2022 Yamaha XSR900 | 5000km Rider's Review

My brief opinion on the 2022 Yamaha XSR900 after doing 5000km, an owners review of the motorcycle.

[@danlarussa5967]

I went from a Duke 390 to a 2023 XSR900 and I was so surprised to see how great it is on the mountain roads by me. I absolutely love this bike. Also, it is so damn good looking, I think.

[@roryphillips7952]

Hey! I'm currently riding a duke 390, and have been eyeing the xsr900. How was the transition? Really close to bitting the bullet...

[@wolkanthon]

I already had 1700 km with 2022xsr900 and im so happy with this bike after 2021mt09, the seat and the sitting positions are amazing for tall riders

[@LindseyExplores]

I completely agree, great bike and sitting position is good for me.

[@wolkanthon]

@@LindseyExplores ı just waiting a fairing to the headlıght on aftermarket but nothıng ı found yet

[@garybuck5032]

You say you have owned both the new version mt09 2021 onwards and xsr900. The xsr would be your pick out of the two?

[@wolkanthon]

@@garybuck5032 mt09 also good bike but new gen xsr900 is amazing, swingarm long , the bike is too stable and the sitting position great ... i dnt feel too much wind pressure as i feel at mt09

[@davidprescott8469]

Thanks for the review and giving us your thoughts on the XSR now you have done a fair few miles!

[@LindseyExplores]

Glad you liked it.

[@JJPelszynski]

Great review. So happy you’re getting along with it! Just picked mine up after waiting 5months and it’s been an incredible first few days with her!

[@LindseyExplores]

The wait is a killer isn't it, but so worth it.

[@JJPelszynski]

@@LindseyExplores the wait made it that much sweeter!

[@bainorama]

Thanks for this review, good to hear that the seat isn't a deal breaker.

[@LindseyExplores]

Glad you liked it.

[@ocvisuel7579]

Really a big thank you from you for sharing your feelings on this bike, it interests me enormously, tomorrow I have to go try it and you reassure me about my choice of departure.👍 Thank you and good road.

[@LindseyExplores]

No problem, glad it's helpful in some way.

[@ReubenDouds_RealEstate]

Enjoy watching and hearing a fellow Kiwi give a review and a good one at that. Good stuff

[@LindseyExplores]

Thanks, never really know how people view the videos or reviews in particular, just enjoy making videos and seeing which ones do better over time.

[@Flythebird1600]

Greetings from Wales UK 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 🙂 Great video, and thanks for the usb installation video too. I got my new xsr 900 today and you've saved me a lot of faff now i know exactly how to install the power point. Some good looking roads there 😎👍🏼 Cheers

[@LindseyExplores]

Wales, would like to make it there one day being it's the home of both my surname and my wife's maiden name. Carew castle would be on the list. No worries for the help, glad it was useful.

[@SayWhat1067]

Just did an amazing motorcycle tour of the South Island in your gorgeous country on a F800GS. I have a 22 XSR900 at home, whilst loved the GS, especially for some of those gravel roads, man it would have been fun on the XSR. Great upload!

[@LindseyExplores]

Sounds great, it's awesome down there, I haven't got there on the bike yet but plan on going to the Burt Munro next year and touring around for a few weeks. The GS is definitely a practical choice, I would be tempted to tour NZ on the Pan America, I think that would be a great combination of practicality and fun for the conditions.

[@jimmarshall807]

Nice video. sounds like a great bike, certainly the best-looking MT/XSR to date by some distance. That road looks pretty cool too

[@LindseyExplores]

I agree there, MT is weird with the cyclops eye headlight bubble thing, that road is closed now, storm took it out the other week. Great road though.

[@magmafist]

Beautiful road and scenery

[@LindseyExplores]

Certainly are, I am very spoiled for choice around here.

[@travissmith1221]

Nice bike! Glad you are enjoying it.

[@LindseyExplores]

Thanks, enjoying it alot.

[@Naidsy]

100% agree with your point that this bike is simultaneously stable and nimble, two traits which often counteract each other. I have a 2014 MNT09 which is both slower to turn, and also more twitchy

[@LindseyExplores]

I was really surprised the first day I took it out for a ride, coming from the xsr700 I wasn't expecting this to corner the same amd be as nimble but I would say it is actually way better in the corner than the xsr700.

