Yamaha has done it again. They have successfully mixed heritage with attitude and performance, and the result? A machine that’s dripping with nostalgia. The 2026 XSR900 GP is back, and this time, it’s wearing its racing roots loud and proud.
Decked out in that unmistakable Legend Yellow with the classic black speed blocks, it’s a tribute to one of the sport’s true icons, “King” Kenny Roberts.
If you grew up watching Roberts tear up circuits on his screaming two-stroke YZR500, this new XSR900 GP will hit you immediately.
This machine is Yamaha’s way of tipping their hat to the man who historically helped define Grand Prix racing in the late ’70s and early ’80s. At the same time, they’re giving modern riders a machine that’s anything but stuck in the past.
A Modern Classic with Racing Soul
The XSR900 GP isn’t just another retro-styled bike; it’s a celebration of Yamaha’s racing DNA. Underneath the nostalgic bodywork sits the same torque-rich CP3 engine that’s made the MT-09 and standard XSR900 such crowd-pleasers. That triple-cylinder powerplant delivers instant punch, a wicked soundtrack, and the flexibility that makes it just as happy carving corners as it blasts down a straight.
But it’s the design that really grabs you. The new fairing feels straight out of Yamaha’s Grand Prix glory days. It’s slim, sharp, and full of attitude. It looks like a classic racer from the rounded bubble screen to the tidy tail section. Get up close, however, and you’ll spot all the modern touches hiding in plain sight. I’m talking about the crisp LED lighting, quality suspension, and the kind of rider tech you’d expect from a 2026 Yamaha.
Champion Design
The 2026 XSR900 GP’s Legend Yellow paint isn’t just here to look good; it’s actually a tribute to the colours Kenny Roberts made legendary during his former 500cc World Championship days. That mix of yellow, white, and black instantly takes you back to the glory years of racing.
You can almost see the roost flying and hear the roar as Roberts slid through corners with that signature confidence only the King could pull off.
Yamaha isn’t calling this a limited edition, but make no mistake, this is a bike for fans. The kind who know the smell of race fuel, who’ve watched grainy VHS tapes of Kenny schooling Europeans on their home turf, and who understand that “King Kenny” wasn’t just fast, he changed the sport.
Retro Looks, Real Performance
Just because it looks vintage doesn’t mean it rides like one. The XSR900 GP packs all of Yamaha’s latest tech under that retro shell. The frame is lightweight and rigid, the electronics suite is entirely up to date, and the suspension setup is tuned for real-world performance. Whether ripping through mountain roads or just soaking up the attention at your local café, this bike delivers the goods.
And that CP3 engine is still one of the best middleweight motors on the market. Linear power, loads of torque, and a soundtrack that’s part mechanical symphony, part rebellion. It’s smooth when you want it to be and rowdy when you don’t.
Colours, Availability, & Price
For 2026, the XSR900 GP will be offered in two striking liveries: the new Legend Yellow, paying homage to Roberts, and the returning Legend Red. Both look stunning, but let’s be honest, it’s the yellow one that’s going to turn heads.
Deliveries to European dealers will begin in early 2026, and pricing will vary by region. Yamaha hasn’t revealed exact numbers yet, but expect it to sit comfortably among the brand’s premium Sport Heritage models.
Conclusion
When it comes to the 2026 Yamaha XSR900 GP, it isn’t just another retro bike; it’s a love letter to Yamaha’s racing past as well as the riders who made it legendary. It’s got the style, soul, and sound to make you feel something every time you twist the throttle. Yamaha could have called it the XSR900 GP “Special Edition,” but they let the legacy speak for itself instead.
