Yamaha Xsr 900

"A genuinely characterful middleweight that rewards the right rider enormously."

The XSR900 is one of those bikes that actually delivers on its retro-sport promise rather than just wearing the costume. Yamaha's CP3 triple is the real star here — that 847cc crossplane inline-three pulls hard from 4,000rpm and sounds genuinely special, like nothing else in the segment. On used examples from 2016-2021, check the throttle bodies for carbon buildup if the previous owner was a short-trip commuter type. Also inspect the subframe area for stress cracks if the bike's been fitted with a pillion rack — it's a known weak point under load. The ergonomics split opinion. Clip-ons and a relatively aggressive crouch work brilliantly for spirited back-road riding but will punish you on anything over 90 minutes of motorway slab. The traction control and ABS are calibrated well for road use, not intrusive. Quickshifter on later models is excellent. Suspension is competent but not inspired — previous owners who've fitted Öhlins or Showa forks have done you a favor. Values have held stubbornly firm, but 2016-2018 examples are starting to soften. Good condition bikes with service history are worth the premium.