[Doc Samson]

XSR700 might be a better fit but, at the OP's weight/height, a suspension upgrade might be something to consider and, at that point, you are into MT09/XSR900 money...

I prefer to exhibit reasonable throttle control and have an engine that will allow me to indulge when I see fit. Granted, even us 50+ guys have a hard time with that on occasion!

 

[Doc Samson]

Do you guys think the Triumph bikes are less likely to last as long as a yamaha bike?

I believe that almost all bikes made today will outlast their riders if cared for properly but Japanese bikes set the bar for reliability...

 

[Doc Samson]

Just saw this.

2018 Yamaha XSR900 - motorcycles/scooters - by owner - vehicle...

2018 Yamaha XSR900 in Excellent Condition. Has LED Signals, Dart Fly Screen, and Delkevic Exhaust to give it that sport bike 3 cylinder sound. Bike rides amazing in traffic and on the curves....

houston.craigslist.org

Yes, some great deals can be found on the previous gen model, but... understand that the chassis geometry and suspension were not nearly as good as the current gen. If you don't push the bike, you likely won't notice but something you should be aware of as it won't be noticeable... until it is...

 

[Doc Samson]

If you are happy with the deal and enjoy the bike, that is all that really matters! Yes, the new gen is better but that certainly doesn't mean the previous one is a "dog" by any stretch. I think this is a very good, detailed review - Yamaha XSR900 (2016-2021) Review | Speed, Specs & Prices

 

[Doc Samson]

yes it will..

Indeed! It's the Masters of Torque line up for a real reason!

 

[Doc Samson]

I guess this will be an interesting mid-life crisis/experiment. I could get the bike, never get it over 5000 rpm and stay in grandpa riding modes and sell in a year after realizing there is no reason for me to own a bike like this. I could likely get most if not all of my $$ back in a year if I don't drop it. I could never get it over 5000 rpm and stay in safe mode and keep it for a long time as I enjoy riding it. Or perhaps I eventually learn to use it and let it rip from time to time if it feels right. Though it sounds like using it like this will always be illegal as I will never go to the track to push the bike.

That was my mentality when I picked up my F4i for next to nothing! A year later, I was winding it out and taking it to the track...

Hope you enjoy it, regardless of riding style!

 

[Doc Samson]

My new question is... After learning basic motorcycle 101 stuff, is it really smart to learn to ride a bike in the low-power/anti-wheelie rider modes?

Am I crazy to think this?

No, I feel the same way but should acknowledge that I've never owned a bike that had any electro-nannies. I, like you, learned the power of throttle control after opening it up a few times and sliding VERY far back on the seat! Fun, scary times!

I see those lower power modes being useful if riding in low traction conditions or urban "crawling" where an inadvertent dip into the power isn't needed or could be dangerous.

 

[Doc Samson]

PS when I had it in standard power mode and the lower amount of traction control and hit the throttle hard in first gear, the bike very unexpectedly started bouncing. The front end started jumping up and down in a very unexpected and undesirable way. Is that the anti-wheelie traction control trying to keep the front end down? I don't think I was jerking the throttle at all, but my bike was responding like I WAS jerking the throttle. Just wondering if it was a real thing or just me. It did not do this in 2nd gear. Input would be helpful.

Happy for you, man, but... pics! We want pics!

I'm not answering with any expertise other than watching MANY reviews of it but I know a lot of folks say the throttle is super sensitive right off idle. Perhaps that, coupled with the anti-wheelie programming, was causing it???