Yamaha XSR900 vs BMW R 12 G/S
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The Yamaha XSR900 and BMW R 12 G/S are among the most cross-shopped modern classic bikes of 2026. The Yamaha XSR900 undercuts the BMW R 12 G/S by about $5,796, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Yamaha XSR900 leads on power with 117 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Our pickYamaha
Yamaha XSR900
BMW
BMW R 12 G/SThe verdict
The Yamaha XSR900 is our pick of this group on the numbers, scoring 8.4/10.
Yamaha XSR900
117 hp.
Yamaha XSR900
117 hp and 0.61 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Yamaha XSR900
Our 8.4/10 at $10,599, the most bike per dollar.
Yamaha XSR900
193 kg with an 810 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Yamaha XSR900
Our top score in this matchup at 8.4/10.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
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Yamaha XSR900 vs BMW R 12 G/S: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Yamaha XSR900 or the BMW R 12 G/S?
The Yamaha XSR900 makes the most power at 117 hp and 93 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Yamaha XSR900 or the BMW R 12 G/S?
The Yamaha XSR900 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $10,599.
Which is lighter, the Yamaha XSR900 or the BMW R 12 G/S?
The Yamaha XSR900 is the lightest at 193 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the Yamaha XSR900 or the BMW R 12 G/S?
For a new rider we'd point to the Yamaha XSR900: 117 hp and 193 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
