2022 Yamaha XSR900 First Ride

The 2022 XSR900 is 90 percent new and more refined, but it hasn’t lost the coolness that we have always enjoyed from Yamaha’s stylish naked.
Despite its flaws, the XSR900 has always been a favorite in the Cycle World office. Sure, throttle response was spasmodic, the suspension was cut-rate and too soft, and the front brake was only a hair less aggressive than the throttle. It rocked back and forth on its chassis in response to every command to go or stop, but still we loved it. Its CP3 triple howled gloriously, the front tire was more than happy to rocket skyward, and it looked darn cool. We loved it. Now, for 2022, Yamaha has massaged and restyled the XSR900, and after two days on the next-gen bike the former model is dead to us. This is what the XSR900 should have been all along.
Ninety percent of the XSR900 is completely new. Yamaha has given this throwback model a new engine and frame, fresh suspension, and spanking electronics for 2022. Just like with its naked MT-09, Yamaha has revamped just about everything, and it shows.
Style for Miles
Yeah, you might say, but it’s just an MT-09 in a cooler suit. You’re not completely wrong, but you’re not exactly right, either. A handful of touches differentiate the XSR900′s performance along with its look; some notable differences in the chassis give the XSR its own personality and ride quality.
To passersby, the XSR900′s shape clearly separates it from its MT brethren. Yamaha says the old XSR was inspired by the ‘70s, whereas this new model has moved into the ‘80s. A long tank and chunky tail recalls the TZ and YZR500 racers of the era. Even the gap between the tank and seat is intentional, emulating a minimalistic racing tailsection. Customizers: Start searching for a TZ250U fairing ASAP! As it sits, the XSR900 stopped people in their tracks, and questions were plentiful, a clear indication the designers did well.
With that new style comes new ergonomics. The rider’s hips are positioned 5mm farther forward and 22mm lower into the bike. Handlebars are now 14mm forward of the previous position 35mm lower while the footpegs further lighten the rider triangle by dropping down 7mm and back 2mm (but are adjustable 14mm up and 4mm back by moving the brackets to the upper mounting holes). This gives the rider a more sporty slant without being cramped. The seat is firm and narrow with a steep back, and is also one of the few criticisms; after an hour in the saddle, that firmness and narrowness makes itself felt, requiring a stretch or stop. If you want to look cool, you’re going to have to suffer a little.
What doesn’t suffer is the performance of the new XSR900. It’s a massive improvement, full stop. From the additional power from the engine to the stiffer and more responsive chassis to IMU-based electronic rider aids, the 2022 XSR900 is leaps and bounds ahead of the old model.
New Displacement CP3 Triple
Yamaha’s CP3 crossplane inline-triple gets a larger displacement for 2022, increasing from 849cc to 890cc. This is achieved via a 3mm-longer stroke, now 62.1mm, while using the same 78.0mm bore. This is accomplished while keeping the same external engine dimensions by increasing the crankshaft throw and using 1.5mm shorter titanium fracture-split connecting rods. Crankshaft inertia has increased by 6 percent through this change as well. Those shorter con-rods are pinned to new concave-top forged pistons. More aggressive camshaft profiles required a wider cam chain with a hydraulic tensioner, replacing the previous mechanical spring unit. Finally, narrow and compact combustion chambers improve torque with a more efficient fuel burn.
A new airbox with three tuned intake snorkels bumps up the efficiency while creating a more aggressive intake note. Updated throttle bodies feature a new injector angle that sprays directly at the intake valve for improved fuel atomization resulting in better combustion efficiency. Additionally, intake port volume has been reduced by 15 percent to facilitate more complete cylinder filling for more stable combustion.
Yamaha claimed a 6 percent increase in torque from the previous XSR900, though the company declined to provide information on the changes to horsepower. Following the official ride day, we put the 2022 model on Cycle World’s Dynojet 250i dynamometer in order to get rear-wheel horsepower and torque figures. Both horsepower and torque have increased, with 106 hp at 10,000 rpm and 63.5 pound-feet at 7,000 rpm. This is an increase of 2 hp and 4.5 pound-feet, with the peak horsepower rpm being nearly identical but peak torque coming in 1,000 rpm sooner than the 2020 model last tested.
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[@pbkayakyer]

Now if only Yamaha can get them into dealerships!!!

[@ApriliaRSV4Guy]

I got my eyes set on this bike since Yamaha debuted it back 6-7 months ago. I absolutely love the styling and the added six axis IMU. And it priced at just 10k it’s a bargain buy for sure. Can’t wait for my local dealer to have them in so I can see it in person. I might have to leave my cards and checks at home just in case I “accidentally” buy one lol.

