Test: Honda XV 950 Race

Content

Basic data
Technical information

Here, seconds, hundreds do not count, and it does not matter whether the pendulum weighs too much per kilogram or the screws are not made of titanium, and the frame is not cast in a high-tech factory in Japan, but welded, as it was once made of steel pipes. It's funny how this bike turned heads, how it impresses people. Its appearance is aggressive, racing, but you still do not drive a single really fast lap on the race track. The Yamaha XV 950 Racer is a bike that turns everything upside down, impressing with its looks and attention to detail dictated by remake masters like Markus Waltz. His unique motorcycles are worth more than 100 thousand!

The Yamaha Café Racer is the result of the work of specialist, craft enthusiasts, from leather parts to those who rely on the good old lathe rather than the CNC machines where drejar masterpieces are hand-crafted. After assembling all these special parts, your motorcycle is created, the seal of which you yourself pressed, and be proud of it. Then you put on an old leather jacket, tie an open jet helmet around your head, and hit the road. It doesn't matter what the target is, nor the speed, even less than the lean in the corner, what matters is the feeling of freedom, the relaxed ride to the sound of the soothing twin-cylinder engine. All this is anti-stress, anti-noria in the rhythm of the good old rock.

The air-cooled engine develops 52,1 horsepower and 29,5 Nm of torque, which means no downshifts are required when the transmission downshifts. Impressive is the flexibility of the engine and the feeling when you open the throttle out of a corner and hear a sound that brings a smile in your mouth and instills peace in your heart. How good, how great!

The Racer's appearance and driving position are modeled after former M-shaped race cars and force you into an aggressive, forward-moving stance. This one is not as comfortable as on the Yamaha XV 950 R and takes some getting used to, but when you find the right speed and the headwind helps you somehow hover on the windshield, it becomes a wonderful feeling that means coexistence between drivers. , motorcycle and often.

Since it looks so bad, you probably won't be driving one for very long. Don't worry, the passenger will sit surprisingly well, even if the small seat is uncomfortable to work with. The adjustable gas shocks do their job well, too! Because they care about quality materials and components, no problem, the Yamaha XV950 Racer is impressive. Pleasure on two wheels, stress-free, very, very soothing. Well done, Yamaha!

Petr Kavchich, photo: Primozh Yurman

Basic data
Test model cost: € 9.495 XNUMX €
Technical information
engine: two-cylinder, four-stroke, 942 cm3, air-cooled.
Power: 38 kW (52) at 5.500 rpm
Energy transfer: Gearbox 5-speed, belt.
Frame: steel pipe.
brakes: front disc 298 mm, rear disc 298 mm, ABS.
Suspension: front telescopic fork, fi 41 mm, travel 135 mm, rear swingarm, pair of shock absorbers, travel 110 mm.
Tires: 100/90-19, 150/80-16.
Growth: 765 mm.
Wheelbase: 1.570 mm.
Weight: (without liquids): 251 kg.