Motorcycle specifications YamahaXSR 900 Abarth 2019 Marriage of stories

There are moments when a flash of lightning in the eyes projects a vision. "...fit it with a pair of bracelet handlebars, a single-seater seat, an XJR 1300 Racer fork head, a sportier-looking exhaust, Öhlins suspension and you'd make a great café-racer..."

It seems that someone in Yamaha's communications department got wind of this good read. Because this special XSR 900 Abarth series takes up exactly these stylistic codes, with the exception of the Öhlins suspension. Decked out like this, the roadster is transformed into a true café-racer, peppy and stylish. The front end is menacing, as befits a street and avenue racer, with its inverted forks and radial brake calipers; just like all machines based on an MT-09. The Abarth series is even more aggressive, with upturned handlebars imitating half handlebars and resulting in a very sporty riding position. And what a threat, with a carbon fork head borrowed from the now-defunct XJR 1300 Racer.

Special series often mean unique colors. This is also the case for the XSR 900 Abarth, clad in grey with red stripes. Three scorpions, the company's emblem, roam the bike, marking the tank, front mudguard and seat cover. These last two elements, like the micro fairing, are made of carbon fiber. The latter two elements, like the micro fairing, are made of carbon fiber, a way of emphasizing the bike's sporty, modern look. To fulfill its destiny, the big XSR breathes through a titanium Akrapovic exhaust, finished with a double Slip-on muffler. Sound, style and performance accompany the Slovenian breath. For the seat, a specific suede saddle with red stitching validates the premium feel. Behind it, the number-plate holder is minimized to blend in with the spirit; as is often the case, it's more at home in the garbage can than on the rear end. A numbered aluminum plate authenticates this series, and is mounted on the case on the right-hand side of the frame. Wouldn't it have been more appropriate to mount it on the tank or handlebars?

This is not Yamaha's first experience with the Italian tuner. In 2009, an FZ1-based Abarth Assetto Corse was created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of its creator, Karl (Carlo) Alberto Abarth. This special edition was more or less a limited production run, of which we've never seen a single bolt; unlike this XSR 900 Abarth, of which 695 will be produced. As with the R1-M, Yamaha set up a dedicated online registration system (here: www.xsr900-abarth.eu) where the first 95 buyers were invited to take part in an exclusive Abarth VIP experience. Once this quota had been met, the remaining 600 XSR 900 Abarths became available through the traditional dealer network.

Why 695 examples? Because alongside this special series, Abarth is unveiling a concept car with the same graphic codes as this Yam roadster: the 695 Tributo XSR. This show car commemorates the legendary 695 from 1964, the most accomplished model in the line of Fiat 500s transformed by Abarth.

Until now, apart from the Yard Built creations, Yamaha has only offered pure sports bikes, ready to emancipate themselves into Supersport and Superbike. Here's a machine that blends in with the current trend, ready to provoke brawls and push-pulls with the BMW NineT Racer, Triumph Thruxton R, Honda CB 1100 RS and Ducati 800 Scrambler Cafe-Racer. The spirit and character of the CP3 engine are unmistakable. Full-bodied, playful and powerful, Yamaha's three-cylinder benefits from a recent update of its fuel injection maps and the addition of traction control to make it even smoother. Its aluminum perimeter frame features stiffer suspension than on the MT-09. But for this racier version, Ducati-style damping would be more appropriate. Let's finish complaining about the heresy of lowering the handlebars rather than giving it real bracelets.
We're sure that this XSR 900 Abarth limited series will be followed by others, and that Fasters Sons will be keen to capitalize on the trend.

M.B - Photos and manufacturer's video