Add to this the 2016 updates
that the FZ-09 is also gain-
ing, which include altered fuel
maps, a slipper clutch, traction
control and firmer suspension
settings, and you have a bike
that as well as looking very dif-
ferent from the current FZ, also
rides considerably better.
One of the criticisms that
has been leveled at the FZ is
the fact its supermoto-style
riding position and longer
travel suspension than most
nakeds gives it a tendency
to rock back and forth on its
suspension when pushed
hard. By altering the damp-
ing rates and moving the
rider back two inches in the
saddle thanks to the new seat
and tank, this sensation has
been removed from the XSR
and you can now corner with
far more confidence. It feels
much more like a conventional
sport naked when it comes to
its handling and this new secu-
rity allows its light 430-pound
weight and strong triple en-
gine to be fully exploited.
Although the majority
of the triple has remained
unchanged aside from a
bit of styling (the exhaust
is matte black and the end
can round while the engine
cases have aluminum details)
it has received a few tweaks
that, like the chassis, make
a noticeable difference to
its character. Three new fuel
maps (STD, A and B) go a
long way to sorting out the
slightly snatchy throttle re-
sponse of the FZ, although as
usual for a Yamaha, A mode
is a bit brutal and generally
best avoided. On a bike as
renowned for playing the fool
as the FZ, the addition of trac-
tion control could have put a
bit of a damper on the party,
however oddly enough on the
XSR it isn't an issue. While you
can turn it off completely when
the bike is stationary, leave it
in the least sensitive "1" mode
and you can still bang up the
odd wheelie.
After a flick of the clutch in
second gear, the TC is smart
enough to ignore the fact that
the front is now in the air and
allows you to wheelie for as
long as your talent allows. For
YAMAHA XSR900
FIRST RIDE
P92
(Left) The same front
and rear lights as
the XSR700 keep the
family lineage.
(Far left) The speed
block colors look
absolutely bitchin'.
