Unlike Triumph, BMW, Ducati, or Moto Guzzi, Yamaha entered the retro - or ‘modern classic’ - field with a restyled version of a modern motorcycle - the three-cylinder MT-09. This approach gives the best of both worlds - a thoroughly modern bike with old-school looks. For 2022, the XSR900 is better than ever in every respect and deserves your attention.

It Takes Styling Inspiration From The 1980s

Whereas the previous XSR900 took inspiration from the 1970s - the RD350 or Kenny Roberts’ 500cc GP bike - Yamaha says the styling for the 2022 XSR900 is inspired by models from the 1980s - TZ and YZR500 racers.

Underneath, However, It’s Completely Modern

Underneath the styling, the XSR900 is pure MT-09, a brilliant naked sports bike. The engine is the 890cc, three-cylinder engine, producing 117 horsepower and 68.6 pound-feet of torque.

There’s a full suite of electronic rider aids, including lean-sensitive ABS and traction control, slide control, wheelie control, three riding modes, four power modes, up and down quick-shifter, and cruise control.

90-Percent Of The 2022 XSR900 Is New

The XSR900 was launched in 2016, updated in 2020 (new paint and color schemes), and again in 2022. The 2022 updates are significant: a new engine: a lighter (by about 5 pounds) frame, which is also 50-percent stiffer: fully adjustable suspension: a longer wheelbase allowing the seat to be moved back and a longer, restyled gas tank fitted: lighter wheels (by 1.5 pounds each). What was already good is now even better.

It’s Brilliant On The Road

A naked sports bike such as this is not designed to cover long distances on the highway: it comes into its own when the road starts getting twisty. Stability and grip are exceptional, the steering accurate, and the suspension, even with factory settings, perfect. The engine has a wonderfully linear spread of power and the quick shifter is one of the best fitted to any motorcycle.

The Riding Position Is Different In 2022

The rider is now positioned 5mm further forward and 22mm lower, while the handlebars are 14mm further forward and 35mm lower. The foot pegs are 7mm lower and 2mm further back but are adjustable, with 14mm of up and down adjustment and 4mm fore and aft. They’re all small measurements but make a noticeable difference to the feel of the XSR900.

The Engine Has Been Uprated

The Yamaha CP3 engine has been enlarged from 849cc to 890cc by increasing the stroke but leaving the bore alone to ensure the external dimensions remain the same. The camshaft profiles have been made more aggressive and the cam-chain tensioner is now hydraulic, replacing the mechanical spring. The combustion chamber has been tweaked to give a more efficient fuel burn and more torque, something that is helped by the fuel injection and intake design. Claimed gas mileage is 49mpg.

The crankshaft is a cross-plane design that gives a very distinctive sound.

The Throttle Is Now Much Smoother

One criticism of the old XSR900 was the snatchy throttle response, leading to a jerky ride, especially in Sport mode. On the 2022 model, the gear ratios have been raised by three-percent and this, coupled with the earlier torque delivery, has smoothed things out beautifully.

YZF-R1-derived Electronics

Yamaha has pulled out the stops when it comes to the electronics on the 2022 XSR900. It now boasts the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) from the YZF-R1 superbike which offers lean-sensitive traction control and ABS, slide, and wheelie control.

There are also four riding modes: Mode 1 is the most responsive and gives full power: Modes 2 and 3 also give full power but soften throttle response, while Mode 4 cuts power significantly for when you are riding in really bad conditions.

Traction control now has two preset modes and one rider customizable setting. Traction control, slide, and wheelie control can all be adjusted on the fly. ABS can be set to lean-sensitive or straight-line only.

Gone is the old XSR’s round instrument dial, to be replaced by a rectangular full-color TFT dash which lacks style but makes up for it in terms of information, which isn’t always the most legible.

The New KYB Suspension Has Transformed The Handling

Yamaha has completely revised the suspension on the XSR900. The 41mm diameter KYB front forks are inverted (or upside down) and are fully manually adjustable, as is the rear monoshock.

Spring rate, compression damping, and rebound damping have all been tweaked which gives not only a superb ride but razor-sharp handling and the suspension remains compliant even when the bike is cranked right over. It shrugs off mid-corner bumps and changes of direction without any trouble.

It’s Based On The MT-09 But Has A Personality All Of Its Own

While there is nothing on the XSR900 that you wouldn’t also find on the MT-09, the XSR900 has its own very distinctive personality, helped by stiffer suspension and altered rider ergonomics. It’s a brilliantly capable naked sports bike with a distinctive style, awesome soundtrack, and top-spec components.

The XSR900 costs $9,999, while the MT-09 is a little cheaper at $9,499. That compares very well to the Kawasaki Z900RS retro model, which is similar in conception to the Yamaha but costs $11,749.

In comparison, the Triumph Speed Twin 900 costs $9,695 but can’t really hold a candle to the Yamaha, which says much about the Yamaha as the Triumph steers, handles, and goes very well indeed.

FAQ

Q: Is XSR900 a good bike?

Yes. In fact, it's a brilliant bike with a great engine, excellent suspension, and brakes, entertaining handling, and sophisticated electronics

Q: How fast is the Yamaha XSR900?

It's fast! It will go from 0-60mph in 3.3 seconds, 0-100mph in 6.3 seconds, and cover the quarter mile in 10.97 seconds at 126.41mph.

Q: How much horsepower does a Yamaha XSR900 have?

The new 890cc triple cylinder engine produces 117 horsepower

Q: Is the XSR900 the same as the MT-09?

Underneath the skin, the XSR900 and MT-09 are the same bike, with the same engine, suspension, and electronics but the suspension settings on the XSR900 are slightly different, giving the XSR900 a different on-road feel.