Yamaha Diversion 900

jleo · June 24, 2003

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Mr Boliao, i have a job offer for u. Would u care to be a motor-journalist for "Wheelers-Two" magazine, a reputable & establish firm back by the locals MP at the down-town of Singapore. The editor of the company love your write-up and review of the divvy, he mentioned that u truely & sincerely, & full of passion for every words u used for the article. He would like to meet u for an interview, if u are not interested to be a motor-journalist, he is willing to buy your review of the divvy article & publish it world wide for any $$$ u offer.

CHEERS GENTLEMAN CHEERS TO THE DIVVY.

Hey Boliao, looks like ur Divvy works n passion is getting recongnised.... Kudos to that......

Hope ur postings get published, then more will get to know of this machine..... In fact, i dont noe about u guys but i get queries of this bike whenever i park the bike in public places....... The common thing which they ask are all well answered in his article.....

Perhaps with increased exposure comes increased awareness, and the result would eventually be an increased nos on roads..... Like wat someone mentioned earlier, this bike may be the 'S4' of Class2...

Until then, ride safe n keep this thread thriving........

cougar · June 25, 2003

does any1 here knows if Sg registered bikes can be deregistered and bring with you on ur overseas' posting country? Lets say China, definitely no Yammy Diverted there, does China allow import of all sorts of vehicles or thats red-tape and restrictions there's a pain in the as$?

kevin · June 25, 2003

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Mr Boliao, i have a job offer for u. Would u care to be a motor-journalist for "Wheelers-Two" magazine, a reputable & establish firm back by the locals MP at the down-town of Singapore. The editor of the company love your write-up and review of the divvy, he mentioned that u truely & sincerely, & full of passion for every words u used for the article. He would like to meet u for an interview, if u are not interested to be a motor-journalist, he is willing to buy your review of the divvy article & publish it world wide for any $$$ u offer.

CHEERS GENTLEMAN CHEERS TO THE DIVVY.

I apologise if anyone belief the above message, it was self created & merely fiction, i was a bit tipsy then after a few Dry Martinis with olives.

anyway CHEERS

kevin · June 25, 2003

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does any1 here knows if Sg registered bikes can be deregistered and bring with you on ur overseas' posting country? Lets say China, definitely no Yammy Diverted there, does China allow import of all sorts of vehicles or thats red-tape and restrictions there's a pain in the as$?

what are u planning to do? try to venture into the chinese market?

Custom · June 26, 2003

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does any1 here knows if Sg registered bikes can be deregistered and bring with you on ur overseas' posting country? Lets say China, definitely no Yammy Diverted there, does China allow import of all sorts of vehicles or thats red-tape and restrictions there's a pain in the as$?

I tried liao... very different.

Now China gov refuse to give licence plate to new bike(same as our COE). Also they have high restrictions for bike that is higher than 250cc.. All their bike are like small birds..

Also China gov do not allow bike to go on highway.

You will be constrain to just normal road where max speed can go is appox 60kph.

Don't think you want to.

So far I only see one S4 bike in my 2 yrs in China.

cougar · June 26, 2003

gosh, tats massive red-tape at wrk leh, which part of China were u stationed? Seems like is a scooter 2-wheeler world in China. Rats and i eagerly await the smooth completion of the Asia Superhighway where we can ride from Singapore all the way to Beijing!!! hehe, i'm sure Diverted will excel to the task. But hope this dream comes true during our lifetime, not 10-20yrs later lidat, i'll be riding cruiser than!!!

jleo · June 26, 2003

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I apologise if anyone belief the above message, it was self created & merely fiction, i was a bit tipsy then after a few Dry Martinis with olives.

anyway CHEERS

...There goes our free drinks from him........Now it shall be on Kevin's instead........

Custom · June 26, 2003

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gosh, tats massive red-tape at wrk leh, which part of China were u stationed? Seems like is a scooter 2-wheeler world in China. Rats and i eagerly await the smooth completion of the Asia Superhighway where we can ride from Singapore all the way to Beijing!!! hehe, i'm sure Diverted will excel to the task. But hope this dream comes true during our lifetime, not 10-20yrs later lidat, i'll be riding cruiser than!!!

Province I've station in for at least 1 month...

BeiJing, ShangHai, JiangSu, Guangtong & FuJan

5 out of 30.... 25 more to go....

It applied to all parts of China. If not I don't have to miss my divvy everyting I saw "small birds" fly around....

Highway also no use lah... Bike can't go on highway in China

Unless someone can cut this shit out.

jleo · June 26, 2003

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I tried liao... very different.
Now China gov refuse to give licence plate to new bike(same as our COE). Also they have high restrictions for bike that is higher than 250cc.. All their bike are like small birds..
Also China gov do not allow bike to go on highway.

You will be constrain to just normal road where max speed can go is appox 60kph.
Don't think you want to.
So far I only see one S4 bike in my 2 yrs in China.

Hi Custom, how's it in China....

On this topic, i remembered watching a show on CNA on the emergance of a HD culture in China n i remembered them riding on some sorta freeway.....

However its been reported that a HD there cost almost as much as an atomic bomb(izzit true?? )

China has locally made bikes that are selling for dirt cheap, remembered that a scooter made in china cost like a third of its Jap counterpart.....

Anyway if u miss riding, go hop on one of the bike taxis(illegal though).....

Custom · June 26, 2003

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Hi Custom, how's it in China....

On this topic, i remembered watching a show on CNA on the emergance of a HD culture in China n i remembered them riding on some sorta freeway.....
However its been reported that a HD there cost almost as much as an atomic bomb(izzit true?? )

China has locally made bikes that are selling for dirt cheap, remembered that a scooter made in china cost like a third of its Jap counterpart.....

Anyway if u miss riding, go hop on one of the bike taxis(illegal though).....

HD culture?? Not that I know off... Maybe in some part of BeiJing but soooo far never see any bike more than 400cc.

What I learn from my made in China friend 400cc price = 1 Santana(Made in China 1.8L car)

Made in China bike very very cheap. S$2000 can get 125cc scooter OTR liao but ride at your own risk...

Wait break drop you have to use your leg like finstone!

I miss riding but ask me put my life on a stranger, better use taxi cos now old liao and balls also become small liao

Read a few outing that you guys are org, I very gain but....

jleo · June 26, 2003

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HD culture?? Not that I know off... Maybe in some part of BeiJing but soooo far never see any bike more than 400cc.
What I learn from my made in China friend 400cc price = 1 Santana(Made in China 1.8L car)
Made in China bike very very cheap. S$2000 can get 125cc scooter OTR liao but ride at your own risk... :lol:
Wait break drop you have to use your leg like finstone! :lol:

I miss riding but ask me put my life on a stranger, better use taxi cos now old liao and balls also become small liao :lol:

Read a few outing that you guys are org, I very gain but....
:cry: :cry:

Dont worry la, can always organise another meetup again or a trip thrill when u return.... Jus make sure u make it thru the other 25 provinces n return back safe.....

Cheers

haroze · June 26, 2003

:cheer:hey gentlemen...it seems that u all guys r keen enough to go there. no worries...i can guide u there......make a date n it only take a sunday from morning til evening u can cover port dickson to sepang! oh yes......if you r looking forward 4 this year motogp @ sepang,make a date.it will b held either on 10,11 n 12 or 17,18 n 19 oct 2003...not sure.may be we can meet up and discuss about this...wat say all the divvy owners!? i looking 4ward 4 the charity ride...please let us informed....!

haroze · June 26, 2003

:cheer:hey gentlemen...it seems that u all guys r keen enough to go there. no worries...i can guide u there......make a date n it only take a sunday from morning til evening u can cover port dickson to sepang! oh yes......if you r looking forward 4 this year motogp @ sepang,make a date.it will b held either on 10,11 n 12 or 17,18 n 19 oct 2003...not sure.may be we can meet up and discuss about this...wat say all the divvy owners!? i looking 4ward 4 the charity ride...please let us informed....!

haroze · June 26, 2003

:cheer:hey gentlemen...it seems that u all guys r keen enough to go there. no worries...i can guide u there......make a date n it only take a sunday from morning til evening u can cover port dickson to sepang! oh yes......if you r looking forward 4 this year motogp @ sepang,make a date.it will b held either on 10,11 n 12 or 17,18 n 19 oct 2003...not sure.may be we can meet up and discuss about this...wat say all the divvy owners!? i looking 4ward 4 the charity ride...please let us informed....!

haroze · June 26, 2003

:cheer:hey gentlemen...it seems that u all guys r keen enough to go there. no worries...i can guide u there......make a date n it only take a sunday from morning til evening u can cover port dickson to sepang! oh yes......if you r looking forward 4 this year motogp @ sepang,make a date.it will b held either on 10,11 n 12 or 17,18 n 19 oct 2003...not sure.may be we can meet up and discuss about this...wat say all the divvy owners!? i looking 4ward 4 the charity ride...please let us informed....!

haroze · June 26, 2003

:cheer:hey gentlemen...it seems that u all guys r keen enough to go there. no worries...i can guide u there......make a date n it only take a sunday from morning til evening u can cover port dickson to sepang! oh yes......if you r looking forward 4 this year motogp @ sepang,make a date.it will b held either on 10,11 n 12 or 17,18 n 19 oct 2003...not sure.may be we can meet up and discuss about this...wat say all the divvy owners!? i looking 4ward 4 the charity ride...please let us informed....!

Palary · June 27, 2003

How come they take so long to send the handlebar raiser, I submit last Thursday, Thot 5-7 days should reach, but now still haven't see a shadow...

They send by snail mail or what??

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Palary...did you go through the paypal application??? A bit complicated laay!!! I am now waiting for the paypal password.

cougar · June 27, 2003

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How come they take so long to send the handlebar raiser, I submit last Thursday, Thot 5-7 days should reach, but now still haven't see a shadow...
They send by snail mail or what??

patience lah, tat time i bought a bad CD, register and complain, the US side responded to my email in 1day, and within 1week, it came in the mail by registered post. Give them 2 weeks, probably urs is machinery parts or something, got stuck in custom!!! Metal parts always raise the metal detector mah, they thot its gun wat.

Palary · June 27, 2003

Kan Cheong Mah....

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patience lah, tat time i bought a bad CD, register and complain, the US side responded to my email in 1day, and within 1week, it came in the mail by registered post. Give them 2 weeks, probably urs is machinery parts or something, got stuck in custom!!! Metal parts always raise the metal detector mah, they thot its gun wat.

Oxygen · June 30, 2003

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Kan Cheong Mah....

So...have you got your Y121 liao??? Mine should be around this week.

Palary · July 1, 2003

Ya, They sent by Register mail but since yesterday there wasn't anybody at home so Today I'll be going to the post office to collect.

So it actually takes about 7-8 workintg days...

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So...have you got your Y121 liao??? Mine should be around this week.

Palary · July 1, 2003

Yo Kevin,

The handlebar Raiser dun seems so easy to install ley, lots of the cable seems like too short like that.

Sign...Think I'm to take some to figure out liao...

jleo · July 2, 2003

Found this article about the Diversion under http://www.umgweb.com , this website has lots of articles on old bikes written with the experiences of the owners themselves........ The kinda article thats trutful(subjective) n personal.....

I had lots of fun n recollected alot of experiences(often bad ones) while reading through articles on the LC125 n how they hacked up the machine n the crazy things they'd do....

Pity many of the other bikes i can only read from a 3rd person perspective & not experience it 1st hand......Guess this is where age brings about a distinct advantage...... (but i still prefer the exuberance of youth then the collectiveness of age......)

Enjoy the read and the aarticles in the website if u have time. Enjoy i certainly do...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The same old shit, thought I. The heavyweight 900 four was reluctant to waltz through the capital's idiotic traffic. Gaps were too narrow or too tight. I actually had to wait in line on a few occasions. My pillion chanted insults at my ineptitude, didn't help by bobbing about like he had ants in his pants. The big Diversion ticked over with a great sense of calm and, I have to admit, fitted well between my legs.

There was also bags of low rev torque, allowed the bike to hurtle into gaps that opened up. I could've done with touch more power from the front discs, although at least there were two of them rather than the wholly inadequate single front disc on its 600 sibling. General smoothness and civility were what you'd expect on a modern bike; God knows there was enough mass to soak up any secondary vibes.

After making it out of London, I settled the XJ down on the M1. Speed was simply a matter of dialling in the throttle and relaxing behind the stylish and adequately protective half fairing. 100mph was like ticking over, 120mph no problem. Thereafter, acceleration became rather slow, until with 135mph on the clock some secondary vibes crept into the pegs and bars; a sure sign that it was time to back off.

These might seem excessive speeds, but most of the cages were running along at 90 to 100mph; the way the bike would pick up at the ton and slam up to 120mph most welcome when some cage became unpredictable. One of the great benefits of a large capacity bike is that the presence of a fat pillion doesn't make much difference to the performance. And even the excessive mass of the two of us failed to ruin the 6000 mile old suspension.

I'd borrowed the bike off an old mate for a trek up to good old Glasgow, where both the pillion and I had a tasty bit of crumpet! What is known as complicating one's life. The XJ900 owner had actually told me to give it a good thrashing as he reckoned the motor was bullet-proof. One reason for this was that we had another mate who had destruction tested one for 70,000 miles in a year and the damn thing still ticked over like new!

The Diversion's well equipped for long distance touring. Good basic stability, mostly down to the relatively low centre of gravity from the top end of the motor being aggressively thrust forward. Comfy saddle, complemented by a relaxed riding position and half fairing. An excellent shaft drive, although modern O-ring chains don't need much attention. And a general feeling of a well put together machine. Inspires belief in its ability to soak up the miles.

The big flaw's its excessive mass at 530lbs, something out of the seventies. Even 50lbs heavier than the old 900, although it hides its mass much better than the older bike, only really being a hassle in town when the cages are so jam-packed that you'd be better off on a bicycle. This mass is all very strange given that the similarly styled 600 weighs around 400lbs, and surely it would've made much more sense to bore out the 600 from a production point of view. The only sane rationalisation of this conundrum's that the 600's actually an overbored 400, the latter the main buzz in the restricted Japanese market.

