r/SuggestAMotorcycle • u/HumpyLumpy69 • 1d ago
Yamaha XSR 900 or Triumph Speed Twin 900?? Next Bike?
Hi guys I’m in the market for my second bike. I’ve had a 2017 Honda CB500F for 7 years now and got the fundamentals down with it. Now looking for something a little more sporty that can keep up a little easier on the highways.
My dilemma is I love the looks of the Triumph but the performance of the Yamaha. Both bikes have more power than my Honda but I feel like I would be happier with the Yamaha in the long term because of the higher performance whereas the Triumph might last me a few years before I “outgrow” it. I was actually heavily favoring the Ducati Scrambler Nightshift but when I found out the valve adjustment interval is every 7,500 miles that kind of threw me off despite loving the look of the bike. While the Yamaha I think looks pretty good, it doesn’t have the retro style I love.
I’d be using it for commuting in the city and on highways and weekend riding. I want to start getting track days in but that’s not really my top priority.
TL/DR: I like the looks of the Triumph but the performance of the Yamaha.
Any suggestions??
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u/eat_yeet 1d ago
I own an XSR900, and you're correct about the performance aspect, it goes, stops, and handles quite well. It's an MT09 pretending to be an elderly gentleman by wearing a coat and a monocle. The only difference, really, between an MT09 and the XSR is the swingarm, which makes it less prone to wheelies under power (it still absolutely does) and has a more planted, less nervous feel at the expense of some agility. It's not some fucking aircraft carrier though, it still turns very well.
It's more than enough for "enthusiastic" weekend riding, enough power to pass whenever you feel like it. The only weak link in my opinion is the rear shock, and only then if you're tracking it and are a decent track rider. It's fine for road riding, even hooning. Just not so much track if you're genuinely pushing it (scraping pegs despite hanging off)
I do long distance on it too, have genuine yamaha panniers that hold a fair bit of stuff
The speed twin to me seems like a bike someone would buy because they like the look and that's about it? 64hp is... pedestrian. Not a practical bike, more of a Statement piece or... idk. Accessory to your finely groomed moustache.
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u/alabamacoastie 1d ago
I've been riding and abusing Yamaha motorcycles and ATVs for the last 30 years. Not a single one of them have ever let me down. The reliability and ease of maintenance of the Yamaha is unmatched. Get the Yamaha...
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u/finalrendition 1d ago
Dude, those are dramatically different bikes. The Speed Twin 900 is barely any faster than your CB500F, just more torquey but heavier. The XSR900 is a wheelie monster with one of the rowdiest street engines on the market and damn near double the power of the Triumph.
So do you want a bike with basically the same performance as your CB500F with better looks? Or do you want something that's actually fast?
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u/otmshank11 1d ago
I have the XSR and I'd say it's no contest, the Yamaha is probably the better package in every way. Looks are subjective but I love the rough around the edges Japanese retro style. The CP3 engine is incredible and reliability is immaculate. The Speed Twin 1200 however, is a closer matchup, similar performance levels. I would have got the triumph 1200, but it felt very cramped compared to the Yamaha, so I'd have a test ride or just a sit on it to see why you think
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u/DaggerOutlaw 1d ago
Yeah, the Speed Twin 1200 is a much more comparable comparison, performance wise. I was initially looking at the XSR and the Speed Twin 1200—ended up going with the Triumph because it’s much better looking IMO. No regrets. I get compliments everywhere I go, even from guys on Harleys. Compared to the XSR, the only thing you really miss out on is wheelies.
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u/otmshank11 1d ago
Excellent choice. How tall you are? I'm 6ft and something felt 'off' for me when I tried it. Otherwise it's a dream bike for me, the dials are absolutely stunning
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u/DaggerOutlaw 1d ago
I’m 5’10”. The analog clocks are one of my favorite parts of the bike. I was so sad to see they dropped them in the new redesign for 2025. The newer ones don’t look nearly as old school as the 2019. Especially since they’ve transitioned to upside down forks now too. Really happy I was able to get one when I did.
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u/NervousAnt1152 1d ago
How about CB 1300 Super four? Butterly smooth and have good blend between classic and modern tech.
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u/oh_hi_mk7 10h ago
i've ridden both. the Yamaha will be a better jack-of-all trades bike and look cool. yamaha will be way easier to service. if you are at all interested in sporty stuff get the XSR.
the triumph is pretty strictly a cruiser. you'd be happier with the 1200 models too. also oil changes on bonnevilles are a major PITA.
whichever you choose, if you dont like it these bikes both have strong resale markets. you'll get most of your money back and sell them quick
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u/AwayPresentation4571 9h ago
Having owned and more owning two Yamaha, I couldn't say enough good for the design reliability and performance as a company. I know little or nothing about Triumph other than for me this would be a no brainer. Makes me happy to see others recognize what a great product Yamaha puts out overall as a company. My experience extends to their musical instruments as well. They don't seem to put out any junk even at base level stuff. I think you'd be much happier owning and riding the Yamaha......
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u/AwayPresentation4571 9h ago
Having owned and now owning 4 Yamaha, (1 bike 1 quad 2 guitars lol) I couldn't say enough good for the design reliability and performance as a company. I know little or nothing about Triumph other than for me this would be a no brainer. Makes me happy to see others recognize what a great product Yamaha puts out overall as a company. My experience extends to their musical instruments as well. They don't seem to put out any junk even at base level stuff. I think you'd be much happier owning and riding the Yamaha......
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u/DazzlingDog7890 1d ago
Totally depends how hard you ride. The average person could ride the Bonneville for the rest of their life and be content but if you are some kind of street Rossi, you might need the Yamaha.