[@marcusespinoza2961]

They're gonna "accidentally" jump back in your pocket unbeknownst to you LOL

[@chicagoui9299]

😂😂🤣

[@Kaaukuu]

The previous XSR looked a whole lot better.

[@MrMcTavishOBS]

The old one kinda looked like they just stuck things on it. Like the exposed fuse box just sitting on the frame. Once I saw that, I couldn’t unsee it. I like this one better but I thing kawi and Honda retro bikes look much better

[@morri03]

I thought it was ugly. This newer one is better but still needs work

[@ismailarslangiray]

Very nice review.

[@dennistate9951]

Great video👍👍

[@STIjojoSTI]

Hope they come out with an optional cowl. That would complete the look of an 80s sportbike.

[@ronedee]

When "looks" are the only bad thing you can say about a bike, you have a winner!

[@morri03]

Not for me. Looks are critical

[@ronedee]

@@morri03 ...on something you sit on? If she's a performer, I'm sold! See you at the finish line.

[@remcojansen6920]

I bought one cant wait to drive it 😊 thnx 4 the review 💪🏻

[@NudaMan]

Old mt09 sounds like a Ktm 990 super Duke 😂, gotta love that on/off throttle

[@Mo-xx9gg]

Great video! Lots of use of the word stiff lol 😀

[@angry_genius]

Nice ridw

[@barracuda017]

Thank you for very informative and helpful review of the xsr900 ---- I'm looking for some guidance, I have a 2021 street triple rs & love it.... not sure but it sounds like I might love the 2022 xsr900 even more... if I want to get the xsr I will probably have to purchase it long distance, without a test ride,, maybe without even seeing it in person, cause none available in Tucson, AZ and no eta for them to appear. The other option is to wait wait wait and, well, you know, who wants to do that

[@wedie2soon]

Does this bike have a solid top-end hit, or does it make all of its power down low and in the mid-range?

[@MotoTvWoodsFarm]

nice 👍

[@ajszymala6048]

That bike is an eye catcher, but nothing compared to that hair 🤣

[@SuprScout]

Been trying to buy one since the reveal, no one has them and the ones that do sell fast. Thanks Covid.

[@mkviz]

You gonna have to pre order them in order to be able to purchase. By the time you see them at the dealer, they are already presold

[@anxiousappliance]

IMO the previous version was a quick and cynical bodge job- this thing is quite the beauty.

[@SSS-mp8th]

First thing on any buyers mod list will be a new seat.

[@pbkayakyer]

I freaking love the seat!!

[@ronsmith9251]

XSR900 or Z900RS? I say both, why limit yourself 🙂

[@PelleyJ]

Do you think you could go touring on this bike if you changed the seat to something a bit more comfortable? I currently live in Tokyo and looking for something that i can commute to work in and to do light touring with a light load of luggage (example say i want to travel to someplace that takes roughly 2-3 hours on the free way)

[@jamellionaire12]

Most definitely, and especially since cruise control is standard. You might want to look into a windscreen for longer trips.

[@PelleyJ]

@@jamellionaire12 I think i found my new Bike!! Thanks so much!!

[@kdogg2077]

I like the overall look but the headlight seems off to me. Too small. And maybe the headlight should have some kind of mini fairing to match the tank color. The seat should have some blue that matches the tank color on the back too. It would tie it all together. I think aftermarket guys could make this bike look amazing.

[@nihvl]

I think Yamaha need to add a full fairing to the catalogue maybe some clip ones too, this would look so rad in the 80s race colours and the full piece fairing and round headlight

[@kdogg2077]

@@nihvl Yes, that would be great.

[@hamakaze9812]

@@nihvl Yamaha R9 perhaps?

[@nihvl]

@@hamakaze9812 R9 is coming for sure i mean a retro supersport something like the Triumph speed triple RS but with a full fairing for $11k-$13k would be something special.

[@kevinplace9224]

It does have the option in the UK of a bikini faring

[@andrewmelalueca4881]

A competitor in this segment might be the Kawasaki 900 rs. A comparison test maybe?

[@ronedee]

They're out there. No comparison, except looks...and maybe the seat? The kawie needs a lot of tweaking performance-wise from what people are saying?

[@CWjustindawes]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aX27iGl8g7aEaq8 On 2020 models. Would most likely be a different result today. Should find out in the next few months.

