ALTERNATIVES

Yamaha Tracer 9

£10,199

» Promises the all-roundness of the 900 with more grunt from a new 899cc triple and posh electronics. In dealers in May. BMW S1000XR

£14,290

» Big brother of the 900. Way more power and aggression, but also less agile and more vibes. It’s like a high-rise sportsbike. Suzuki V-strom 1050 £10,150

» Easy going, reliable, top value and underrated. Hasn’t quite the XR’S classy air, but makes up for it with additional adventureness.