2023-07-18 19:25:00
Following the launch earlier this year of the XSR900 RACER accessories and CafeRacersofInstagram’s 1980s-inspired Yard Built for Good special series, Yamaha has just unveiled its XSR900 DB40 prototype at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Can we expect a commercial version soon?
The XSR900 DB40 prototype represents a blend of Yamaha’s rich racing history and modern technology, in keeping with the brand’s Sport Heritage philosophy. Former Grand Prix rider Niall Mackenzie, who raced for Team Yamaha Marlboro in 1989 on the YZR500 and continued to ride Yamahas for three more years in the early 1990s, was the first to ride the XSR900 DB40 prototype.
Deltabox
The name “DB40” refers to the 40th anniversary of the Deltabox frame, an amalgamation of the word “Delta”, the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet, recognizable by its triangular shape, and the English word “box” for box.
Indeed, seen from the side, the Deltabox frame is formed of a triangle connecting the steering column to the pivot point of the swingarm, while the cross section is box-shaped. This connection between the two points makes it possible to obtain optimal rigidity and feedback, two elements that are never negligible in competition.
Yamaha introduced the Deltabox chassis in 1982 on its YZR500 OW61 Grand Prix machine, while the frame first appeared on a production motorcycle three years later, the TZR250, bringing the characteristics of the machines from YZR factory. The Deltabox has since become synonymous with Yamaha’s Supersport models, including the revolutionary R1 launched 25 years ago this year.
Prototype XSR900 DB40
In the modern version of this Deltabox frame, the DB40 prototype houses the famous 890cc CP3 engine, identically copied from the XSR900. Just like the tank, by the way. For the rest, we recognize the range of accessories mentioned above. To complete the picture, behind the half-fairing there are also bracelet handlebars mounted on the apparently fully adjustable fork. The fairing itself is clearly influenced by the TZR250, but connoisseurs may also detect a hint of the FZR400.
The question is no longer whether we will ever see the DB40 in production, but rather when. When you already have the rig and have gone to the trouble of developing a full range of accessories, the heavy lifting is done. Case to follow!
1689720973
#Yamaha #surprises #XSR900 #DB40 #prototype