[@dsofe4879]

@@LindseyExplores that's what a great chassis and way better suspension will do for you. I had the same epiphany when I first rode the XSR. The mix of stability and agility is sublime.

[@tyranid05]

I was going to buy this exact bike but found out it sold before I could get there. I wound up taking home a '22 Triumph Street Triple RS and love it, but I always will have a soft spot for this XSR

[@LindseyExplores]

Funnily enough my second choice was a street triple, very nice, makes me think of a praying mantis though, I'd still like one though one day.

[@tyranid05]

@@LindseyExplores if you can get on one I reccomend it highly. If you ever find your way to Siskiyou county CA I'd be happy on lending you mine with no restrictions

[@LindseyExplores]

Might be a few years off yet unless this youtube thing takes off in some kind of crazy way somehow, but I do want to get around the USA on a bike at some point in the future.

[@tyranid05]

@@LindseyExplores I fully understand, it's a great place to be. We got guest rooms if you want to come play with the bikes

[@newbierides]

I saw this bike at the dealer and fell in love with the looks. But the seating position on it for me as a short rider feels a bit too agressive since i dont have the longest arms. I ride a 2020 mt07 now and the bike is very comfortable super upright. The MT09 is very similar to the MT07, but i would love to test ride an XSR, if i like the seating position i would definitely buy this instead

[@Tom.not.Thomas]

Thanks for the review! Really interested in picking one of these up at some point soon. What's all the gear you have on your handlebars that you have added?

[@LindseyExplores]

Glad you liked it, there is a small mount for the beeline navigation system, an adaptiv tpx 3.0 radar detector and a USB port.

[@Motoboo_Marine]

How do you feel about the fuel range? Do you feel like you're having to fill up a lot more often? I noticed the tank is kinda small for the engine size.

[@LindseyExplores]

I find I hit reserve at 210km consistently and go to about 240km at the most before refueling, not to keen on testing the absolute limit on a long ride but maybe I need to do a local test with a car of gas following behind... I would have been happier if reserve was at 240km but I guess it is what it is. I do think reserve has alot more capacity than I have been using though.

[@benjiiswaycool]

Hi mate nice video great review

[@LindseyExplores]

Thanks, appreciate that.

[@chrisw4215]

Tested this bike yesterday and had narrowed my decision to xsr or gsx s950/1000. Can’t decide. Couldnt find gsx to test but manage to sit on it. Both have sporty seating position which I like. Xsr has 24k valve intervals and better on fuel, that’s a bonus but on the other hand I like the Suzuki look. So difficult to decide. One drawback of xsr is turning radius

[@LindseyExplores]

it's always annoying when you don't have a demo bike nearby, good luck in your decision, I'm sure you will enjoy whichever you go with.

[@motorbikeaddict]

I got a FZ09 but I love this bike and want one

[@LindseyExplores]

There's always the next bike in your sights aye, I know that feeling.

[@Test-ut2od]

Hows your quickshifter from 1st to 2nd at 3k rpms? Clunky? have you adjusted your gear shift lever?

[@tdeloriea]

Can you do a test for me? Power mode 1 - Put the bike in 3rd gear at 35mph and then give it wide open throttle. Then return to 35mph and use 4th gear and do a pull at WOT and tell me if 4th feels more seat of the pants torque. I am curious if the lower gears at lower RPM's are neutered from the stock mapping.

[@LindseyExplores]

gave this a go today, 3rd gear is more seat of your pants compared to a pull in 4th gear. 4th gear bubbles for a split second before taking off whereas 3rd gear is an instant pull. Was a fun little experiment.

[@danlarussa5967]

Does anyone know what the whining or whistling noise is? I thought something was wrong with my bike but I hear it in some of these reviews too.

[@zyoungson215]

Nice to see a kiwi review. Have you ridden the previous xsr900 and how did it compare?

[@LindseyExplores]

Unfortunately not, I preorderd this while I was on my restricted so the closest I got to a comparison was the XSR700 at that point, I have ridden a few others now and the XSR900 is still my favorite for pure fun.

