Yamaha

Bikes used and abused by the gang, some for weeks some for years, with our views on the good, the bad and the downright ugly. Got a bike and you want to help us help others send in your photo and some words on whats what and we’ll look to add it.

XSR 900 (2022 on)

The update version of Yamaha’s XSR900 is more an evolution than a revolution with subtle styling and functional changes the clearest of which are a change to the seat unit and the addition on a full TFT screen. On the test ride there was a lot to like about this bike but a couple of things we didn’t and which would lead to the bike being marked down. Firstly things we like about this bike is the look of it, a real modern retro head turner practically in this striking blue paint scheme which harps back to the signature paint schemes of 1980’s Yamaha’s, secondly is the engine, the 900cc 117 bhp triple is really punchy and lively and brilliant on road with plenty of grunt with 4 different rider modes to suit your riding style. But now the things we didn’t like, the seat was rock hard even though it looks well cushioned and on a 45 min test ride Bulby’s arse was aching by the time he got back, the switchgear seems fiddley and cramped and the TFT screen while nice is not that clear for some of the minor items displayed.

Those items aside the real issue with this bike is that on the test ride on a number of occasions using the quick-shifter caused the bike to select a false neutral which on one particular occasion meant the back wheel locked as it eventually found a gear and skid. We got talking to someone else who also test rode the same bike and they said they experienced the same thing, not between 1st and 2nd like the Yamaha sales person said could happen but between 3rd and 4th, maybe this was an issue on this bike as it had only done 500 miles but something that needs to be addressed before it causes a major issue.

Pro’s – Paint scheme, Retro look, Engine, Equipment-cruise control/quick-shifter, Price, 4 rider modes

Cons – False neutrals, Hard seat, TFT info to small

Rating – 8/10

For more information click Here

(2016 – 2021)

Review to follow

Pro’s – Retro looks, MT-09 Triple Engine, Handling straight from the off

Cons –

Rating – /10

For more information click Here

MT10

The bike in the pictures is a 2016 model but the bike tested was a 2023 bike with Ackro can.

Wow, oh wow, what a bike. The bike Bulby test rode had an aftermarket Ackro can fitted and along with the cross plain crank engine (detuned from the R1) made this bike sound insane. The throttle felt a little disconnected for the first quarter of a turn but after that the engine takes over with it’s growling it really does pull like no other in-line 4 we’ve ridden. This bike is very fast and in the right hands would be a real wheelie monster, that said the suspension also felt real class with the bike feeling really well planted on the road. There isn’t much to not like about this bike and once you ride one you’ll see why owners lover them so much, of the few gripes there are, the mirrors while not vibrating only really allow you to see your elbows, the TFT could be bigger and clearer and owners, report that the fuel economy isn’t great and that with a relatively small tank can mean on 90-100 miles between fill ups, with this exhaust that’s well believable as you want to spend all the time riding between 2nd/3rd and 4th gears

Pro’s – Looks, Cross-plane Crank engine, sound, Road manners

Cons – Mirrors, Tank range and fuel economy

Rating – 9.5/10

For more information click Here

Tenere 700

This Yamaha Tenere 700 is a very special bike as it’s a bike that is going around the world. Yes, the dream of many and the reality of just a few this Tenere 700 is the choice of the newest member of the TTW family, Seb Meyer as he circumnavigates the globe on his own in a trip f a life time which without real set plans could take 2 to 3 years. When asking Seb why he decided on the 700 and not the Charley Boorman GS or the KTM equivalent he was quiet clear as to his requirements. For a bike of this type it’s fairly light at 204kg, is low on tech which means less to go wrong and has a built proof 700cc twin pot engine.

Pro’s – Light, Built proof engine, lack of tech and gizmo’s

Con’s – Small tank at 16litres means when riding at speed the range isn’t great

Rating – 8/10

For more information click Here

WR 450

In search of some dirty fun some of the gang are venturing into the world of green laning and the first to take the plunge was Babee gee who plumped for a 2005 Yamaha WR 450F. With only the ride home witht he bike on super moto wheels early signs are a light , flickable fun bike with approx 45bhp that makes you want to be naughty. What it’s like off road remains to be seen but once the team have got down and dirty a further review will follow>

Pro’s – Nippy, Stable on Road

Cons – None so far

Rating – 8/10

For more information click Here

WR250F (2020)

Bulby’s steed for a green lane is this 250F as he wanted something smaller and lighter than a 450 following his previous experiences on a big, heavy thumper in the shape of the 450 Husberg that he used to have. Having now picked up the bike(see link below) and experienced my first proper ride the early signs are all really good, light and nimble on the road it’s clear how this will make it any easy to ride bike off the road. On road there are a few minor issues that you get with this type of bike, no wind protection, no mirrors and no indicators all add to road riding being an interesting experience however the road is not what this bike is designed for so more info to come once it’s been used in it’s natural habitat

