Published October 28, 2025 by Michael Le Pard , Editor‑in‑Chief
For 2026, the XSR900 GP honours one of the most influential and prominent figures in Grand Prix motorcycle racing history: ‘King’ Kenny Roberts. America’s first world champion, ‘King Kenny’ claimed three 500cc titles, spent 13 years with Yamaha and is considered an AMA racing legend with numerous memorable performances — including his unforgettable performance at the 1975 Indy Mile.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2026 Yamaha XSR900GP: THE KING RETURNS.
Introducing the new 2026 Yamaha XSR900GP…
Yamaha’s Sport Heritage range pays homage to the company’s most iconic riders and machines from a previous era, while at the same time giving riders the very latest engine, chassis and design technology.
Flagship of the range is the outstanding XSR900 GP, a truly stunning machine inspired by Yamaha’s winning race bikes from the ‘Golden Era’ of Grand Prix racing. With its torque-rich CP3 engine, beautiful race-inspired bodywork and Yamaha’s built-in racing DNA, the XSR900 GP has gained a loyal following of devoted riders since its launch.
For 2026, the XSR900 GP honours one of the most influential and prominent figures in Grand Prix motorcycle racing history: ‘King’ Kenny Roberts. America’s first world champion, ‘King Kenny’ claimed three 500cc titles, spent 13 years with Yamaha and is considered an AMA racing legend with numerous memorable performances — including his unforgettable performance at the 1975 Indy Mile.
Embodying Yamaha’s racing heritage, the 2026 XSR900 GP evokes memories of Roberts’ GP-winning YZR500 machines from the 1970’s and 80’s. The new Legend Yellow livery features a bold yellow and white colour scheme, accented by iconic black Yamaha speedblocks — a powerful visual tribute that blends retro race-bike aesthetics with cutting-edge performance.
Designed to evoke memories of the golden era, the XSR900 GP is the ultimate blend of heritage racing style combined with the latest in cutting-edge technology to offer a thrilling ride that stimulates the senses in a way like no other.
The Sport Heritage range exists to pay tribute to some of the most iconic motorcycles from our history, by blending this nostalgic design with the very latest in high performance engine and chassis technology. And when it comes to racing, no machine is more iconic than the YZR500s taken to multiple Grand Prix victories by many iconic racers in the 1980s and 1990s.
The XSR900 GP’s iconic looks are paired with some of the most advanced technology available in the class, with the grin-inducing torque of the 890cc engine matched with a lightweight and agile chassis, plus premium suspension, to o er a riding experience that gets the pulse racing.
Born from Glory
With a look reminiscent of the YZR500 ridden to victory by iconic Yamaha racers in the 80s and 90s, the XSR900 GP is a celebration of Yamaha’s racing pedigree like never seen before. The YZR Grand Prix racer inspired front fairing and seat hump evoke memories of the Golden Era of Grand Prix racing – a true tribute to some of the most iconic race bikes of Yamaha’s past.
Don’t be fooled by the heritage style – underneath the bodywork lies the latest in cutting-edge, Yamaha technology resulting in a truly capable machine that thrills with each twist of the throttle. The latest in braking and suspension components enhance the ride, while integrated riding modes and an extensive electronics package raise the bar even further.
2026 Yamaha XSR900GP Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- GP COLOUR – Iconic ’80s & ’90s colours
- KYB – Fully adjustable suspension
- DELTABOX – Frame technology pioneer
- YRC – Integrated riding modes
- Nostalgic 1980s Grand Prix influenced design
- Sporty front half cowling and seat cover
- High quality details and premium materials
- Latest 890cc, three-cylinder, four-valve
- DOHC liquid-cooled EU5+ CP3 engine
- Six axis IMU with lean sensitive rider aids
- 5″ full colour TFT screen with smart phone connectivity
- Clip-on handlebars and forged aluminium rearsets
- Sporty but comfortable road-riding position
- Premium KYB suspension
- Lightweight Deltabox style frame
- Customisable riding experience via
- Yamaha Ride Control (YRC)
COLOURS, AVAILABILITY AND PRICE
The XSR900 GP will be offered in the striking new Legend Yellow colour, alongside the continued Legend Red. Delivery dates to European Yamaha dealers and prices vary per region, so please contact the national Yamaha distributor for full information.
2026 Yamaha XSR900GP Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
Distinctive design evocative of Grand Prix racers of the 80s and 90s
The XSR900 GP features an upper cowling reminiscent of the 1980s ‘Golden Era’ of Grand Prix racing. The cowling combined with separate knuckle guards not only give off vibes of the YZR500, but the added aerodynamic effect increases top speed and acceleration. Additionally, a colour-matched seat cover on the passenger seat completes the racer look with a boxy 1980s style rear end.
5-inch full colour TFT display with connectivity
A 5-inch full colour TFT display is housed in the retro-styled cockpit. You can choose from four display themes to suit a range of riding experiences, including an analogue-style tachometer, inspired by race bikes of yesteryear. For an enriched riding experience, smartphone connectivity comes as standard on the XSR900 GP, ensuring you can stay connected while riding by linking your phone with your machine via the free MyRide app.
