[XSR-900]

Q: "Is the XSR900 too much?"

Ans: Only if you don't know how to control your right hand.

 

[g-skomes]

Hey, I'm going to vent a little about my personal early experience with getting the bike. I want to start off saying I really do like the bike and I'm probably just having some bad luck.

So I got the bike about 4 weeks ago now and for the past week it's been in the shop. When I got the bike it already had some crate damage, but I wasn't going to let that stop me from enjoying it. The gas tank cover, swing arm, and engine cover was damaged. The dealer replaced the cover right away but the other parts are on backorder. 2 weeks into owning the bike I notice a little dried up river on my garage floor coming from the bike of a black liquid. I thought at first it was some kind of overflow drainage. The day after I stop by a friends house and when I start the bike it started pissing the black fluid on the ground. It was dark and hard to tell exactly where is was coming from (somewhere below the engine cover) but it stopped after a few minutes. I rode it home and start it the next morning. It does it again but I collect some of it. It was weird because it was black but felt very thin. I thought it was too thin to be oil but didn't know what else it could be because it was really black. So I bring it straight to the dealer. After about 2 hours they figured out it was actually coolant. They think the coolant was mixing with grease leaking out the seam between parts causing to make it black. As a precaution they drained and refilled the oil and coolant, saw nothing wrong. They thought it was coming from the water pump, but they took it apart and everything looked fine. They tightened everything back up, said it looked good and gave it back to me. 3 miles down the road, its start pissing everywhere. My boot and lower part of the bike got soaked, and carefully rode it back right to them. I was nervous because a lot was getting on my rear tire on the way. Of course, I bring it back to them it stops, but the evidence is there. They have no idea, but order a new water pump. Bike has been there since last Friday. Also, the bike only has 550 miles on it.

Now I'm not angry (not yet at least) but I am very annoyed because of a few things.
1 - The crate damage on a new bike, but of course Yamaha is replacing everything.
2 - Now this leak and not being able to ride the bike before cold weather starts hitting. Warranty is paying for part but now I have no bike to ride.
3 - SHIPPPING. In the year 2020 how does the dealer not get tracking on anything. First when they ordered the bike I called them 1-2 times a week for an update, but they had no idea when the bike was going to arrive. Now with this part I called them Wednesday afternoon for an up on the part and bike. They have no idea when the part is coming, they think this week. Also, the parts to fix from crate damage, they have no idea when its coming. It would be fine if they said "tracking shows the part will be here next week". It's not about how long they're taking, it's just they have now way to give you a heads up. When they got the bike originally in they just called me saying "its here", not "hey it will be here tomorrow" or anything. I couldn't get it that day because I had other things to do. Same with this now I can plan when the bike will be ready. It's just annoying.

That's my little rant. Not sure if this is common with other dealers or not, but I'm a person who like to plan their week and know when something is coming or will be ready. Everything I order online comes with tracking, how come they do get it? I have been told by people that if they have my bike for over a week,I should complain to Yamaha. Haven't done that yet. Not really a big fan of doing that either, but if this doesn't fix the coolant issue, I will.

 

[Weeksy]

I think you've just been a little unfortunate i'm afraid. These things happen with brand new bikes sadly.

My last 2 have been ex-demo, 300 miles on them, so anything like that has been ironed out and you get a basically new bike for good money.

 

[betoney]

2 weeks into owning the bike I notice a little dried up river on my garage floor coming from the bike of a black liquid. I thought at first it was some kind of overflow drainage. The day after I stop by a friends house and when I start the bike it started pissing the black fluid on the ground. It was dark and hard to tell exactly where is was coming from (somewhere below the engine cover) but it stopped after a few minutes. I rode it home and start it the next morning. It does it again but I collect some of it. It was weird because it was black but felt very thin. I thought it was too thin to be oil but didn't know what else it could be because it was really black. So I bring it straight to the dealer. After about 2 hours they figured out it was actually coolant. They think the coolant was mixing with grease leaking out the seam between parts causing to make it black. As a precaution they drained and refilled the oil and coolant, saw nothing wrong. They thought it was coming from the water pump, but they took it apart and everything looked fine. They tightened everything back up, said it looked good and gave it back to me. 3 miles down the road, its start pissing everywhere. My boot and lower part of the bike got soaked, and carefully rode it back right to them. I was nervous because a lot was getting on my rear tire on the way. Of course, I bring it back to them it stops, but the evidence is there. They have no idea, but order a new water pump. Bike has been there since last Friday. Also, the bike only has 550 miles on it.

