I went to a Yamaha Ride Day as a way to explore "upgrade options" from my KTM 390 Duke and immediately fell in love with it. After three sessions, or 1.5 hours, I saw myself on this bike. It was comfortable, relaxed with exciting intent, great features (QS up/down, cruise control), very good (but "sporty"/stiff) ride, wonderfully useable power with incredible breadth and looked amazing. This will be my next bike.
Well, im 65, I am a fan of team green, butt, I walked right by your bike and bought that white and orange '24 XSR900., and an air hawk seat cushion...lol..this triple is sick fun, peace.
I've actually noticed that when I rotated my handle bars more forward on my Sportster, it is a lot more comfortable because I'm not putting any weight directly on my spine. I can ride it a lot longer without any discomfort.
You do an excellent job with your reviews. I am trying to choose between the xsr900 and a Street Triple r at the moment. My only problem with xsr is to me it looks a little "parts bin"... I'd say" No Italian designer had input on this bike".
Would love to see review the tracer 7 and 9. Never seen them in person but on screen they look small....like an mt07 or 9 with a fairing, unlike the versys which looks substantially bigger than their sport and naked counterparts
Most folks watching this video (I imagine) would consider this alongside the Z900RS or the Z900. IMO, this feels nothing like the Z900RS and is closer to the Z900 in terms of how it feels to sit on. I rode the XSR on a demo day a few years back, but it was the older style. As you would imagine, this thing has loads of torque, but I don't find that it has more (in feel, not speaking to specs) torque than the Z900 because that also pulls like a freight train. After seeing this in person, I wasn't wowed. It's still nice, but when I sat on the Z900 SE, I was sold, and I bought it. Still a great bike, I just liked the Z900 SE better for the little more weight; it feels more planted in a variety of situations. You do have to plan a bit differently with the Z vs the XSR in riding (XSR is lighter), but it's not that much different. Depends on what you like, what type of rider and what type of riding you plan on doing, but they're all really good.
You forgot to mention the IMU, which is another big plus of the electronics this bike offers. I've been considering the Kawa because I love its sound (which is FAR better) and its style, but I ended up choosing the XSR because it offers a more complete package (and although its style is different, I think it's lovely to the same extent)
Def the yam.. I won a Z900RS in a comp.. after a quick 10 minute ride I found it was nt holigan enough for me 😢 the XSR beats it hands down… but.. we all like different things on bikes so it’s horses for courses👍👌👌🏍️🏍️
Test rode both this season, and I agree the XSR is more sporty, the ZRS is more in style, gentle, more overhead. The dash/control of both bikes are not nearly perfect, the Kawasaki has a set of up/down/select bottom on the bar but you need to push the rubber button on the dash to actually do anything... The yamaha is another mess, with the mode button, up/down and another select button all at different places for different purposes... Plus the size of the dash is equivalent to a phone from 2010. The Yamaha reps said the GP variant is not coming to NA at least for 2025, just sad.
For sure, I love that feature, but I’ve literally never activated ABS in a corner on my bike. So while I LOVE the idea of that feature, it’s not something that, to this point, would have been one that I’ve used since I started riding bikes with ABS. In short, if I can have it, I absolutely want it, but I also hope to never need to use it.
I’ve ridden both and the XSR is the better bike by a mile! In every aspect. Engine is better, brakes are better, riding is better. As for the looks, one looks retro/modern and the other old. The Z900 is simply a bit boring.
I've daily ridden my 2018 XSR900 and I find it hard to believe that the stock suspension is better than pretty much anything half the price. I've tried different fork oil viscosities and it's still awful. People talk bad about Yamaha brakes but never had a problem there (even before the R1 rotor conversion). Wouldn't trade the engine, looks, and riding position for anything in the world, though.
I tried both Z900RS and MT-09. Z900RS is a great bike overall and probably the most beautiful naked, but the CP3 is a killer engine plus the yamahas are lighter and more nimble.
I have a first gen XSR, significantly modified. It reminds me more of your Z, which I think is a very cool bike. Not a fan of the new xsr. Nice vid. 👍🤪🏳️🌈
I actually am looking to step up from my starter bike (2024 CBR500r) I want to get the XSR900 but what turns me off is that Yamaha hasn’t updated it like they have the new MT09 with the new Quickshifter/New 5” screen etc 😢
The Yamaha costs less, has 'better' specs, is patently FUGLY, and does not exude any level quality materials or build quality. The Kawasaki has awesome looks and proportions, is well built with quality materials, and continues the tradition of the legendary Z bikes from Kawasaki. Yes, it costs more because you get more...even if the 'specs' are less. They're both 'fun' bikes and ask yourself, which bike will evoke a second look as you're walking away from it? Answer: it will not be the Yamaha, clearly.
This is exactly why we need all the bikes they can make. Everyone likes different things for different reason. You like the Kawasaki, I like this. We both get them and have fun. Good shit.
Kawazaki z900RS looks far better but the best front look has the Triumph Speed Twin 1200. Yamaha always have a great engine but after that it stops. Its so sad. Look at the ugly front light of this Yamaha. Even the back seat looks weird. Why not a flat sadle all the way. The exhaust looks cheap. Its so pity that Yamaha and Suzuki is stuck in that futuristic/robot style. The only great looking bike from Yamaha is the R7 but then its to much lending forward more a track bike. How can Kawazaki, Triumph and Honda in general make the best looking bike.
I went to a Yamaha Ride Day as a way to explore "upgrade options" from my KTM 390 Duke and immediately fell in love with it. After three sessions, or 1.5 hours, I saw myself on this bike. It was comfortable, relaxed with exciting intent, great features (QS up/down, cruise control), very good (but "sporty"/stiff) ride, wonderfully useable power with incredible breadth and looked amazing. This will be my next bike.
This color is so good!
It's the coolest!
The muffler sound and design is great!
Makes me want to fly! Let's go touring!
Well, im 65, I am a fan of team green, butt, I walked right by your bike and bought that white and orange '24 XSR900., and an air hawk seat cushion...lol..this triple is sick fun, peace.
If the Kawi has the 6Axisis IMU it would be the bike to get hands down
It's red
Haha. No hard feelings by me! Buy the bike that makes you happy!! The triple is fun, for sure!
@@leeinwis Orange. Have a nice trip to the eye doctor...lol
@@tymobyrne4451 What's funny is an actual orange truck goes by right behind the bike in this video 😂.
I've actually noticed that when I rotated my handle bars more forward on my Sportster, it is a lot more comfortable because I'm not putting any weight directly on my spine. I can ride it a lot longer without any discomfort.
You do an excellent job with your reviews. I am trying to choose between the xsr900 and a Street Triple r at the moment. My only problem with xsr is to me it looks a little "parts bin"... I'd say" No Italian designer had input on this bike".
Would love to see review the tracer 7 and 9. Never seen them in person but on screen they look small....like an mt07 or 9 with a fairing, unlike the versys which looks substantially bigger than their sport and naked counterparts
Most folks watching this video (I imagine) would consider this alongside the Z900RS or the Z900. IMO, this feels nothing like the Z900RS and is closer to the Z900 in terms of how it feels to sit on.
I rode the XSR on a demo day a few years back, but it was the older style. As you would imagine, this thing has loads of torque, but I don't find that it has more (in feel, not speaking to specs) torque than the Z900 because that also pulls like a freight train.
After seeing this in person, I wasn't wowed. It's still nice, but when I sat on the Z900 SE, I was sold, and I bought it.
Still a great bike, I just liked the Z900 SE better for the little more weight; it feels more planted in a variety of situations. You do have to plan a bit differently with the Z vs the XSR in riding (XSR is lighter), but it's not that much different.
Depends on what you like, what type of rider and what type of riding you plan on doing, but they're all really good.
Cool Z900RS Yamaha. Good review. I wonder what the fuel tank capacity is on each bike for fuel mileage.
You forgot to mention the IMU, which is another big plus of the electronics this bike offers. I've been considering the Kawa because I love its sound (which is FAR better) and its style, but I ended up choosing the XSR because it offers a more complete package (and although its style is different, I think it's lovely to the same extent)
I really enjoy your reviews
.. that is a sweet looking bike!! 🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙
Subscribed! Keep the ergo shots coming.😊
The feelings are more important in this case than a spec sheet.
Def the yam.. I won a Z900RS in a comp.. after a quick 10 minute ride I found it was nt holigan enough for me 😢 the XSR beats it hands down… but.. we all like different things on bikes so it’s horses for courses👍👌👌🏍️🏍️
Test rode both this season, and I agree the XSR is more sporty, the ZRS is more in style, gentle, more overhead.
