Like the MT-10 SP, the XSR 900 is fast, fun, and packed with features. This three-cylinder cafe bike, however, is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The XSR 900 is powered by a three-cylinder, 890cc engine that produces 106 horsepower – a figure that seems low by R1 and MT-10 standards, but it’s no slouch. Even with the most aggressive traction and throttle controls turned on, the XSR 900 wants to get the front wheel off the ground. It’s a playful, aggressive, and seriously fun-to-ride bike, but it requires caution and skill to ride safely in the city. The adjustable rider aids help things out a bit, making sure you’re not a hooligan 100% of the time, but only some serious discipline with the throttle will keep you out of trouble.
If it’s cafe-racer style that you’re looking for, but you don’t need all the grunt of the XSR 900, consider the smaller and less expensive XSR 700. The XSR 900 has a starting price of $10,299 (plus destination), while the XSR 700 is $8,899 (plus destination). The XSR 700 has similar styling, but it isn’t as aggressive, and it can still be modified with Yamaha accessories to help it fit in at the local cafe bike night.