If they think its oil and coolant, have the dealer look at the oil cooler on the front lower part of the motor as a possible source.

 

[Moto26]

Holy crap, that sucks. When they say “crate damage”, what the hell happened to it? Somebody run a forklift through the crate? 😳

As betoney said, definitely check the oil cooler - along with everything else on that bike.

 

[aGeckoInTheGarage]

Hey, I'm going to vent a little about my personal early experience with getting the bike. I want to start off saying I really do like the bike and I'm probably just having some bad luck.

So I got the bike about 4 weeks ago now and for the past week it's been in the shop. When I got the bike it already had some crate damage, but I wasn't going to let that stop me from enjoying it. The gas tank cover, swing arm, and engine cover was damaged. The dealer replaced the cover right away but the other parts are on backorder. 2 weeks into owning the bike I notice a little dried up river on my garage floor coming from the bike of a black liquid. I thought at first it was some kind of overflow drainage. The day after I stop by a friends house and when I start the bike it started pissing the black fluid on the ground. It was dark and hard to tell exactly where is was coming from (somewhere below the engine cover) but it stopped after a few minutes. I rode it home and start it the next morning. It does it again but I collect some of it. It was weird because it was black but felt very thin. I thought it was too thin to be oil but didn't know what else it could be because it was really black. So I bring it straight to the dealer. After about 2 hours they figured out it was actually coolant. They think the coolant was mixing with grease leaking out the seam between parts causing to make it black. As a precaution they drained and refilled the oil and coolant, saw nothing wrong. They thought it was coming from the water pump, but they took it apart and everything looked fine. They tightened everything back up, said it looked good and gave it back to me. 3 miles down the road, its start pissing everywhere. My boot and lower part of the bike got soaked, and carefully rode it back right to them. I was nervous because a lot was getting on my rear tire on the way. Of course, I bring it back to them it stops, but the evidence is there. They have no idea, but order a new water pump. Bike has been there since last Friday. Also, the bike only has 550 miles on it.

Now I'm not angry (not yet at least) but I am very annoyed because of a few things.
1 - The crate damage on a new bike, but of course Yamaha is replacing everything.
2 - Now this leak and not being able to ride the bike before cold weather starts hitting. Warranty is paying for part but now I have no bike to ride.
3 - SHIPPPING. In the year 2020 how does the dealer not get tracking on anything. First when they ordered the bike I called them 1-2 times a week for an update, but they had no idea when the bike was going to arrive. Now with this part I called them Wednesday afternoon for an up on the part and bike. They have no idea when the part is coming, they think this week. Also, the parts to fix from crate damage, they have no idea when its coming. It would be fine if they said "tracking shows the part will be here next week". It's not about how long they're taking, it's just they have now way to give you a heads up. When they got the bike originally in they just called me saying "its here", not "hey it will be here tomorrow" or anything. I couldn't get it that day because I had other things to do. Same with this now I can plan when the bike will be ready. It's just annoying.

That's my little rant. Not sure if this is common with other dealers or not, but I'm a person who like to plan their week and know when something is coming or will be ready. Everything I order online comes with tracking, how come they do get it? I have been told by people that if they have my bike for over a week,I should complain to Yamaha. Haven't done that yet. Not really a big fan of doing that either, but if this doesn't fix the coolant issue, I will.

The parts dept should have some "backorder" estimated ship date, although that's not always accurate and subject to change. it sounds more to me as your service dept is struggling to communicate with parts and vice versa. Yamaha does have a very long backorder list but we are seeing things come in sporadically.

