YAMAHA has announced the 2025 model of the "XSR900" for overseas markets. The new model has undergone a minor change to comply with exhaust gas regulations, with changes to the meter and seat, and a new color, "Midnight Black," has been added. This nostalgic color is reminiscent of the 80s style!
80's Yamaha's special colors are black and gold.
The top-end model in Yamaha's Neo Classic and Sports Heritage lineup is the 890cc "XSR900". The newly released 2025 model has slightly changed specifications to comply with the new EURO5+ exhaust gas regulations. The water-cooled in-line 3-cylinder CP3 engine has a maximum output of 87.5kW (119.0PS)/10,000rpm, slightly lower than the current 120PS. In terms of equipment, the meter has been upgraded to a 5-inch TFT LCD meter for improved visibility, and the seat design has been improved to make it easier to reach the ground.
Although there are no major changes to the new XSR900, what Japanese fans should pay attention to is the new color announced at the same time. In addition to the existing "Legend Red" (known as Silky White in Japan), a new "Midnight Black" will be introduced. This will be different from the previous Black Metallic X.
Many riders will have nostalgic memories of this color scheme. The black and gold combination was familiar as the "Midnight Special" color on Yamaha in the 1980s. At the time, Yamaha had a lineup of many cruiser models with the name "Special" at the end as a variation of their sports models. The color pattern adopted as a special color for these special models is the Midnight Special.
The XSR900 on which this is adopted this time is not a cruiser model, so there is no "Special" in the name, but the elegant black body overall, the "YAMAHA" emblem on the tank, and the gold-finished wheels are just like the Midnight Special of the past. The XSR900 has just attracted attention with the release of the "XSR900 GP" variation that pays homage to the GP racers of the 1980s, and if this new color is adopted in Japan, it will be a lineup that is aimed at fans who spent the 1980s!
XSR900 [2025 Overseas] A new color has been released for the XSR900, which has undergone a minor change to comply with exhaust gas regulations.
A new "Midnight Black" model has been added, which is entirely black with gold accents.
The wheels are also gold, a homage to the former "Midnight Special" color.
The engine conforms to EURO5+ and has a maximum output of 119 PS.
The white and red Legend Red color scheme continues, and the seats have also been improved.
The meters remain TFT LCD with improved visibility and operability.
The previous black model had a modern finish with silver accents, giving it a very different impression from the new model.
Midnight Special, which was used on cruisers
Not only Yamaha, but Japanese manufacturers in the 70s and 80s often added cruiser-type models to their lineup by modifying the specifications of sports models. They kept the engine of the standard model the same, but differentiated it with luxurious exteriors, low and thick seats, and raised handlebars. The naming convention was to indicate the cruiser type after the standard model, with Honda calling it "Custom," Suzuki calling it "L (Luxury)," Kawasaki calling it "LTD (Limited)," and Yamaha calling it "Special."
The Midnight Special is a special black and gold version of such special models, with the entire bike finished in black, and most of the parts that are usually plated, such as the wheels and tank emblem, as well as the headlight rim and grab bar, are gold. In addition, the side covers proudly feature the model name in elegant cursive (also in gold), giving it a luxurious and mature look.
There are not many examples of this system being used, and in Japan it is used on models such as the XS250 Special, XJ650 Special, and the RX50 Special moped model. However, overseas it is also used on export-only models such as the XS850 Special and XV1000 Virago. There are also some unusual examples of this system being used on the Pocket moped model, which is not a "special" model, and many riders will have fond memories of this model.
XS1100 Special (1980) The Midnight Special started with the XS1100 and was later adopted as a domestic model as well.
XS250 Special (1981) The grab bar and headlight rim were distinctively gold-finished.
It was also used on the Funbike Pokke (1981). It also features a side emblem in cursive writing.
Reference: YAMAHA XSR900 (2025 Overseas) Main Specifications
Overall Length x Width x Height: 2155 x 860 x 1155 mm
Wheelbase: 1495mm
Seat Height: 810mm
Vehicle Weight: 193kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke inline 3-cylinder DOHC 4-valve 888cc
Maximum Output: 119PS/10000rpm
Maximum Torque: 9.5kg-m/7000rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.0L
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F = W disc, R = disc
Tire: F=120/70ZR17, R=180/55ZR17
Price: -