[@mattk909]

Yep, I'm back and forth between the mt09sp and this xsr900. I wanna get one of them by the summertime and I can't decide. Would have gone mt09 long ago if not for that face...

[@LindseyExplores]

yeah, that beady little eye it has is a bit of a letdown aye.

[@JJPelszynski]

Xsr all day. The body work and longer swingarm Plus includes cruise 👍

[@mattk909]

@@JJPelszynski the mt09sp version has cruise control as well. The regular mt09 doesn't. I do want the cruise control since I'm planning doing several two week trips on it. Not hearing great things about the xsr900 seat tho and not much for aftermarket options out there yet. Hopefully that changes soon.

[@JJPelszynski]

@@mattk909 oh yep, the SP does have it. That’s actually what I was thinking of buying until the XSR was announced. The seat is super firm. My ride home from the dealer was 220 miles and wow I was S o r e haha but now after several more rides it’s already breaking in and I think it’ll be totally fine. The aftermarket will eventually come up with something better tho I’m sure!

[@beverleynorth4914]

Hi from the UK. 2 questions Is it big enough for someone of 6 foot. Are there any options for luggage? Tail bag? Id love one but it has to have a bit of functionality

[@LindseyExplores]

I am just under 6ft 1 and find it great. There are official yamaha racks that look to be from sw motech, I just can't seem to get them here so have temporarily used saddle bags and a tail bag aswell which are in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqPCoHSVrsipqbc

[@beverleynorth4914]

@@LindseyExplores thanks for that Such a conundrum. Gorgeous bike with pretty ugly luggage!!

[@LindseyExplores]

@@beverleynorth4914 not the prettiest for sure, worked and is easily removable, hopefully a 3rd party makes something better. It's a great bike, lots of fun and gets alot of attention.

[@crustyeye95]

What is that thing on the dash/clocks? And is that a radar detector on the left? Nice bike BTW I have the 09 SP and these always interest me.

[@LindseyExplores]

They are both part of a radar detector system, radar electronics on the left and on top of the dash is a red LED light that banks when it detects radar. It's a TPX 3.0

[@PeSV1000]

I absolutely love the engine so I'm very curious to find out how the XSR behaves in the corners. Had a T9GT '22 and a '21 MT09 with a Ohlins rear shock. Both were so vague when leaned over, borderline dangerous. If the XSR would be more planted it would be a no brainer

[@LindseyExplores]

unfortunately I don't have either of those for a comparison but my cornering confidence just keeps growing and growing with this bike. Unfortunately I'm also not the right person to show motorcycles at thier limit as I'm sure most riders aren't. I'm comfortable getting to 5 or 10mm of the tyres edge, would rather hang off the bike than lay it down further.

[@daystate123]

One the first ride out, I took the tyre to the edge. It handles perfectly and from reviews the 22 on, handles better than the ones before it.

[@AquaDolphinz]

Great review! Hows the rear seat for passenger? and is there any handle for the passenger to grab onto?

[@LindseyExplores]

there's a strap that goes over the top of the seat, I would think it's useless though as the seat is very small ( I have not had a pillion since its so small).

[@AquaDolphinz]

@@LindseyExplores thank you!!

[@driveforsanity]

Nice video mate, cross shopping one of these against a cb1000r and a z900rs. Going for my full early next year and like the retro nakeds. Shame there's nowhere around here that you can even see one of these in the metal at the moment, fella at Boyds in Hamilton reckoned he hadn't even seen one yet. Did you cross shop this against any other brands/bikes?

[@LindseyExplores]

I had to take a punt and ordered one sight unseen, I had been told there were only going to be 2 shipments this year to NZ and only 7 would be here in 2022. I came from a xsr700 so had a bit of an idea of what it could potentially be like but was still a risk. I had a look at the z900rs but decided I did not like the look that much, I just kept coming back to the xsr900 as the price and feature set was significantly better than from what I could see. Interesting that someone at Boyd's said they hadn't seen one yet, thats where I got mine from, have it serviced and just turn up to look at other bikes on it. I know 3 of the salesman have definitely seen mine. I'm planning on going to the coffee and gasoline event at Hampton downs in January (last Sunday of the month I think) so if you wanted to have a nosey I will be there checking out the cars.