-Your friendly Yamaha Parts guy.

 

[Tcass]

Hello,
I'm currently planning on purchasing a 2020 XSR900 this week. However, I keep wondering if the bike is too much for me. I have 3 years riding experience on and old ninja 600r but the last time really was on a bike was 8 years ago and stopped since then after an accident. I recently been ride for the past month on my wife's ninja 250r to get back in the groove and it kind of feels like i never stopped riding. Is the 900 to much for me to jump back on or should I go to the 700? Reading all the articles about the bike being too much to handle now has me second guessing. With everyone here experience, what would you suggest?

I like how the 900 is more of a sports bike because i love finding open sweeping road to go on and i dont know if the 700 would be satisfying enough for me.

Hi g-skomes,
I'm going through the exact same thing you did. I was loving the XSR900 then I started watching videos and listening to experienced riders say it was too much bike. What did you end up doing? I don't want to have to upgrade in 6 months because the 700 becomes somewhat boring. I want a bike that makes me giggle with excitement every time I crack the throttle. I'm also 50 years old so I know I'll be sort of responsible lol. Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.

 

[LazyRider]

If you have enough self-discipline to put it in B riding mode with TC level 2, it shouldn't be too much for a rider with a few years experience.

 

[g-skomes]

Hi g-skomes,
I'm going through the exact same thing you did. I was loving the XSR900 then I started watching videos and listening to experienced riders say it was too much bike. What did you end up doing? I don't want to have to upgrade in 6 months because the 700 becomes somewhat boring. I want a bike that makes me giggle with excitement every time I crack the throttle. I'm also 50 years old so I know I'll be sort of responsible lol. Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.

I ended up going with the xsr900 and love it. I was riding B mode for awhile (like a month) until I felt comfortable knowing the bike. Now I leave it in standard and traction 1. It feels fine and never felt like it has too much (just a tad jerky sometimes), but going into A mode does feel a little too much (it just wants to go). I already talked to a tuner who says the bike will be quite different and smoother (in all modes) after the flash I do that in the spring (put an exhaust on already). I'm very happy with the bike and like a lot of people say as long as your smart with how you ride, you'll get use to the bike pretty quick. It will always make you smile when you do want to get on the throttle.

The only reason I kind of wish I got the 700 is the sound. That's just a personal preference. The 900 does not sound bad at all, but the 700 sound just matches the style of the bike better in my opinion. I have a friend who go the MT-07 and he loves the bike and says it has just enough power he's satisfied. However, he says on the highway it feels a little underpowered and a little unstable at high speeds (70+). On side roads and around town, it's good. I have not had any issues with the XSR900 on the highway. It's pretty stable (hit a little over 100 a few times to see how it felt) and the power is good as well.

 

[Weeksy]

I ended up going with the xsr900 and love it. I was riding B mode for awhile (like a month) until I felt comfortable knowing the bike. Now I leave it in standard and traction 1. It feels fine and never felt like it has too much (just a tad jerky sometimes), but going into A mode does feel a little too much (it just wants to go). I already talked to a tuner who says the bike will be quite different and smoother (in all modes) after the flash I do that in the spring (put an exhaust on already). I'm very happy with the bike and like a lot of people say as long as your smart with how you ride, you'll get use to the bike pretty quick. It will always make you smile when you do want to get on the throttle.

The only reason I kind of wish I got the 700 is the sound. That's just a personal preference. The 900 does not sound bad at all, but the 700 sound just matches the style of the bike better in my opinion. I have a friend who go the MT-07 and he loves the bike and says it has just enough power he's satisfied. However, he says on the highway it feels a little underpowered and a little unstable at high speeds (70+). On side roads and around town, it's good. I have not had any issues with the XSR900 on the highway. It's pretty stable (hit a little over 100 a few times to see how it felt) and the power is good as well.

Nice one, thanks for coming back to report.