Yamaha quote 85hp at 8500 revs for the 900 against a mere 60 horses for the 600 at the same revs (the 400 makes 42hp at 10,000rpm, by the way). 85hp for a 900 four ain't much but then the Yam has an aircooled, eight valve motor; this simplicity much of its appeal. It's just a pity that it doesn't add up to a low mass!

The steady drone up the M1 was only relieved by the need to stop for fuel. The bike has a big 24 litre tank, giving a range of only 150 miles because fuel consumption was quite high at 35mpg at the ton. Thrashed to the limit that dived to 25mpg whilst town riding gave around 45mpg, which was what it'd average if ridden within the limits of the law. These figures are what you'd expect from a modern motorcycle, but hardly inspiring for someone who wants to do lots of long distance touring. Tyres and pads last for over 7500 miles, which, again, is better than some but ain't exactly brilliant.

Later, I tried the bike on A-roads. It swung through the bends without a murmur of protest when solo, but there was a bit of undercarriage scraping two-up. Acceleration in top in the 70 to 120mph range was pretty good, no real need to go berserk on the gearbox. The bike was always relaxing to ride, allowing the rider to set his own pace rather than edging him on to further acts of insanity. I felt it was quite possible that the bike would outlast faster replicas, eat up the mileage whilst their riders were squirming in agony during rest stops.

Even the tighter country roads that Scotland revels in could be taken with relative ease, just so long as you had some upper body strength. Wimps might be in a little trouble in the tighter corners, though I have seen one woman hurtling an XJ through London traffic like she knew what she was doing. No doubt a little bit of skill might overcome a lack of muscle, though it's surely better to have both.

The only time I was really unhappy with the Diversion was when I swung around a bend to find two cars taking up the whole of the carriageway. I had an instant to adjust the Yam's trajectory, decided on edge of the road. The lunge left the bike wallowing on its suspension, and the grass verge had the wheels seesawing madly. The 500lbs of mass suddenly bit back with a vengeance, and I thought she was going to go completely out of control.

I lost some speed by battering the left-hand side of the bike into some bushes and slamming the throttle shut. The shaft drive reaction tried to bounce me out of the seat but I somehow managed to hang on. When we came to a halt, the motor stalled as if in protest and the bike slipped on the grass, trying to pinion me under it only I kicked free at the last moment. It was a real bugger to pull upright. Damage was merely a few scratches!

That was okay, only in the initial wrench, or maybe pulling the bike upright, I did my back in. Had heavy pains shooting up my spine. I sped back down the motorway at top speed to get it all over with as soon as possible. By the time I hit London I could barely stand upright and had to stagger off to the doctor's, which was the usual waste of time. I fancied a deep massage, at the very least, but ended up with some painkillers.

Despite much abuse on the throttle the Diversion ticked over like new, hadn't used a drop of oil and gave me the impression that it would do a round the world trek without any problems. If you can take the mass and running costs, it'd make a damn good tourer, but if you only want to do mild miles, especially solo, then the 600 might be the better buy.

Dick Lewis

July 3, 2003

Hey, I got conflicting info about the rear wheel from Yamaha Motor Europe & Yamaha Motor Australia. The former said that the rear wheel is 130/70-18 and the latter said it's 150/70-17. Yamaha Motor Australia even said that this is the 2003 model. I thought the latest version comes with an 18" rear wheel, right?

-Anyone who recently bought the XJ900S, care to clarify?

-BTW, what is the make & model of the stock tyres?

-Can provide me with the exact size of the front & rear tyres (ie 130/70-18 or etc)?

Thanks!

Yamaha Motor Europe

Yamaha Motor Australia

jleo · July 3, 2003

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Hey, I got conflicting info about the rear wheel from Yamaha Motor Europe & Yamaha Motor Australia. The former said that the rear wheel is 130/70-18 and the latter said it's 150/70-17. Yamaha Motor Australia even said that this is the 2003 model. I thought the latest version comes with an 18" rear wheel, right?

-Anyone who recently bought the XJ900S, care to clarify?
-BTW, what is the make & model of the stock tyres?
-Can provide me with the exact size of the front & rear tyres (ie 130/70-18 or etc)?

Thanks!

Yamaha Motor Europe
Yamaha Motor Australia

I also pondered over this when i 1st saw the brochure @ HL which stated 18inch rears but the one on display had 17inch.... I believe its a typo as the 18inch tyres are only used in the 600 model.....

Anyway id the Divvy were using an 18inch tyre, i would not have bought it as finding resonably priced replacements is not easy n must order then wait somemore.....

Tyres brand is Dunlop...... Front is 120/70-17 58V while rear is 150/70-17 69V....

Cheers

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