Yamaha XJ900 Diversion

This is my third XJ900s but I also had an XJ900F too. Other bikes come and go but I keep going back to these - and the current one will never leave me now (especially as I'm doing a paintjob on it over the next month).

They are simple to work on, the bits are cheap as chips, it has a shaft and it's indestructible.

You can sit on the thing for 200+ miles before filling up and it is comfortable. It has decent weather protection and boxes for kit.

NEVER pay more than £1200 for one - but if you do it wont depreciate much and you can rely on it to keep working even if the original finish is a bit ropey.

I don't understand why they weren't bought in droves and why Yamaha stopped making them. They were the best all-rounder of the 90s, and for my money the second-hand ones still are.

I've always thought it's better to ride a bike out of its' limits than out of your's. This ticks those boxes. Go get an education...go get one.

i thoth thay would be same as the yamaha xj600 diversion thay r not as xj900 r no good all was giving me a eletric probles so want back to my xj600 want is very best one thay did xj600s 1997

had three diversion 900 in the past 12 years.now on my forth altogether 85000 miles and not spent a penny on brake downs.what a very good comfy bike. likes about the bike comfy good on fuel easy to service dislikes heavy that is it.i have had 42 motor bikes in the past 12 years and they have all come and gone but the diversion always stays.would i buy another you bet my be that is why my biking mates call me diversion mike.just a tip if your thinking of getting one low mileage and service history, you wont go far wrong

i bought a1999 model with 72k kms.cam chain rattles,need to replace.cdi unit burnt out,@ $1000. aust. for part,crazy.buy the parts at jaycar @$20.most shaft drive bikes seem to have 5 gears,revs a bit high,but ratios good overall.definately a cult tourer,due to value for money.power ok for a tourer,@65kw.i keep my gpz900r for a contrast-85kw.it turns heads too,the original mufflers catch the eye. i will upgrade suspension soon, braided brake lines and top brand pads.many web sites,comments, confirm the vast popularity of the diversion.good all round bike.

This is my second xj900 I had a 1985 model , several bikes ago , and came back to this one recently . they are good for the daily commute as I don't own a car , and for touring as well . I rode the last one from melbourne to brisbane ( 1700 kms ) in febuary heat and apart from petrol vaporising in 35 degree heat ,and therefore losing fuel , It was a gem for the whole trip and I wanted to keep going forever ! the divi seems to have ironed out the few problems that were apparent with the older bike , though the handling remains just as reliable . better fairing and softer luggage suit me fine . if yu are looking for a value for money bike for the real world I don't think you can beat it ! ride safe . regards Tim Pye , brisbane , queensland , australia .

The Yamaha XJ900 is the perfect all-round sports tourer. Great rider position for long hauls with a more than capable faring. Rock solid motor and simple to maitain. Not a rocket ship but at 47 yo more than enough motorbike for me. Pity Yamaha aren't still making this model.

Bought my 900 diversion new March 99. Now done 33,000 mls trouble free. Replaced collector box with stainless steel last year and starter brushes this week. Bike still looks like new and is never deliberately ridden in rain. Great touring bike but too heavy to scratch round corners with. Had many bikes over the years as I am now 59yrs old. Probably the most reliable bike ever owned and still a pleasure to ride. Simple engineering built to last.

Had the Yamaha XJ900 Diversion for seven years, has been the most reliable bike ever owned. The brake pistons where replaced after 25000 miles and added steel brake hoses which I would strongly recommend. A sports bike it is not so do not attempt to ride like it is and you will not go wrong. I only weigh 10 stone so it is a big heavy lump to try and push about - try to park were I can ride away without lugging it about. With panniers on, set the suspension to the hardest setting and go.

I recently purchased a 1997 XJ900 Diversion with 80000kms for commuting a well as the weekend ride with my mates. I have had many motorbikes, GPZ900R, CBR1000, VN1500 but this is the best bike I have ever ridden. Great shaft drive,good wind protection, reliability, very user friendly after you get started. Very comfortable to single or two up riding, my 14old daughter loves it.

i have my xj900s diversion 6 years now and apart from fitting a new collector box it's been totally reliable. I've covered 30,000 miles and just adore it. for me a little underpowered but maybe new cans would cure this but no new cans look like the original chrome ones. best mpg i have achieved is 64, touring mode and worst is 48, so can't complain. cheap insurance too makes it almost as cheap to insure as it is to tax it! all consumables easily changed and shaft drive is quiet and unobtrusive. huge 25 litre fuel tank makes for minimum range of 260 miles before fill up but does add considerable weight to the already heavy bike. i've just uprated the entire suspension with a quality product and the difference is amazing. watch out for rusty centre stands though and go grab yourself a great underratted bike.