High grade fully adjustable front and rear KYB suspension
In line with the mantra of blending yesterday’s style with modern technology, the XSR900 GP boasts the latest in suspension technology including fully adjustable KYB upside down forks and link type rear suspension, which are both optimised for enhanced handling to accommodate the sporty riding style.
Riser clip on handlebars above the top yoke for sporty riding and road comfort
To offer the sporty riding style to suit its race-inspired aesthetic, the XSR900 GP has riser clip on handlebars fixed above the top yoke. This moves the rider further forward on the machine, increasing the load on the front to offer the more precise feeling expected from a race-style machine, but with enough comfort for road riding.
Deltabox-style chassis
Yamaha first introduced the Deltabox frame in their Grand Prix bikes in the 80s – pioneering a new technology that shaped the future of the sport production motorcycle. The Deltabox-style frame remains at the heart of many Yamaha motorcycles to this day, including the XSR900 GP.
80s inspired main seat, new side covers and removable seat cover
The comfortable rider’s seat has been designed with the style of 80s and 90s racers in mind. Enclosed side panels are added beneath the seat to continue the half-faired race look and are secured with race-style D-Ring fasteners for quick and easy removal. The seat cover sits over the passenger area, and can be removed for pillion riding.
Adjustable die-cast footpegs
The die-cast aluminium footrests are available in two positions, upper and lower. These footrest positions have been designed to match the sportier ergonomics, accommodating for the seating position and dropped, clip-on handlebars.
Yamaha Ride Control YRC and 6-axis IMU
The advanced, R1-derived 6-axis IMU controls the extensive suite of rider aids, including Lean Sensitive Traction Control and ABS, Slide Control, and front wheel Lift Control System among more. Yamaha Ride Control allows you to select the engine power characteristic and level of intervention from the lean sensitive rider aids to suit your preferences and road conditions. Three pre-set integrated riding modes, ‘SPORT’, ‘STREET’ and ‘RAIN’ featuring factory settings with different intervention levels to suit different conditions are complemented by two manually adjustable ‘CUSTOM’ settings.
Cruise control, third-gen quickshifter and A&S clutch
Enjoy an enhanced riding experience through the latest in Yamaha technology, including the third-generation quickshifter enabling clutchless gear changes when both upshifting under acceleration and downshifting. Cruise control is fitted as standard, operated by the intuitive switch gear, to simplify longer distance riding, while the A&S clutch (Assist and Slipper) keeps the bike settled in sporty riding.
Sophisticated EU5+ high-torque 890cc CP3 engine
The high torque 890cc CP3 engine combined with the light and agile Deltabox-style chassis is perfect for the sportier riding position of the XSR900 GP. The acoustic harmony of the triple cylinder roar heightens the feeling of acceleration with every twist of the throttle, offering the sportiest riding experience of the CP3 range.
Yamaha SpinForged wheels fitted with Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tyres
Manufactured using Yamaha-exclusive SpinForging technology, the XSR900 GP’s wheels are extremely light, allowing for a more responsive suspension action, increasing agility and stability. The XSR900 GP feels more responsive, particularly when cornering and braking, with grip maximised by Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tyres.
2026 Yamaha XSR900GP – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ TBA USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ TBA CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
TBA
2026 Yamaha XSR900GP – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
TBA
2026 Yamaha XSR900GP – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Engine
Engine type 4-stroke; Liquid-cooled; DOHC; 4-valves; 3-cylinder
Displacement 890cc
Bore x stroke 78 x 62.1 mm
Compression ratio 11,5 : 1
Lubrication system Wet sump
Clutch type Wet; Multiple Disc
Ignition system TCI
Starter system Electric
Transmission system Constant Mesh; 6-speed
Final transmission Chain
Fuel system Electronic Fuel Injection
Maximum power 87.5 kW (119 PS) @ 10,000 rpm
Maximum torque 93 Nm (9.5 kg-m) @ 7,000 rpm
Fuel consumption 5 L/100 km
CO2 emission 116 g / km
Chassis
Frame Diamond
Front suspension system Telescopic fork
Front travel 130 mm
Rear suspension system (Link type suspension); Swingarm
Rear travel 131 mm
Front brake Hydraulic dual disc brake, Ø 298 mm
Rear brake Hydraulic single disc brake, Ø 245 mm
Front tyre 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) Tubeless
Rear tyre 180/55ZR17M/C (73W) Tubeless
Caster angle 25°20′
Trail 110 mm
Dimensions
Overall length 2.160 mm
Overall width 810 mm
Overall height 1.180 mm
Seat height 835 mm
Wheel base 1.500 mm
Minimum ground clearance 145 mm
Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank) 200 kg
Fuel tank capacity 14 L
Oil tank capacity 3.5 L
Screen & Connectivity
Adaptive Cruise Control No
Smartphone Connectivity MyRide Link
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
