In 1994, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha XJ 900S Diversion, not the most successful model in Yamaha's range but quite a long-running, popular machine. The bike was introduced in 1994 to replace the Yamaha XJ 900 and was an excellent budget tourer.
In the aesthetic department, the bike was equipped with standard features, such as a rectangular headlight integrated into an upper fairing, a small windscreen, a one-piece dual seat with passenger grab handles, a dual exhaust system with a silencer mounted on each side, and three-spoke lightweight wheels.
The bike's frame-mounted half fairing and its tall windscreen delivered excellent wind and debris protection, while its dual seat offered plenty of room and comfortability for both rider and passenger.
In the performance department, the 1994 Yamaha XJ 900S Diversion had its soul brought to life by an 892cc four-stroke four-cylinder air-cooled engine managed by four Mikuni carburetors, boasting 90 hp with a peak force at 8,250 rpm and 78 Nm (57 lb-ft) torque at 7,000 rpm.
A five-speed manual transmission with a wet multi-disc clutch handled the bike's power, sending it to the rear wheel through a final chain drive, spinning the rear wheel to 204 kph (127 mph).
From top speed to a complete stop, the bike relied on a pair of 320 mm discs with a dual-piston caliper on the front wheel and a 267 mm disc with a dual-piston caliper on the rear wheel, delivering optimum stopping power.