 

[Tcass]

I ended up going with the xsr900 and love it. I was riding B mode for awhile (like a month) until I felt comfortable knowing the bike. Now I leave it in standard and traction 1. It feels fine and never felt like it has too much (just a tad jerky sometimes), but going into A mode does feel a little too much (it just wants to go). I already talked to a tuner who says the bike will be quite different and smoother (in all modes) after the flash I do that in the spring (put an exhaust on already). I'm very happy with the bike and like a lot of people say as long as your smart with how you ride, you'll get use to the bike pretty quick. It will always make you smile when you do want to get on the throttle.

The only reason I kind of wish I got the 700 is the sound. That's just a personal preference. The 900 does not sound bad at all, but the 700 sound just matches the style of the bike better in my opinion. I have a friend who go the MT-07 and he loves the bike and says it has just enough power he's satisfied. However, he says on the highway it feels a little underpowered and a little unstable at high speeds (70+). On side roads and around town, it's good. I have not had any issues with the XSR900 on the highway. It's pretty stable (hit a little over 100 a few times to see how it felt) and the power is good as well.

I ended up going with the xsr900 and love it. I was riding B mode for awhile (like a month) until I felt comfortable knowing the bike. Now I leave it in standard and traction 1. It feels fine and never felt like it has too much (just a tad jerky sometimes), but going into A mode does feel a little too much (it just wants to go). I already talked to a tuner who says the bike will be quite different and smoother (in all modes) after the flash I do that in the spring (put an exhaust on already). I'm very happy with the bike and like a lot of people say as long as your smart with how you ride, you'll get use to the bike pretty quick. It will always make you smile when you do want to get on the throttle.

The only reason I kind of wish I got the 700 is the sound. That's just a personal preference. The 900 does not sound bad at all, but the 700 sound just matches the style of the bike better in my opinion. I have a friend who go the MT-07 and he loves the bike and says it has just enough power he's satisfied. However, he says on the highway it feels a little underpowered and a little unstable at high speeds (70+). On side roads and around town, it's good. I have not had any issues with the XSR900 on the highway. It's pretty stable (hit a little over 100 a few times to see how it felt) and the power is good as well.

Hi g-skomes, thank you so much for the reply, my apologies for not replying sooner, so busy with work. I have another question for you if you don't mind. I love this bike but being in lockdown due to covid, I can't go into a dealer to test the seat height. I'm 5'5" with a 26" inseam. Do you think there is any chance I could feel comfortable on this bike? It's not the operating part that concerns me, it's the sitting at a red light that worries me. I'm coming from an 800cc cruiser that I could flat foot so the 600 lb weight didn't matter. Being on my tip toes with a 430 lb bike scares me. I'm having trouble finding much info online for someone my height. Also, my weight is 200 lbs, so would the suspension drop enough for me to at least be able to flat foot (or come close) my left foot with right foot on brake?

 

[aGeckoInTheGarage]

Hi g-skomes, thank you so much for the reply, my apologies for not replying sooner, so busy with work. I have another question for you if you don't mind. I love this bike but being in lockdown due to covid, I can't go into a dealer to test the seat height. I'm 5'5" with a 26" inseam. Do you think there is any chance I could feel comfortable on this bike? It's not the operating part that concerns me, it's the sitting at a red light that worries me. I'm coming from an 800cc cruiser that I could flat foot so the 600 lb weight didn't matter. Being on my tip toes with a 430 lb bike scares me. I'm having trouble finding much info online for someone my height. Also, my weight is 200 lbs, so would the suspension drop enough for me to at least be able to flat foot (or come close) my left foot with right foot on brake?

I'm 6' but have a 29" inseam and I can flat foot with some room to spare, you should be fine, on taller bikes simply shifting your butt left off the seat a bit you'll be able to flatfoot anything.

 

[Tcass]

I'm 6' but have a 29" inseam and I can flat foot with some room to spare, you should be fine, on taller bikes simply shifting your butt left off the seat a bit you'll be able to flatfoot anything.

Thanks Gecko! I measured my inseam properly and I'm 29" as well so I'm more relaxed now. Thank you for your response!