[@lezlee4706]

This epitomizes why you shouldn't listen to journos, and make your own mind up with a test ride. When the original 2016 XSR900 was launched, nobody had anything bad to say. There was no mention of it being an uncontrollable twitchy beast. Roll on to 2022 and now the 2016 model (which was unchanged for 6 years) is allegedly unrideable. Total rubbish. I have one, and it's a thrilling and engaging ride. Yes, it shakes it's head which is down to the short wheelbase and power available. For me though, some restraint with your right hand sorts this out. I've never experienced a snatchy throttle. Besides, although a massive XSR fan, the new one looks too unfinished to my eye. Under seat area is way too exposed and a real crud catcher , and the way you can see the regulator half exposed behind the side panel looks awful. And don't get me started on the seat. I'm sure it rides really well. Well, until the next model comes out and everyone changes their minds again.

[@arnoldtm31]

I just don't understand why they can't launch the R9 ???

[@pbkayakyer]

No parts....

[@randallf8675]

I owned some bmw and Ducati in the past 10 years. None of them compares to the xsr 900 I currently drive.

[@warreng3701]

Wooow. I want the ducati scrambler. How’s the maintenance cost of bmw and ducati?

[@R6Dave11]

Even a professional motorcycle journalist says "dampening". Might as well say moistening, LOL.

[@CWjustindawes]

it happens... we have 5-10 minutes to bust these out after our testing day. Stumbling over words can be easy when under pressure. Now if I write "dampening" in a review, you are welcome to smack me...

[@R6Dave11]

@@CWjustindawes I can't speak into a camera to save my life. I do work in the industry and hear people use incorrect terminology and pronounce things wrong all the time. Akrapovic is the most commonly screwed up. Makes me LOL every time.

[@CWjustindawes]

@@R6Dave11 I've been to Akrapovic HQ in Slovenia, most amazing manufacturing facility I've ever been to.

[@R6Dave11]

@@CWjustindawes I've heard that. It's my favorite brand. I've got the full CF system on my 21 MT09SP and have had them on several other bikes. Top quality.

[@MChappysGarage]

Imo the old model xsr looked better this just looks worse

[@anxiousappliance]

really? What a world.

[@tranquilmind8487]

all these reviews with that sign behind the xsr900 is sponsored. Not saying this isnt a beautiful and a well-kitted bike but these dozen or so videos from different channels arent objective.

[@CWjustindawes]

completely incorrect.

[@morri03]

It’s front the global launch

[@tranquilmind8487]

@@morri03 obviously, thats why i said sponsored

[@morri03]

@@tranquilmind8487 but what’s your point. Every review is sponsored because the manufacturer koans them the bike. The more correct thing to say is it’s for. The launch event so it’s based on initial impressions in a nice location with limited ride time. So wait for the more complete reviews on local roads which will come later

[@phillipbatho3213]

Whoops. Even your edit was wrong about the previous displacement of the triple. (847cc)

[@pdbordelon]

All these decades, (Century?) they still cant make a comfortable seat on a motorcycle/ WTF???

[@Msalazar6sicVI]

I am sure with a new seat it would look killer but this seat is so hideous🤮

[@aluisious]

I don't like how you're trying to pretend that 3k is "real low in the rev range." The fact is that Yamaha is still fucking around with unfinished development, don't cover it up.

[@ronedee]

Unfinished development? The CP3 has been around for decades! The longer stroke increased the torque lower in the rpm, which makes it more "useable".

[@CWjustindawes]

This isn't a V-twin cruiser, 3k is low in the rev range for this engine. And there's no "covering up" or "pretending" here, I've been VERY critical of fueling and snatchiness of the the CP3-powered bikes in the past.

[@anxiousappliance]

It's real low in the rev range.

[@LIFEINSPEED]

will be discontinued next year no one going to buy this bs

[@TheeAthis]

turns out you were wrong lol.

[@1998BBgun]

Ugly head lamp.

[@morri03]

Agreed.

[@forkthepork]

Not a great looking bike...

[@neonix01]

It looks MUCH better in person. I was down at the dealership today and looked at a black and a blue one they received today. I'm picking up the black one on the 10th :D The blue one was really nice, but its just too much bright colors going on, and the very poorly color matched gold forks and wheels (total color mismatch) just didn't do it for me. Black bike + paint the wheels gold or bronze at the next tire change = perfect!

[@pbkayakyer]

It's phenomenal! Maybe you don't like the 80's retro styling, but I think it's so much better than the crap styling that manufacturers have been churning out.