Bike of the Week: Yamaha XJ 900
Yamaha's all-rounder
Solid, dependable, comfortable, cheap, easy to maintain, boring. Perhaps not the most appealing words to describe a bike, but surely some of the most important.
This all-year-rounder has been put to good use, for daily commutes and long-distance rides, for decades. It's spacious and comfy enough for two and large enough for all your baggage. But what's more, is that it'll take you and your companion on a journey that is not only pleasant, but joy invoking.
The XJ 900 was first released by Yamaha in 1983 as an air-cooled, four-stroke, four-cylinder, eight-valve-engined machine. Equipped with a small handlebar-mounted fairing, the handling came under quick scrutiny.
Yamaha replaced it with a frame-mounted upper fairing for the bike's next release. A few other adjustments were made to further solve the problem. More conventional forks were fitted. The engine increased from 853cc to 891cc.
The five-speed bike (its biggest criticism most likely being its lack of a sixth gear) stayed roughly this way until 1994 when Yamaha introduced the XJ 900 S Diversion. Complete with anti-corrosion nuts and bolts and upgraded suspension. The redline was moved to 9500rpm and the choke lever moved to the handlebars.
Then in 1997, Yamaha implemented new fork tube guards, a new seat and a hazard warning switch.
The XJ 900 was discontinued in 2004, but second-hand models still remain a popular choice to date by those looking for a cheap all-rounder for work or pleasure.
Have you owned an XJ 900? Tell us about your experience by emailing
[email protected]Comments:
19/12/19: I’ve had my ’89 XJ since 1992, and it has now covered 244K miles, without any engine work, apart from a camchain replacement as a precaution many years ago.
Only issues have been to the electrical system really, have replaced coils, rectifiers, alternator and starter brushes over the years, but considering the length of time I’ve had the bike not an issue really.
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