[@driveforsanity]

@@LindseyExplores Yeah this thing looks about as good as any if you're talking value for money. Really want cruise control and the quick shifter sounds like a good addition too. Interesting you ruled out the z900rs on looks as that's the main thing I like about that bike over this, different strokes I guess. Yeah maybe I misread what he was saying at Boyds but they don't seem to have had many through there. Might catch you at coffee and gasoline in the new year. Thanks for the reply.

[@forddriver8827]

Thank goodness they lengthened the whole job. At 6ft, the previous model felt too upright. Now I can consider it as a genuine purchase.Looking at your roads I can see why Bruce Anstey was such a natural road racer.

[@LindseyExplores]

Not alot of straight roads around here, there are a few but most curve and flow around the country side instead of ploughing straight through. Makes for a good time no matter where you end up.

[@juzzyu]

I have heard a couple of reviews saying that the turning radius of this XSR900 is extremely big and does U-turns like a car. What is your opinion?

[@LindseyExplores]

I haven't really paid much attention to that, I will have to do some testing and measurements around town and put a video out in the next week or so.

[@juzzyu]

@@LindseyExplores Looking forward to that video!

[@fuatakbas1546]

Is it good for long and fast ride? It would be has good wind protection with windshield for touring?

[@LindseyExplores]

I haven't put a Windshield on but I have done 13 hours of riding in a day and I was comfortable enough, check out my north island 800 video, I talk a bit about it at the end. A touring bike would have been better but thus is more fun.

[@rafaela.coutocabral8067]

what area is this buddy?

[@garyjohnmason6640]

Nice to watch a review without the usual moaning about the small screen & scroll wheel, I don't care, for the money it's one hell of a machine

[@LindseyExplores]

Thanks, there's alot of nitpicking out there for sure, most modern bikes are pretty good, price to value is definitely a good way to look at your choices these days I think. Once you get used to the scroll wheel it's not so bad, it's more of a push up on a 45deg angle when you look at it for longer than 5 seconds.

[@rodrigoafonso1995]

Nice honest review! How about ergonomy? Will it fit someone 1.88cm/ 6"2? Thank you

[@LindseyExplores]

I'm 6"1 and find it good for me. Upright with a slight forward lean, very comfortable for a sport bike.

[@rodrigoafonso1995]

@@LindseyExplores thanks for the feedback. Have you try the mt 09? How do you compare in terms of ergonomics (legroom, knee bent and arms streched), which one will fit better for our height?

[@LindseyExplores]

unfortunately I never got the chance to try an mt09, at the time everything was pretty much on order only as we had covid reducing availability aswell as an influx of new people buying motorcycles.

[@charlieb3497]

Could you give feedback on pull in second gear apparently it’s not as it should be 🤨 waiting for a test ride 👍 great review 👌

[@LindseyExplores]

I have been thinking about this comment all day, I have done plenty of pulls in second and third being they usually fit with the average speeds I ride around here and I cannot think of any reason why someone would say it is not as it should be. A pull in 2nd gear is instant power and acceleration as I would expect, I may be missing something but I am unsure why someone would say it's not right.

[@MickH60]

@@LindseyExplores Apparently Yamaha has restricted first and second gears to 75% throttle to tame down power delivery. Try a roll on in second from low revs,then try one in unrestricted third gear. Maybe the throttle restrictions are for certain markets ? I saw this demonstrated in another XSR review, it was fairly obvious that third pulled harder than first and second....

[@helgejohan3604]

Turn off Tc✊🔥

[@Struttin75]

Have ridden 5000km on your XSR900, do you find the fuel tank on your bike has scratches from riding? I don't really like the black tank pads currently available for this bike and I am thinking of leaving it alone.

[@LindseyExplores]

I keep a close eye on this and have not found anything yet, I am nervous about not having it protected and keep looking at clear vinyl or other protective wraps as an option but I am out riding and busy so never seem to get around to organising it.