The dash/control of both bikes are not nearly perfect, the Kawasaki has a set of up/down/select bottom on the bar but you need to push the rubber button on the dash to actually do anything...
The yamaha is another mess, with the mode button, up/down and another select button all at different places for different purposes... Plus the size of the dash is equivalent to a phone from 2010.
The Yamaha reps said the GP variant is not coming to NA at least for 2025, just sad.
I like the XSR from the tank forward, but whats up with the bizarre tail?
In person it works really well. It’s styled like a 90’s Yamaha super bike without fairing. Nice detailing.
Cornering abs is huge on this bike.
For sure, I love that feature, but I’ve literally never activated ABS in a corner on my bike. So while I LOVE the idea of that feature, it’s not something that, to this point, would have been one that I’ve used since I started riding bikes with ABS. In short, if I can have it, I absolutely want it, but I also hope to never need to use it.
I’ve ridden both and the XSR is the better bike by a mile! In every aspect. Engine is better, brakes are better, riding is better. As for the looks, one looks retro/modern and the other old. The Z900 is simply a bit boring.
I've daily ridden my 2018 XSR900 and I find it hard to believe that the stock suspension is better than pretty much anything half the price. I've tried different fork oil viscosities and it's still awful. People talk bad about Yamaha brakes but never had a problem there (even before the R1 rotor conversion). Wouldn't trade the engine, looks, and riding position for anything in the world, though.
I tried both Z900RS and MT-09. Z900RS is a great bike overall and probably the most beautiful naked, but the CP3 is a killer engine plus the yamahas are lighter and more nimble.
I have a first gen XSR, significantly modified. It reminds me more of your Z, which I think is a very cool bike. Not a fan of the new xsr. Nice vid. 👍🤪🏳️🌈
Now you have my attention 👍🏻
I actually am looking to step up from my starter bike (2024 CBR500r) I want to get the XSR900 but what turns me off is that Yamaha hasn’t updated it like they have the new MT09 with the new Quickshifter/New 5” screen etc 😢
The old quick shifter works fine... seriously when do you want to up shift while slowing down?
2025 XSR900 has received the update :)
Can you add traction control to a 2019 Z900?
I'm not aware of that being a possibility.
@@PeterLoweOne I found out you can. Product made from HealTech. Thanks.
I can't buy one until they release it again in blue. That "red" is orange in person. It looks like a KTM.
Still not as good looking as the XSR900GP with bottom cowling. Flash the ECU, ditch the stock pipe and you have a beast of a street bike.
Hi Peter
The Yamaha costs less, has 'better' specs, is patently FUGLY, and does not exude any level quality materials or build quality.
The Kawasaki has awesome looks and proportions, is well built with quality materials, and continues the tradition of the legendary Z bikes from Kawasaki. Yes, it costs more because you get more...even if the 'specs' are less.
They're both 'fun' bikes and ask yourself, which bike will evoke a second look as you're walking away from it? Answer: it will not be the Yamaha, clearly.
🥰🥰
It's ugly. Period.
Agree! FUGLY is good descriptor as well.
I like my 2024 kawasaki Z900RS better I like the in line 4 cylinder a lot better then the 3 cylinder I don't care for the look of the Yamaha
I agree. The engines on both bikes are great, but I prefer mine. Same with the styling.
This is exactly why we need all the bikes they can make. Everyone likes different things for different reason. You like the Kawasaki, I like this. We both get them and have fun. Good shit.
Chalk and cheese, the Z900RS is beautiful and an instant classic. The Yamaha is just another naked bike, nothing special at all.
The CP3 absolutely annihilates the boring sewing machine I4 in the kawi in nearly every metric and any other opinion is pure cope.
Does the z900 have cruise control?
Kawazaki z900RS looks far better but the best front look has the Triumph Speed Twin 1200. Yamaha always have a great engine but after that it stops. Its so sad. Look at the ugly front light of this Yamaha. Even the back seat looks weird. Why not a flat sadle all the way. The exhaust looks cheap. Its so pity that Yamaha and Suzuki is stuck in that futuristic/robot style. The only great looking bike from Yamaha is the R7 but then its to much lending forward more a track bike. How can Kawazaki, Triumph and Honda in general make the best looking bike.