We start our day in 1969, with a simple cup of coffee and a shiny new motorcycle. This is where the original café racers were born. And the XSR900 looks the part.
Maybe it’s a gutless retro throwback, maybe it’s a real performer. I’ll have to push the XSR900 to find out.
Gearing up for a neo-retro ride takes finesse. How about classic brown boots and denim down low, a cutting-edge riding hoodie and backpack in the middle, topped off with a vintage bucket and moto goggles? Perfect.
My XSR900 wants to go faster. Despite the “cruise in style” attitude of the upright ergonomics, its fire-breathing three cylinder dares me to ride harder. When we stumble onto a Cold War airstrip, I accept the challenge.