MCN

Carbon clad custom Yammy

Bolt-on kit from Bottpower transforms Yamaha triples

- By Dan Sutherland, SENIOR WRITER

‘XR9 Carbona is inspired by Pikes Peak wins’

Performanc­e bike builders Bottpower have released a new carbon kit for Yamaha’s current range of 847cc CP3 triples, transformi­ng the XSR900, MT-09 and Tracer into minimalist, flat track-inspired street fighters.

Called the XR9 Carbona, the transforma­tive package requires no alteration­s to the bike’s frame and mates the existing running gear to a fresh fuel tank cover with carbon fibre air intakes, and a carbon seat and tail unit, featuring side-mounted number boards, an Alcantara seat, plus the rear lights and indicators.

Up front, you get a flat number board, flanked by the aforementi­oned carbon air scoops. Sitting beneath them are a set of hidden headlights reminiscen­t of the current R1 superbike, which work in tandem with the integrated LEDs within the board itself for maximum visibility, without compromisi­ng the look. Also included are radiator covers with MotoGP-inspired winglets, a rear wheelmount­ed numberplat­e holder and sprocket cover. A belly pan will be available at a later date, but is not yet ready for production.

“The XR9 Carbona is inspired by our Pikes Peak victories,” says Bottpower’s David S nchez. “Our goal was to create a cool and fast bike with a modern and aggressive look – and we also wanted to be able to develop a ‘plug and play’ kit that would enable any Yamaha XSR900 or CP3 platform owner to transform their bike into the XR9.” Senior designer, Hugo van Waaijen, added: “Using our extensive experience with composites and 3D printing, we introduced Yamaha R-series elements like the hidden round headlights to create the feeling of a race bike with a numberplat­e.”

But just how much does it cost to build your own XR9 I hear you ask Well, it’s not cheap. And with every options box ticked when starting with an MT-09 which adds an additional 450 to your fee , you are looking at a total bill of 7610 around £6940 without taking into account the initial outlay for the motorcycle itself. Breaking that cost down slightly and starting with an XSR900, the base kit becomes 4975 roughly £4530 , with extras such as a numberplat­e bracket adding 390 to the parts bill.

Those wanting to create their own Bott masterpiec­e should visit bottpower.com.

1 Costly colours

While the graphics shown are a €1200 option, the XR9 is also available in a lacquered, or ‘raw’ finish.

2 Engine party piece

The minimalist design helps draw attention to the three-cylinder engine.

3 Racing inspiratio­n

Elements of the XR9 such as the headlights mimic Yamaha’s sportsbike range.

4 Choice of triples

The kit is available for existing CP3 threecylin­der Yamahas, not the new MT-09 range announced for 2021.

5 Your way

Would-be owners can configure the kit to their own preference­s. Akrapovic exhaust and lightweigh­t wheels are not included, sadly.

 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom