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.