A Closer Look at the 2022 Yamaha XSR900
Ever since the release of the 2021 Yamaha MT-09, Yamaha enthusiasts have been eagerly waiting for the launch of the updated Yamaha XSR900. The new and improved XSR900 comes with the same aluminum frame and CP3 triple engine, which is complemented with minimalist side panels, a racer-inspired fuel tank, and a hidden taillight that gives the bike a more retro feel. Moreover, it features the same engine parts as the outgoing Yamaha MT-09 model, which come together to give the bike a strong design. In its efforts to meet the standards set by modern-day bikes, Yamaha has made this new bike feel like a much-needed refreshment. Let’s take a closer look at the 2022 Yamaha XSR900.
2022 Updates
The new 2022 Yamaha XSR900 comes with various upgrades to most body parts like the pistons and connecting rods to the camshaft, crankcase, and crankshaft. All of these have been modified to make the bike more lightweight. Additionally, the air intake vents installed on both sides of the fuel tank have been redeveloped to provide a much-improved version of the 2021 MT-09. In addition to its new ECU that offers a wide array of rider-aid functions, the new XSR900 has a new and professionally-designed intake system. The system includes various cross-sections and length air ducts that provide more harmony than the MT-09. Other updates to the 2022 Yamaha XSR900 include a Slide Control System, lean-sensitive ABS Brake Control System, front-wheel lift Control System, and a Traction Control System.
Engine, Torque, and Power
According to Cycle World, the 2022 Yamaha XSR900 has the most recent 890cc version of the CP3 engine. This powerful set replaces the 846cc engine used in previous models. It produces about 4 hp at 10,000 rpm taking it to an impressive 117.3 bhp. Additionally, it also features increased torque strength from 64.2 lb-ft to 68.6 lb-ft, peaking at 7,000 rpm instead of the normal 8,500 rpm. It is important to note that these figures are based on the European version of the XSR200 bike. Yamaha has not made any claims for the US market XSR200 bikes, but the specs are unlikely to be very different.
Design
Unlike the outgoing Yamaha models, the 2022 Yamaha XSR200 comes with the new Deltabox body frame featured in the MT-09, which provides it with more muscular looks. The sub-frame is perfectly placed above the modern cafe-racer-style seats and swingarm, giving the bike a unique sporty appearance. Other styling features included in the XSR900 bike are;
- A forged brake pedal
- Machined headlight stays
- Drilled fork caps
- Aluminum rear underplate, and
- A bar-end mirror
As part of Yamaha’s sport-heritage category, the 2022 Yamaha XSR900 comes in two color variations. The sleek Legend Blue that is a tribute to the legendary Grand Prix history of Yamaha since the first generation of the XSR900 bike made its debut in the 80s. Unlike the favorite 1980s Yamaha Elsie that came with a belly-mounted exhaust pipe, the new XSR900 comes with the exhaust installed in the MT-09 model. There are also other modified design options included in the new Yamaha XSR900 model, like still-round headlamps with LED lighting, a wider and flatter fuel tank and hidden rear lights.
Performance and Handling
In addition to the inclusion of the latest 890cc CP3 engine, the XSR900 bike comes with the same cast alloy Deltabox frame as the 2021 MT-09 model. Plus, it features the same Spinforged wheels that help lower the unsprung and rotating mass for better handling and road performance. The varying wall thickness helps provide the perfect blend of flex, rigidity, and weight, as experienced in the MT-09. Unlike the MT-09, which had a longer wheelbase that resulted in poor handling, the new 2022 Yamaha XSR200 is expected to come with much lighter wheels for sharper handling. It will also have a head pipe that is placed more than 1-inch lower to reduce the steering inertia by 14%.
Chassis, Weight, and Suspension
Compared to the previous MT-09 model, the 2022 XSR900 comes with a longer swingarm, increasing the wheelbase from 56.7” to 58.9”. It also has a 30mm lower head pipe for enhanced comfort and a unique sportier feel when making sharp corners. The XSR900 bike weighs much less than its predecessor, MT-09, with a curb weight of 425 pounds. Moreover, this bike comes fitted with a fully adjustable front suspension system with a KYB inverted fork, 17-inch spin-forged wheels, and a rear mono-shock. All of this is complemented by the slide control system, front-wheel lift control, and traction control with the lean-sensitive ABS that helps improve the entire ride experience.
Braking System and Riding Modes
Like the MT-09, the new 2022 Yamaha XSR900 comes with strong brakes, KYB suspension forks, and matching shock, complemented with radial calipers that operate via a Brembo radial master cylinder. The technology used includes a 6-axis IMU high overall specification. It allows the use of cornering ABS, slide control system, and Yamaha’s cornering traction control, among other exciting user-selectable rider settings. Furthermore, the bike has a standard bidirectional quickshifter along with an assist-and-slipper clutch, a 3.5-inch color TFT screen display, a standard anti-wheelie, and cruise control. It also offers four riding modes to choose from.
Tech Features
As a revised edition of the 2021 MT-09 model, the new 2022 Yamaha XSR900 includes a small 3.5-inch TFT screen, full-LED lighting, and various amazing tech features. The bike also comes with the most recent 890cc cross-plane crankshaft 3-cylinder engine, which offers a more linear torque curve and a stronger and more powerful output.
Price and Availability
The US market models of the 2022 Yamaha XSR900 are expected to hit dealer shops in April 2022 with an average selling price of $9,999. The bike will be available in two color variations; ‘Raven Black’ with matching black suspension and rims and ‘Legend Blue’ with golden suspension forks and wheels.
Bottom Line
The new XSR900 bike is a winning model mainly due to its decent upright riding position, retro styling, and premium rider safety features that are really critical for any modern motorcycle. The 2022 Yamaha XSR900 bike comes with a number of amazing features, such as a 6-axis IMU, full-LED lighting, spin-forged wheels, and a small 3.5-inch screen display, among other updates.
