Every time we think the motorcycle industry’s heritage segment has reached its zenith, another major manufacturer cashes in and the cycle continues. This time it’s Yamaha’s turn, with the announcement of the remarkably provocative Yamaha XSR900 GP.
Yamaha doesn’t have as big a range of modern classics as, say, Triumph or Royal Enfield. But the Japanese marque has more skin in the game than most. Their ‘Yard Built’ initiative is one of the biggest OEM-led custom build programs around and has yielded numerous top-shelf custom Yamahas over the years.
That’s probably why the Yamaha XSR900 GP looks more like a high-quality custom build than an OEM release. Seriously, just look at it. From the fairing and tail bump to the pixel-perfect livery and tiny lights, this is one of the slickest—and boldest—factory specials we’ve ever seen.…