FIRST RIDE VELOCITY MOTO YAMAHA XSR900
XSR900 ‐based RD500LC tribute is available through Yamaha dealers and rides superbly
YAMAHA IS THOUGHT to be considering an RD-styled XSR900 and ran a prototype at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, but you don’t have to wait until it makes up its mind to get your hands on one.
Surrey-based Velocity Moto has created a ‘900F’ makeover for 2022-onwards XSR900s. You can buy a ready-to-fit kit if you have the bike, or a new XSR with the conversion completed from selected Yamaha dealers, complete with warranty.
Despite being inspired by the RD500LC, the panel design is shared with the RD350F2 – offering the option to pay homage to the ‘Powervalve’ with your choice of paint. Velocity Moto’s prototype was built using RD350F2 panels modified to fit, as they’re a closer match for the XSR’s proportions than an RD500LC kit. The tailpiece is a unique part, and the tank is stock. No cutting or hacking of original parts is required.
Velocity Moto’s bike is mechanically standard, so you wouldn’t immediately expect a drastic difference in the riding experience. But it’s surprising what a difference it does make to both your perceptions and the dynamics of the bike. The fairing isn’t super-protective but does push a certain volume of air over and around you, reducing rider strain and
Pictures Chippy Wood keeping more load on the front tyre than the stock bike does. Comfort is improved, natural anti-wheelie tendencies are stronger and feel from the front is improved. Moving the headlights and clocks from the yokes to the fairing bracket lightens the steering, too.
The bodykit is only the start if you desire an XSR with a higher standard of performance as well as appearance. Velocity Moto’s existing XSR900LC conversions (for pre ‐2021 XSRs) are commonly specified with Akrapovic/Yoshimura exhausts and either Öhlins or K-Tech suspension upgrades: Velocity Moto’s Hag Hughes says the K-Tech option works better, though the Swedish gold is still good, and some just want the cachet of the brand…
Rearsets (Gilles) and clip-ons (Rizoma, in either low or raised-height options) are available, and you can specify paint and polish options for cycle parts to complement the bodywork to your taste. Fluorescent orange spokes over polished wheel rims, anyone?
The standard XSR is great, but it’s still a relatively budget ‐conscious, mass ‐produced bike. Turning up the retro flair makes it feel special, particularly as you roll through town or pass other motorcyclists: it fe
