Kenny Roberts-inspired XSR900 GP on display at Goodwood Festival of Speed
Yamaha used the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed as a way of reuniting iconic race stars with some of their most adored motorcycles, while also staging displays that included the first Kenny Roberts-inspired XSR900 GP.
The 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed might have seen Ducati conduct a special balcony celebration and displays of some of its most limited and spectacular motorcycles, however, Yamaha also produced impressive celebrations of its own that left a noticeable mark on the event.
Yamaha used the 2026 event to celebrate its racing heritage, in particular, which is both extensive and unmatched by many other motorcycle brands.
Much of Yamaha’s success over the years has come in the Grand Prix paddock, through the likes of Valentino Rossi in the 21st century, and before that, Kenny Roberts. Both men were in attendance at this year’s event, with Rossi reunited with his 2020 Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP YZR-M1.
Rossi rode up the famous Goodwood Hill alongside Isle of Man TT legends John McGuinness and Michael Dunlop.
The race paddock was also full of machines steeped in history, which included Wayne Rainey's 1992 YZR500. The brand’s racing pedigree then transferred over to the ‘First Glance’ area, which saw the first Kenny Roberts-inspired XSR900 GP to arrive in the UK, on display.
You might like to read our Yamaha XSR900 GP review.
This is the model that Roberts rode at the 2026 event, with the American legend saying:
“I’ve been riding old Grand Prix bikes here at Goodwood all weekend, and then I get on the XSR900 GP and it’s like, heaven! Why can’t I have ridden this one every time? I signed with Yamaha when I was 19 years old and since then, I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for Yamaha.
“It’s just the way it is and I can’t change that, and it’s been awesome to ride the GP in front of all these people. Most street bikes I’ve ridden feel heavy and awkward, the GP feels like a 250! It’s light, nimble, and it’s got torque – lots of torque which is what I like, and I find myself wanting to race up the hill!”
Completing the celebrations were the Wayne Rainey-inspired XSR900 GP and Yamaha’s new R7, which was presented in the brand’s 70th Anniversary colourway.
Find the latest motorcycle news on Visordown.com
%20(1)_0.jpg?height=270&format=webp)
After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
