off-the-shelf Superbike.

Sport at the wrist

On the other hand, it takes a different approach to the rider's riding experience. Yamaha installs aluminum footpegs that are further back and adjustable in height, as well as low-positioned half-guidelines. Perfect for loading the front axle, which is much needed given the engine's potency.
Low, but not too low, so as not to make riding as unbearable as on a radical pistarde. They are anchored just above the fork crown. Riding the XSR 900 GP promises to be an exciting experience, especially as it comes standard with the new Bridgestone S23 tires. The Deltabox frame remains unchanged, but the elements surrounding it have been stiffened to support more weight at the front (the rider's support) and offer greater stability when cornering. Notably, the XSR 900 GP is the only CP3 model to feature an aluminum steering shaft.
The 4-piston radial brake calipers benefit from optimized brake hoses.

The cockpit has also gained in quality. The small color TFT screen is replaced by a larger 5-inch model. This panel offers 4 display themes, including an attractive dial with rev counter on a grainy background. A USB-C port is present, as is smartphone connectivity. Thanks to the MyRide app, you can set your own riding modes from your companion (ball and chain?) phone. You can also view calls, listen to music and follow the integrated Garmin StreetCross turn-by-turn navigation system.

With all this, the GP is bound to climb in price. And in weight. Seven kilos heavier - a flick of the wrist that the boiler will soon make you forget. It also introduces new controls and automatic activation of the hazard warning lights (ESS) in the event of emergency braking.

Yam' had warned us. A prototype named DB40 was shown at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in mid-2023. Everything was already there, ready to roll. Only the exhaust and mirrors were changed for the production version. The previous XSR 900 had already had its sports version when the Abarth version was released in 2017. The XSR family is steeped in nostalgia; sometimes beyond appearances. With this XSR GP, the Iwata-based manufacturer (sort of) revives the TRX 850 with today's technology.

M.B- Manufacturer's photos