Fantastic bike with easily fixed flaws

This bike is fantastic value; its not without flaws, of course. The biggest flaw is the small 3.7 Gallon tank (14 liters), if you ride hard, expect the fuel light to come on at 100 miles! The second biggest flaw is the seat, which is a love it, or hate it feature of this bike and Kelpi Customs (Aus) and Corbin Seats (USA) have quickly created seats to fill this market.  Suspension is, as usual, a bit soft, so if you`re heavyset or ride 10/10ths on the track, you may want to check out Ohlins or other aftermarket source.

I`ve had this bike for 1.5 years and over 4200 miles. I`ve ridden it in rain, on gravel fire roads and in extreme heat (90F, 32C) and its exceptionally well behaved in all instances. The unflappability in riding is due (in my opinion) to the longer swingarm, borrowed from the tracer and also its lack of tight steering. The closest bike I`ve experienced like this was my 1992 Ducati 900SS (also purchased from new) and that stability in fast sweepers makes me feel like I`m a faster, better rider than I probably really am.

The last bike I owned was a modified 2005 SV650 with 2006 GSXR600 front end that was very well sorted and cared for. I loved that bike, but this XSR900 is a whole `nother ballgame. The 110+HP means quick passing of cars on highways and country roads are easily accommodated, with little drama. The sound is nice, if muffled. After a year, I purchased a Kelpi Flanker exhaust with baffle and it is LOUD over 5k rpm, but not too bad when commuting past my immediate neighbors.

Luggage choices are abundant and with SW-Motech tank and saddlebags, I`ve basically created a psuedo-Tracer, but way cuter.   Adding a genuine Yamaha fairing harkens this bike back to 1985 RZ350 and that`s all we really want, isn`t it?  A chance to feel like a kid again?  If you`re on the fence, hop off and get one; you won`t be disappointed.