 

[Gabbo]

Hi g-skomes, thank you so much for the reply, my apologies for not replying sooner, so busy with work. I have another question for you if you don't mind. I love this bike but being in lockdown due to covid, I can't go into a dealer to test the seat height. I'm 5'5" with a 26" inseam. Do you think there is any chance I could feel comfortable on this bike? It's not the operating part that concerns me, it's the sitting at a red light that worries me. I'm coming from an 800cc cruiser that I could flat foot so the 600 lb weight didn't matter. Being on my tip toes with a 430 lb bike scares me. I'm having trouble finding much info online for someone my height. Also, my weight is 200 lbs, so would the suspension drop enough for me to at least be able to flat foot (or come close) my left foot with right foot on brake?

hi I’m 5’6” with 29” in seam. I was very sceptical about buying this bike as I was on tip toes when stopped. I made me worry about stopping on a camber I hadn’t noticed. I bought a set of lust racing lowering links to replace the dog bones on rear suspension.Don’t get me wrong I still can’t flat foot the bike. But can get balls of my feet down which makes a hell of a difference.

 

[Gabbo]

hi I’m 5’6” with 29” in seam. I was very sceptical about buying this bike as I was on tip toes when stopped. I made me worry about stopping on a camber I hadn’t noticed. I bought a set of lust racing lowering links to replace the dog bones on rear suspension.Don’t get me wrong I still can’t flat foot the bike. But can get balls of my feet down which makes a hell of a difference.

Forgot to mention that I had to fit an adjustable kickstand as the bike stood up too straight after being lowered. Easy enough to replace. Luckily my cuz had the same bike at the time to try and match up the angle of the bike on the kickstand.

 

[Tcass]

hi I’m 5’6” with 29” in seam. I was very sceptical about buying this bike as I was on tip toes when stopped. I made me worry about stopping on a camber I hadn’t noticed. I bought a set of lust racing lowering links to replace the dog bones on rear suspension.Don’t get me wrong I still can’t flat foot the bike. But can get balls of my feet down which makes a hell of a difference.

Thanks Gabbo, I was considering the lowering links, and combined with riding boots with a thick tread I shouldn't have any issues.

 

[ChesterBurnet]

For the height challenged.

 

[Moto26]

For the height challenged.
View attachment 163009

Might need a custom shift lever with those... 😂

 

[Annihilator]

You'll be fine with the power and the low speed handling is super super easy on these bikes which is great for a rider who lacks confidence. And hats off to you for recognizing youre a little hesitant to dive right in full steam since your accident. Ive been in two accidents and after the second one, although a relatively minor mishap, it took a good 10,000 miles for me to get really confident again. The phenomenon is real. So keep going with your instinct and don't push yourself, youll get to back to a comfortable place soon enough. I think the biggest issue these bikes present to less experienced riders is the suspension, not the power. If youre body weight is more than 100lbs the bike dives like crazy under braking which causes you to try to operate around that issue and so you never really get to use full force of the brakes. Thats bad news if you need to panic stop. Its a bad panic stopper in general with the stock fork, regardless of experience level. So plan on a spring or cartridge upgrade when you get it. It truly will transform the bike.

 

[Mrfurley]

I'd say go for it. It's easy to control, just be responsible. The fundamentals of riding are always the same, no matter the bike. I went from a 2020 R3, that I put 1,200 miles on, to a 2021 XSR900, and I was a bit intimidated before I got on it. You know, all the stories about how manic it is. I put it in B mode and TC2 for about 10 min, then switched to standard and tc1. Now I prefer A mode and TC1, but sometimes, on shit roads, I'll move to standard to help with the throttle control. TC2 is too intrusive. I also like how I don't have to rev the shit out of it, compared to a sport bike, 300 or 1,000, they need to rev. When you're new to it, just keep it about 4-6 thousand rpm's or so, and it's pretty docile. I've also learned to push my hand up against (The brake reservoir mount?) Not at the bike now, but that helps keep the throttle steady as well.