Yamaha’s all-rounder is simple, reliable and quite capable. For those in the market for a no nonsense motorcycle that is not a watered down clone of anything else, the XJ900 or Divvy as it is affectionately know might just fit the bill.

Physically quite a small and narrow bike for a 900, this might suit those that are not comfortable with a huge machine. With this bike you can tour, commute and even have some fun on the twisty bits if you are so inclined.

The 892cc 4-cylinder air/oil cooled engine is mounted at a forward inclined angle that easily identifies the bike from a distance. The internals are kept simple with 2 valves per cylinder albeit with double overhead cams and it breathes through four 34mm Mikuni carburettors.

Power delivery is not dramatic by any means, but it pulls cleanly from low down in the rev range all the way to the redline. A good supply of power in the midrange saves a lot of gear changing in traffic. The clutch lever operation is light and less fatiguing than some bikes of this size.

5-speed gearbox is smooth and drives through a near maintenance free shaft drive.

Brakes are powerful enough and provide good feedback to the rider.

The half fairing is ideal for keeping the worst of the wind off the rider although it does not provide much in the way of protection in the wet.

The 24-litre (5.28 UK Gallons) tank should only require filling once over the 220-mile mark. The instruments are clear and easy to read and include a fuel gauge.

An ideal bike for those who use it to go to work everyday but need something that will quite happily tour two up for that break in the summer.

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Last updated 16/03/02