[@Struttin75]

@@LindseyExplores That's great to know! Your videos are great! Enjoy the bike and ride safe. Thanks for the feedback.

[@paulred158]

Rode one recently. I was shocked how well it handled. As someone said nimble and stable. Lovely motor. I want one

[@avery4528]

You think I could pick this up as my first bike and start in mode four? Seems like they’ve made the bike more accessible

[@LindseyExplores]

That's a tricky one I would say, alotbof factors to bring into that decision. I would say for most people it would be a no, it is not a first bike. But I think if it is your first road bike, as in you know how to ride already from a dirt bike, understand and have light and precise throttle control and willing to potentially drop a beautiful bike as your first or are super careful with everything you do usually then yeah, why not. I started on a new xsr700 and after a year moved to this, my country has limits for the various licenses in place so I had no choice, the 700 was the biggest I could legally ride.

[@avery4528]

@@LindseyExplores No dirtbikes, just 400CC ATVs and a couple manual transmission 3.0L Bimmer cars. I started looking at 500CC bikes then I saw the XSR700 then I saw how good the 900 became and got a little ahead of myself. I think I'll look for a Honda CB500X to take my licks on.

[@charlieb3497]

Go for it just go easy on the throttle 🤙🤙🤙

[@MrBudge72]

What's mounted on your handlebars?

[@LindseyExplores]

it's an adaptiv tpx 3.0 radar detector I have been trying out. Let's me know when there's a speed camera coming up aswell.

[@marowak87]

this being a 900 triple - would You say it is reasonably beginner friendly bike with those rider modes?

[@LindseyExplores]

With the less reactive modes of 3 or 4 it was about the same in mode 3 as an xsr700 and more tame in mode 4.I think most people would be ok as long as they know thier limits. I personally wouldn't want to learn to ride on a new bike but if you can afford some damage if you make a mistake then it's up to the individual really.

[@robahahn84]

How long did it take to get your bike?

[@LindseyExplores]

it took about 3 to 4 months from when I ordered it, but I think Yamaha NZ already had 4 on order at the time and they just put my name on one in that consignment. Worth the wait though.

[@helgejohan3604]

2022 Mt 09 are more easy too drive, Xsr900 are more sporty and firm,and feels bigger 🤙🔥✊

[@LindseyExplores]

I actually haven't taken an MT09 out so I couldn't compare, most modern bikes seem pretty easy to ride though, got a potential project for the channel, working on getting an 80s yamaha to restore so will be interesting to compare 30+ years of motorcycle tech advancements.

[@s11039858]

Nice roads..which country is this?

[@LindseyExplores]

New Zealand. Lots of variation too

[@helgejohan3604]

Firmer and more sporty and fun then the ugly Mt 09✊🔥🔥

[@LindseyExplores]

yeah, I really struggle with the looks of some of the modern looking bikes like the MT09.

[@mareksedlak427]

I also have 5000 km. i made it in 4 months

[@LindseyExplores]

Doesn't take long, I have been riding right through winter, to much fun to stop.

[@Vested_Investor]

Please post a video of your experience.

[@mareksedlak427]

@@Vested_Investor sory no. I dont filmmaker😃

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

A 20km review?

[@jasonuzzardo6508]

now tell me about the radar detector! I've looked into them and the reviews were pretty poor.

[@LindseyExplores]

I'll have to make a video I think, It does exactly what I wanted, keeps me alerted of anything I can't see but then I don't go to crazy speed wise. Just enough notice for when I'm stuck behind traffic and want to pass I'm not worried and can go for it. We can get a ticket here for 1km/h over the limit so not great.

[@real1997]

Aotearoa. Land of orange cones…

[@kalnwi2023]

People don't know this but they are free to take home.

[@nigelwatts2804]

Looks a budget bike,which it is the seat looks like a add on from another bike

[@LindseyExplores]

The seat seems to always be a controversial point, you either love it or hate it. While the cost of the bike is not to bad on the old wallet I think it does an extremely good job feature wise competing with its nearest rivals in the market, plenty of choice out there.

[@wokeybrokey8006]

How does your pillion feel about the bike

[@LindseyExplores]

never ride with a pillion, my wife has her own bike.