The Yamaha XSR900 GP is a gorgeous retro sportsbike but here's how I plan to make it perfect

I’m actually a bit gutted to say goodbye to the MT-09 long-term test bike, as it’s been utterly sublime over the first part of the year. It has done a cracking job of quenching my thirst for a fun and feisty naked bike that has kept me grinning from ear to ear with very little to complain about – especially once it had some new rubber, a bit of wind protection and some storage for those longer journeys.

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• Update two: The aftermarket improvements I’ve made
• Update three: Fresh tyres and suspension tweaks

In fact, it’s been one of my favourite machines of 2024 thanks to its playfulness, and in terms of value for money? It’s an absolute corker of a machine, and genuine proof that you don’t need a litre or more to be satisfied. Farewell, dear friend.

But, my sadness hasn’t lasted long, as ever since Yamaha pulled the cover of their XSR900 GP retro sportsbike, I have desperately needed one in my garage – and having ridden one both on the world launch and for a big chunk of time for our Deep Dive test a few months ago, I couldn’t be happier with the choice. Especially as I’ve got some work to do in order to make it my own.

• Related: Best retro bike kit tried and tested by MCN

Yes, it looks absolutely gorgeous, but I’m not all about the superficial; I want something that’s going to be perfect, or as damn near to it as is humanly possible, and it’s in the comfort department that I seem to struggle. So, that’s where I’m looking to improve on the XSR the most, as I’m going to try to alter the riding position to give it the best possible feel for someone of my 5ft 7in frame.

I’m thinking a little bit more support on the seat to lift me up and forward a bit over the tank, moving the levers down slightly and perhaps, if needs be, a set of adjustable rearsets too, in order to get myself a bit more forward. The main problems I had came in the hard seat and the reach over the long tank, so fingers crossed that this covers all that. 

And it’s still a marvellous machine to ride; both on road and track it’s proven itself as a stable, confidence inspiring sportsbike to ride, too. However, as I found it it’s not the sharpest tool in the shed so I’m going to look at making it a little crisper in the handling department, starting with some new rubber to replace the OE Bridgestone S23s once they’ve seen a few miles, and then get to work on fettling the suspension settings.

• Related: Yard Built Custom take the retro vibe to the max with seven special XSR900 GP paint jobs

Although I’ve grown fond of the GP in our brief time together so far, I know that with a few tweaks, it can become even better. Or that’s the plan… Bring it on.