Pro’s – Look, Light and Nimble

Cons – Cost, No key so security is an issue

Rating – 9/10

For more information click Here

First ride (Road) click Here

R1 Big Bang

So Big White is a 2009 R1 14b (Big Bang) 998cc 179bhp 

So far this has been the only supersports bike I have really gelled with, although it’s a bit big, a bit top heavy and felt like it didn’t steer as quick as it’s predecessor I loved it. Looks wise it stood out from the crowd at the time of its release but got very mixed reviews over its choice of colours but these days they are getting sort after because of this just like the original 98 model red/white.  The biggest thing with the 14b was of course Was the engine, the way it sounded the way it performed it was like nothing before it hence I ordered mine before it turned up at the NEC bike show. The “Big Bang” firing of the engine meant it pulled like a twin from low down and rev’ed out like an in-line 4 brilliant bit of kit. 3 power Modes standard, full, and low (wet mode) my favourite on the tight twisty “B” roads i loved the torque it gave without the engine braking and the reason I hated riding my Rc8 because of the V-twin torque and engine braking Sorry but lovely bike to own and look at. (Review by DJ)

Pro’s – ease/comfort Of riding, power delivery of the engine at all speeds, the way it handled(once sorted by MCT suspension) and the soundtrack

Cons – On-off Snatchy throttle in full power, weight, stiff suspension until sorted, lack of reserve fuel(10miles one day 25 the next!) 

Rating – 9/10

For more information click Here

R1- 2004/5

The moment I saw the lava red paint, depth of colour and metal flake i had to have one and of course that stunning twin under seat exhaust (wow moto gp inspired of course) and a very sad day when i sold it. The Gixer was traded in faster than it was purchased the year before, it did help that it made my shoulders ache so was kind of glad to loosed the boring blue and white haha. So this little beauty was Yamaha’s new master piece, with the magical 20 valve engine(yep you heard it) 20valve and a claimed 172bhp from the 2004 R1 (180bhp at speed with the ram air operating) and with 172kg to haul around, it was able to make the magic 1:1 power-to-weight ratio which was nice. Riding this was like taking the bull by the horns i found it liked to buck- weave- shake its head with little notice even with the Yamaha steering damper in place, soon changed to an Ohlins unit and of course wheelie this is where i learnt the art of suspension set-up (by the experts at MCT and steering dampers..! And what a difference that makes.  It was fast no arguing that but a very stiff chassis in my mind but still comfy enough to ride it to Yorkshire from Essex once the set-up was done, then i followed the crowd and after a year added a power commander and removed the cat and re-packaged the standard cans for a straight through kit and colour coded tips. I felt the standard cans were the prettiest and cheapest option when you can’t afford carbon Akra’s but wow they sounded good. 60mm open bore and they called for more fuel followed by more flames to impress the ladies of course..! (let’s be honest it was the fellow biker brothers we were aiming for really) (review by Darren James)

Pro’s – Excellent engine and gearbox, comfy, excellent lights (a plus for me at night) and the looks that never fade with time.

Cons – Stiff chassis, stiffer suspension and lack of gear indicator.

Rating – 8/10

For more information click Here

For more information on MCT suspension click Here

XT 660

Yamaha’s XT 660 was the 2nd generation bike having been given a few more cc’s than the original XT600 and what a difference it made. The single pot lump gives good torque and makes it suitable for a commuter or adventure bike although it’s a bit on the heavy side for green lanes it’s still very capable machine. There were two versions available the enduro and the super moto which sported different wheels as well as a few other changes however it’s the type of bike that throw a set of supermoto tyres on the enduro and it still performs well. This is a reliable bike, which is relativity cheap to own and maintain so the only question is, why haven’t you got one

Pro’s – Power, go anywhere type of bike

Cons – Weight

Rating – 8/10

For more information click Here

WR125X

As with any modern day 125 bikes are restricted to the amount of horse power they can produce. The Yamaha WR125 is a really good looking machine for the young person who wants to get into biking but wants to ride something that looks cool. Yamaha do this bike in two versions, the super moto that you see here and an enduro version that comes with wire-spoke wheels and road going knobbly tires. Good on fuel, cheap tax and relativity cheap insurance make this a great 1st bike that really does look like it’s bigger brothers (WR250/450). The popularity of the bike has also seen the aftermarket scene grow with a selection of various parts available, this particular bike was running a Yosimurha enc which gave it a deep throaty sound

Pro’s – Style, Running costs

Cons – Needs more power

Rating – 8/10

For more information click Here