Page 62 - 2022-08-01 RiDE
P. 62
BRITAIN’S TOP-10 NAKEDS
While retro
might be a stretch,
naked it surely is
Bridgestone S22s. Mid-corner, the XSR
floods with feedback and as I get on the
gas, the XSR digs in and drives, subtle
fuelling hunting out grip and brimming
you with confidence.
The CP3 engine is pure joy, too. It now
boasts more capacity (from 847cc to
889cc), more power, more torque and an Fold-away pillion
up/down quickshifter that allows footrests are a very
intoxicating whip-crack gear-changes. The nice design touch
latest supernakeds with 200bhp baffle me
— the XSR’s117bhp is enough for anyone,
especially when it’s combined with a such
an abundant torque curve; it’s the perfect Light and nimble
motor for a naked motorcycle. without being
There’s huge amounts of grunt from low unstable or flighty
revs, right to the rush of the 11,000rpm
redline but if you never strayed into the top the fold-out, concealed footrest hangers
third of the rev-range, you’d still make are genius and there’s very little skimping
properly rapid progress. All airbox moan for a mid-priced bike. The Brembo master NEED TO KNOW
and three-cylinder baritone wail, you’ll cylinder (brakes are ace, by the way) and
never need an aftermarket exhaust, either. the invisible, but very clever, multi-axis
Soon, it’s time for a break and a ponder. rider aids prove that high quality abounds.
There is much to admire about the XSR It even has cruise control as standard.
and the detailing is so impressive. The There are a few imperfections. The seat’s
paintwork and graphics, harking back to a bit thin and while a day’s B-road riding
Gauloises-branded GP bikes, is so well doesn’t hurt, 400 miles on a motorway
judged. There are neat touches all over — might. But at least it’ll balance the pain in Superb chassis and the
your neck from the windblast. The TFT best engine of any
dash should be better though; like all middleweight.
Yamaha dashes, its typeface is too small — Tiny dash is frustrating
difficult enough to make me consider a and the seat’s not for
varifocal visor but ownership would breed 1000-mile days.
familiarity and also forgiveness. Really,
when it comes to problems, that’s it. RIDE VERDICT A
Drop-dead gorgeous, more exploitable wonderfully considered bike
and fun than any big-bore supernaked, from Yamaha, it offers great
and with a relatively accessible price, the
Text is small but value, performance and
you’ll get used to superb looks.
XSR 900 is a compelling mix. Not bad for
it... eventually...
an MT-09 in a retro tracksuit. MATT WILDEE
62 SEPTEMBER 2022
