Yamaha XJ900
 
The Yamaha XJ900 was born out of the original
Yamaha XJ model motorcycle, the XJ 650, which
was the foundation for the whole XJ series.
Yamaha XJ900 31A
In its original incarnation launched in 1983,
the XJ900 had an air-cooled, double overhead
camshaft, 853 cc 4-stroke, 4 cylinder, 8 valve
engine. Originally fitted with a handlebar mounted
bikini fairing, its handling came in for criticism.
This was quickly replaced with a frame mounted
upper fairing and retrofitted to all models.
The XJ900 came with anti-dive front forks, shaft
drive and triple disc brakes.
A revised version was launched in 1984 and displaced
891 cc. Aside from the engine capacity increase
it was equipped with more conventional forks
than its predecessor and a belly pan came as
standard. The increase in engine capacity meant
the carburettors went up from 35 mm to 36 mm.
Aside from these changes it was nearly identical
to the original and was manufactured until 1994.
The XJ900 Diversions were their replacements.
Model engine and frame codes
- 1983 to 1984 - 853 cc 31A
- 1984 to 1990 - 891 cc 58L
- 1990 to 1994 - 891 cc 4BB1
The Yamaha Diversion series of motorcycles
are all-round touring motorcycles, and descend
from Yamaha's earlier XJ series. All Diversion
models are fitted with a four-stroke air-cooled
8-valve inline-four engine.
Diversion models
The Yamaha Diversion series consists of four
main models: the XJ600S, the XJ600N, the XJ900S,
and the XJ900GT.
The XJ900S/XJ900GT
The XJ900S/GT is known as Diversion 900 on
the European market, but was never sold in the
Americas. The XJ900S and the XJ900GT is basically
the same motorcycle, with the difference being
that the GT has a large fairing typical of touring
motorcycles, and two Krauser K2 panniers. The
XJ900S on the other hand, has a small top fairing
like the XJ600S. On the dashboard, that is wider
than the one in the 600cc models, there are
some extra gauges like a fuel gauge.
The XJ900 is a descendant of the earlier Yamaha
XJ900 model. The bike is fitted with a 892cc,
air-cooled 8-valve inline-four engine giving
89 hp / 85 Nm output. The Diversion 900 is a
highly affordable sports/touring machine with
more than enough power to make it a sensible
commuter machine but also great fun to ride
on less mundane journeys. The XJ900S/GT also
has a driveshaft, while the 600cc models have
chain drive.
The poor front suspension springs can best
be replaced with progressive ones. In particular
when driving with a single suitcase.
Police Edition Diversion
The Yamaha Diversion has been used as a police
motorcycle by many different police forces all
over the world. These models are custom built
by Yamaha to specifications ordered by the individual
police department. Generally the XJ900S is chosen
for police use, but the XJ600S has also been
used by some police forces. Police Spec Diversions
are commonly referred to as XJ900P (P for Police),
although Yamaha refers to Diversion Police Motorcycles
by their model designation (XJ900S or XJ600S)
as police bikes are not a separate model.
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